We recently connected with Franchelle Dukes and have shared our conversation below.

Franchelle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The Risk That Redefined My Life and Purpose

When I look back, the biggest risk I ever took wasn’t just starting a business — it was believing in myself enough to do it.

In 2018, I was a busy mom of three, working full-time and balancing life’s daily responsibilities. But deep down, I knew I wanted more. I’ve always loved travel — the feeling of seeing new places, meeting new people, and creating memories. So when the opportunity came to start my own travel business, something inside me said go for it.

I didn’t have all the answers. I didn’t have a business plan, a mentor, or even the money to comfortably invest. But what I did have was faith. I told myself that if others could do it, so could I. I took the leap even though I was scared — and that single decision changed the entire course of my life.

In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. There were setbacks, slow seasons, and moments of doubt. But I refused to quit. I stayed focused, kept learning, and poured my heart into helping others plan their dream vacations. Every “thank you,” every smiling client, and every trip I booked became a reminder that I was walking in my purpose.

Over time, my small business began to grow. I started to see not only profits, but progress. I realized my business was profitable even if I was my only client — because it gave me the freedom to travel, the confidence to grow, and the inspiration to help others do the same. I’ve taken more trips each year since starting, and now I get to give my children experiences I never had — like my son’s first flight and cruise this November, and my other sons’ first cruise next year.

Today, I’m not just a travel agent — I’m a mentor, an entrepreneur, and a living testimony that faith, consistency, and courage can take you places fear never will. This journey has taught me that success doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect time — it comes from creating it.

If I had never taken that risk back in 2018, I would’ve missed out on so many blessings. Now, I’m paying it forward by helping others believe in themselves, start their own travel businesses, and design lives they love — one adventure at a time

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About Franchelle “Fran” Dukes – Founder of Frantastic Travels

I’m Franchelle Dukes — a proud wife, mother of three boys, and passionate entrepreneur who believes in building multiple streams of income and creating a life filled with purpose, travel, and freedom. Alongside training to become an Assistant Deli Manager at Publix and driving for various delivery apps, I’m also the proud owner of Frantastic Travels, a home-based travel agency that helps others explore the world while earning from it too.

My love for travel inspired me to turn passion into purpose back in 2018. Today, I specialize in cruises — both ocean and river — as well as all-inclusive vacation packages, family getaways, and group trips. What sets me apart is the personal care I give every client: from decorating cruise cabins and sending travel gift packages, to providing 24/7 assistance and birthday surprises, I make every experience Frantastic.

But beyond travel, my mission is empowerment — helping others start their own travel businesses, gain financial freedom, and design the life they deserve. My journey is living proof that taking one bold step of faith can lead to a lifetime of opportunity.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One moment that truly tested my resilience came when I first started my travel business. I was excited but overwhelmed — juggling motherhood, a full-time job, and side hustles just to make ends meet. There were days when I wanted to give up because business was slow, and it felt like I was pouring into something that wasn’t growing fast enough.

But instead of quitting, I chose to keep showing up. I kept learning, marketing, and believing that my breakthrough was coming. Slowly, my efforts began to pay off. Clients started coming back, referrals increased, and I began to see my vision come to life.

That season taught me that resilience isn’t about never struggling — it’s about refusing to stop. I learned that even small steps forward count as progress, and that faith and consistency can turn any obstacle into a stepping stone.

Today, I look back with gratitude because every challenge made me stronger. My journey reminds me daily that when you stay committed to your dreams — no matter how hard it gets — your resilience becomes your greatest success story.

“Entrepreneurship taught me that resilience isn’t built in comfort — it’s forged in consistency. I’ve faced slow seasons, setbacks, and sleepless nights balancing work, motherhood, and business, but giving up was never an option. Every obstacle became fuel, every challenge a lesson. I learned that when you keep showing up, even on the hard days, success has no choice but to meet you there.”
— Franchelle “Fran” Dukes, Founder of Frantastic Travels

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I actually met my business partner on Facebook. She had posted an ad about working from home as a travel agent and getting paid to travel. At first, I thought it sounded too good to be true — but something about it felt right. I decided to take a leap of faith, and that one decision changed everything. That’s how Frantastic Travels was born. What started as curiosity turned into purpose, passion, and a partnership that helped me build a business I truly love. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you’re willing to believe and take the chance.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franentrepreneursheart
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Frantastic_Travels