We were lucky to catch up with Harryette G. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Harryette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
I officially started my business Dream Catchers, A Travel Boutique LLC. in January of 2021. It was one of those things that I thought about, prayed about and talked about for years. After much encouragement from my friends I finally decided that I would just do it. There is a lot of work that goes into becoming the owner of a Travel Agency. You have to study, test and really learn most of the ends and outs of the travel industry.
At the time that I was studying, I continued to work my 9-5 (I still do), raise my now 7-year-old and travel as much as I could.
Looking back I wish I would have started much sooner. Who actually decides to open a ‘Travel’ business during the height of a pandemic. People are still not traveling like they once were but this has given me time to become more knowledgeable about different hotel brands, locations and a number of other things. I guess looking at it now it hasn’t been that bad but I can only imagine how I would have blossomed pre-pandemic.
Harryette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been traveling for years and love to share my experiences with anyone that asks. I still remember my first big girl trip. I was 18 and went to Miami with my current bestfriend. That trip sparked something in me and I have been traveling ever sense.
For years I’ve been planning weddings, events and coming up with the perfect itinerary for every group trip I would go on. I am not really a ‘go-with-the-flow’ type of person so being in charge of all the planning of these trips was perfect for me. I really enjoyed it then and I enjoy it more now. I have definitely become the professional and self proclaimed ‘group travel planner’.
Whether you’re looking for a cruise, plane tickets, accommodations, or the whole package, we have you covered. Having a background in Wedding Planning I am able to provide a full ‘concierge’ type experience. I have a number of packages available. My main goal in my personal travel and in my business is to ensure one has an amazing travel experience from start to finish. No matter what sort of trip you’re thinking of, you can be sure that we have the expertise to make planning it a breeze.
I really spoil my clients. I go out of my way to make sure they are good and that I am available. Traveling is such a large investment so it only feels right to treat everyone as if they are my friends or family.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for me in growing clientele has been to constantly talk about traveling and posting it on Facebook. When I tell people I own a Travel Agency they get so excited. The questions start, they ask for advise and having a friendly demeanor builds relationships. Word of mouth is great and a lot of business has come from me simply telling someone and then they tell the next person.
I post a number of pre-planned trips on Facebook and the feedback I get is great. I will continue do this with the hopes of growing a large clientele.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
The primary thing that has helped and continues to help me build my reputation in this market is the fact that I travel a lot. I can actually speak to a number of places here in the states and internationally. I absolutely love Mexico and I go quite often. With that being said this is one of the places I can provide a lot of information about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreamcatcherstravelboutique.com/
- Instagram: Dream.Catchers.Travel & RachelRose810
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamCatchersTravelAgency
Image Credits
I have rights and permission for each photo.
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