Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Lopez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As the founder and owner of MrsLopezOverbooked Travel, let me take you on a journey back to where it all began.

Picture this: It was a typical Monday morning, and I was juggling the demands of being a stay-at-home mom, surrounded by piles of laundry and dirty dishes. As I looked around at the chaos of my home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. While being there for my children was incredibly rewarding, I yearned for something more, something that was just for me.

Then, amidst the chaos of crayons and toys, it hit me like a bolt of lightning – travel. Travel had always been my passion, my escape from the routine of everyday life. I realized that I wasn’t alone in this feeling; many other parents, especially moms like me, were craving adventure and exploration beyond the confines of their homes.

But there was a problem – the daunting task of planning and booking trips often deterred busy parents from venturing out with their families. That’s when inspiration struck. What if I could create a travel agency that catered specifically to the needs of families like mine? What if I could help parents create unforgettable memories with their loved ones without all the stress and hassle of planning?

The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I knew firsthand the challenges of traveling with kids – the packing, the logistics, the constant need for entertainment – and I was determined to make it easier for other families. By offering personalized, family-friendly travel experiences, I could help parents reconnect with their children and create cherished moments together.

As I delved deeper into this idea, I realized that there was indeed a gap in the market. While there were plenty of travel agencies out there, very few were focused on providing tailored experiences for families. Most were simply offering generic packages that didn’t take into account the unique needs and preferences of parents and children alike.

And so, with a heart full of excitement and determination, I took the leap and launched MrsLopezOverbooked Travel. From the very beginning, I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor because it allowed me to combine my passion for travel with my desire to help other families create lasting memories. And as I watched my business grow and witnessed the joy on my clients’ faces as they embarked on their dream vacations, I knew I had made the right decision.

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?

As the founder and owner, let me introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Heather Lopez, and I’m not just a travel agent – I’m a fellow parent who understands the unique challenges of traveling with children. My journey into the travel industry began when I found myself yearning for adventure and exploration beyond the confines of my home while being a dedicated stay-at-home mom.

Driven by my passion for travel and a desire to help other families create lasting memories, I founded MrsLopezOverbooked Travel. Our mission is simple: to provide personalized, stress-free travel experiences that cater specifically to the needs and preferences of families.

So, what sets us apart from other travel agencies? Here’s what you need to know:

Personalized Service: We understand that every family is unique, which is why we take the time to get to know our clients personally. From the initial consultation to the final itinerary, we work closely with each family to create a customized travel experience that suits their interests, budget, and schedule.

Family-Friendly Approach: Traveling with kids can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. We specialize in family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities, ensuring that parents and children alike have a fun and memorable vacation.

Stress-Free Planning: Say goodbye to the endless hours spent researching and booking flights, hotels, and activities. Our team of experienced travel advisors handles all the details, leaving you free to focus on enjoying your trip.

Unforgettable Experiences: Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adventure in the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered. From start to finish, we go above and beyond to ensure that every trip is filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Peace of Mind: Traveling can be unpredictable, but with MrsLopezOverbooked Travel, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got your back every step of the way. From 24/7 support to flexible booking options, we’re here to ensure that your vacation goes off without a hitch.

I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished here at MrsLopezOverbooked Travel. From helping families reconnect and create lifelong memories to exploring new destinations and cultures, every journey is a testament to the power of travel.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or the adventure of a lifetime, I invite you to experience the magic of travel with MrsLopezOverbooked Travel. Let us take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

Let me tell you about one of my favorite marketing and sales stories that truly tested my skills and determination. It all began when I had a client who needed to travel to Norway in June 2024 to visit a former foreign exchange student. The catch? They had a tight budget of $8,000.00, and I had never been to Norway.

At first, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. How could I possibly plan a trip to a destination I had never experienced myself? And with so many components involved – flights, ferries, trains, multiple hotels – the odds seemed heavily stacked against me.

But I refused to let doubt hold me back. Instead, I saw this as an opportunity to prove myself and showcase the dedication and expertise of MrsLopezOverbooked Travel. I dove headfirst into the challenge, spending hours upon hours researching every aspect of the trip, from transportation options to accommodation deals.

As I pieced together the itinerary, I encountered roadblocks and obstacles at every turn. Flights were expensive, hotels were fully booked, and transportation schedules were tricky to navigate. But I refused to give up. With determination and creativity, I explored every possible option until I found the perfect combination that fit within my client’s budget.

Finally, after countless hours of research and meticulous planning, I presented the itinerary to my client. I laid out every detail, from the moment they boarded their flight to the final leg of their journey in Norway. And when I saw the excitement and gratitude in their eyes, I knew all the hard work had been worth it.

It was a moment of triumph, not just for me, but for MrsLopezOverbooked Travel as a whole. Despite the odds being stacked against us, we had pulled off the impossible and delivered an unforgettable travel experience that exceeded our client’s expectations.

As my client prepares to embark on their journey to Norway, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It’s stories like these that remind me why I do what I do – to make dreams a reality and create memories that last a lifetime. And while the road may be challenging at times, the journey is always worth it in the end.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media was a journey that began long before I ventured into the travel world. As a freelancer for Bridge Consulting and Design LLC, I honed my skills in social media content creation and learned the art of algorithms to captivate and engage followers.

My approach was rooted in authenticity and creativity. I understood the power of storytelling and visual content, and I leveraged these tools to showcase the unique offerings of the businesses and nonprofits I worked with. Whether it was crafting compelling narratives or designing eye-catching graphics, I always strived to create content that would resonate with my audience.

But building a social media presence wasn’t just about creating great content – it was also about strategic promotion and community engagement. I immersed myself in local Facebook groups, leveraging these platforms to connect with potential clients and build relationships within the community. Additionally, I became an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and participated in local town fairs, where I had the opportunity to showcase my work and connect with a broader audience.

Word of mouth was another invaluable tool in my arsenal. By delivering exceptional results and providing top-notch service to my clients, I earned their trust and loyalty, leading to referrals and recommendations that helped expand my reach even further.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple:

1. **Know Your Audience**: Take the time to understand who your target audience is and what content resonates with them. Tailor your messaging and visuals to appeal to their interests and preferences.

2. **Be Authentic**: Authenticity breeds trust and connection. Share your story, showcase your personality, and let your passion shine through in everything you do.

3. **Engage with Your Community**: Don’t just broadcast your message – engage with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in conversations to foster meaningful connections.

4. **Provide Value**: Offer valuable content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience. Whether it’s tips and tricks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or success stories, aim to provide content that enriches the lives of your followers.

5. **Promote Strategically**: Utilize a mix of organic and paid promotion to reach your target audience effectively. Experiment with different platforms, ad formats, and targeting options to find what works best for your business.

Building a social media presence takes time, effort, and dedication, but with the right approach and mindset, you can create a thriving online community that supports and champions your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mrslopezoverbookedtravel.my.canva.site/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088107002774
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrslopezoverbooked?_t=8jCAPmsZezy&_r=1

Image Credits
All photos taken by my husband Paul Lopez