Today we’d like to introduce you to Indira Ramgarib Katwaroo.

Hi Indira, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Life has a way of pushing us in directions we never expected. I came from very humble beginnings, watching my mom work tirelessly to raise her six children. She was our rock, our guiding light, and the person who showed me what true strength and perseverance looked like. She made endless sacrifices so we could have a chance at a better life, and those lessons of resilience and determination have stayed with me ever since.

Years later, I found myself at a crossroads. My job was no longer available, and with a family to support, I felt a deep sense of fear and uncertainty. I had no idea what my next step would be, and the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. Then, almost by chance, I was invited to a meeting about becoming a travel agent. At first, I hesitated, I had no experience in the industry, and self-doubt crept in. But my husband believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. With his encouragement, I took a leap of faith, and I haven’t looked back since.

What started as a desperate attempt to find stability quickly turned into something much bigger. I discovered a passion for travel and a deep love for helping people experience the world in meaningful ways. With hard work, long nights, and an unwavering commitment to my clients, I built my business from the ground up. Over time, I became a million-dollar-a-year top salesperson, and eventually, I founded Magical Island Tours and Travel, a company built on the belief that travel has the power to change lives.

But for me, this journey is about more than just business. It’s about people. It’s about the single mother dreaming of taking her children on their first vacation. It’s about the elderly couple finally going on their long-awaited pilgrimage. It’s about the independent travel advisors who, like me, took a leap of faith and just needed someone to believe in them. I know what it feels like to struggle, to wonder if you’re making the right choices. And that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others, whether it’s my clients, my team, or aspiring travel entrepreneurs.

Looking back, I realize that every challenge, every struggle, every moment of doubt led me to where I am today. And for that, I’m grateful. I built this business not just to make a living, but to make a difference. And the best part? This journey is far from over.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, it was anything but smooth! Starting out, I faced so many challenges that there were moments I wondered if I had made the right decision. I didn’t have a financial cushion to fall back on, so failure wasn’t an option. I had to make this work.

One of the biggest struggles was simply learning the industry. I had no prior experience in travel, so I had to train myself while also trying to make sales and support my family. In those early days, I worked late into the night, reading, researching, and figuring things out on my own. There were times I felt overwhelmed, but I kept pushing forward.

Then, there was the challenge of building trust. I was a new agent in a highly competitive market, and getting clients to believe in me wasn’t easy. I had to prove myself, one booking at a time, by going above and beyond for my clients. There were moments when I barely made a profit because I was focused on giving the best service possible, but in the long run, that dedication paid off.

Financial struggles were also a reality. Unlike a traditional job with a steady paycheck, I had to build my income from the ground up. In the beginning, there were months when I worried about how I would cover expenses. But I reminded myself why I started, leaned on my husband’s and siblings support, and found ways to stay motivated.

And as if that wasn’t enough, I was also battling serious health struggles. I spent countless days in and out of the hospital, often hooked up to IVs or undergoing tests, yet I never stopped working. I took client calls from my hospital bed, made bookings while nurses checked my vitals, and stayed committed to my business even when my body was failing me. There were days when I was exhausted beyond words, but I refused to give up. My clients relied on me, my family depended on me, and I knew I had to keep pushing through, no matter what.

Of course, there were other setbacks—clients canceling trips, suppliers making last-minute changes, and the unpredictability of the travel industry. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it felt like everything came crashing down. Refunds, cancellations, and uncertainty made it one of the hardest times in my career. But instead of giving up, I used that time to learn, adapt, and restructure my business to come back even stronger.

Looking back, every struggle taught me something valuable. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge helped shape me into the woman I am today. And despite the tough times, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. My struggles made me resilient, my hardships made me stronger, and my passion keeps me going every single day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you for asking. What truly sets me apart is my willingness to teach and help agents grow. I didn’t have a mentor when I started, and I know how challenging it can be to navigate this industry without guidance. That’s why I’m so passionate about the Host Agency Program and my Travel Talk with Indira podcast. These platforms are designed to empower others by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. I’m not just interested in running a business—I’m invested in the success of others. Seeing the growth of independent travel advisors and knowing I helped them along the way is incredibly fulfilling.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making travel accessible and meaningful for people, and that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do. Helping others grow and succeed is what drives me forward every day.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I think the most important thing I’d want readers to know is that my journey hasn’t been about achieving success for the sake of success. It’s been about doing something I truly love and helping others along the way. I’m driven by a deep passion for travel, but even more so, by the belief that travel can transform lives. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about creating connections, making memories, and opening your heart to the world.

I also want to emphasize that no matter where you are in your journey, it’s okay to take your time. Whether you’re starting a business, transitioning into a new career, or just trying to make a dream come true, the path may not always be easy. But the key is to stay true to your purpose and never give up on what you’re passionate about.

And finally, I’m always here to help. Whether you’re looking for travel advice, guidance in the industry, or just someone to encourage you when you’re feeling unsure, I’m happy to be a resource. It’s all about supporting each other, and together, we can achieve great things.

Pricing:

• 99
• 59.95

Contact Info:

• Website: https://magicalislandtoursandtravel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalislandtoursandtravelllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicalislandtoursandtravel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicalslandtoursandtravel
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xFJAmHZ1fXeAPkGOkUvmc?si=8GBWgKjWSe-WVXBUbet9qw

Image Credits
Trinidad and Tobago Photobooth Company Ltd