We recently connected with Jonae Mayfield and have shared our conversation below.

Jonae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I came up with the name Sapphire Getaways as a tribute to both my love of travel and the legacy of the women who inspired it—my late mother and grandmother. All three of us share the same birthstone, sapphire, which makes the name incredibly personal and symbolic.

Sapphires represent wisdom, strength, and loyalty—qualities I saw in them and strive to bring into my business. Travel was something we all loved, and naming my company this way keeps them with me on every journey. Sapphire also symbolizes luxury, clarity, and transformation, all of which I want my clients to experience when they travel. Getaways reflects the joy and escape I want every client to feel.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, My name is Jonae Mayfield, I’m a travel agent based in Baltimore, MD, and the founder of Sapphire Getaways. I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2015, originally in the beauty industry, where I owned and operated a beauty supply store. That business allowed me to travel to several continents, and along the way, my customers would often tell me, “I wish I could come with you!” That planted the seed for a new business.

In April 2021, I officially launched my travel agency, after years of trying to enter an industry that was once heavily gatekept. My first client was actually a classmate from elementary school—I planned her birthday trip to Cancun, and I haven’t looked back since.

What sets me apart is the level of care and personalization I bring to every trip. I offer concierge-style travel planning, giving clients payment plan options, curated destination ideas, and support every step of the way. Whether it’s a honeymoon, girls’ getaway, or a first-time international adventure, I help people travel confidently and comfortably. Many of my clients are first-time travelers, and being part of helping them experience a dream destination for the first time is deeply rewarding.

I’m proud to have built a business rooted in trust, cultural connection, and joy. I want potential clients and followers to know that I don’t just book trips—I create experiences that are thoughtful, accessible, and memorable. Travel is more than a flight and a hotel; it’s an opportunity to explore, celebrate, and grow—and I’m honored to be the one helping people make that happen.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation was built through consistency, transparency, and a genuine passion for helping people travel well. From day one, I’ve treated every client like more than just a transaction—I treat them like family. Whether it’s walking a first-time traveler through the passport process or making sure a birthday trip goes off without a hitch, I go the extra mile to make people feel supported.

Word of mouth has been a huge part of my growth. Many of my clients refer their friends and family after working with me because they know I’ll show up, communicate clearly, and create something special. I also think coming from the beauty industry helped me understand how to build trust and connect with people on a personal level. I’ve always made it a point to be professional, reliable, and creative—and that’s the foundation my brand is built on.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, personalized service, and staying visible on social media. People trust people, so when I deliver a great experience, clients naturally share that with their friends and family—and that’s been my biggest source of growth.

I also focus on building relationships, not just making sales. I check in with clients before, during, and after their trips, and I always try to add a personal touch—whether it’s a welcome gift, travel tips, or helping them find hidden gems at their destination.

Social media has also played a big role. I use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to show behind-the-scenes planning, client testimonials, go live and discuss different topics, and real experiences from past trips. That builds trust and shows people that I’m not just selling a vacation—I’m creating an experience they can feel confident about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sapphiregetaways.com
• Instagram: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsapphiregetaways%3Figsh%3Daml4Z2NsNHR5djg3%26utm_source%3Dqr%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZ0ZOWDBYZXJIRk0zbzRLVQEebdAoG3M1FxJrWgYE_Uq0zZvcAdJSq4yvHsojictch40m_BLm01Mhoe-9P2M_aem_a5-1kLYqRQpj1XB4NsyAuQ&h=AT1tw-VyGmdvu9DmvP2V46Tos8n_3qJmq2_JH9pulOE6UpTxtMbAJFo6oEOw8Nua6mv1I0k_v-zHTtouaewa2ujBF-cIKL_N_8ta_sp8_oJrKNjUkLHu9Dzvgk9LBIFypxDn2mwAj6-FlpT0fk5-JWOHp6th4g&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2NjiPi1dcEIkGylb5Owewzskmsl_XxW605KhFzKzFjtK42TzAf_orbJJ1Ofah1c7kc9EHeqTLZv0rPHjlFYU3M4a3X2krn3vxJmsDS2ZCJuduUXYpMeBSIsncKv1NNJA_UvmU8NQyVJoC17VceaplqFHV1gHIaCrdq_MOKQrTGgyzNhKvXTQWQKDd3PTO_jWSG7jkIXVI97O-m6CvOJA
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bdy9D5Z6d/