We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Read recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

At the time I was a brand new mom of three who found herself consumed in her kids and I didn’t know who I was beyond a mom. Staying home with this was a dream I had fulfilled but it also left me feeling like I needed to learn more about myself or at least give myself time to just be “Kayla”. I began looking for hobbies and or talents that I had and enjoyed. I first found a dance instructor job that was so fulfilling but when the pandemic hit that job disappeared. On to new passions, I have always loved the heart of Disney. The way they include people of all cultures and ways of life and their passion for magic. I remember as a kid being enthralled with the movies but also, the parks. I had recently got the opportunity to take a friend of mine to Disney World for the first time. Teaching her about the parks, about the heart and seeing her have a childlike wonder and sense of freedom that truly did something to me. I began looking to see how I could make Disney be my job, without moving to Florida of course. I found some agencies that hosted travel agents and applied. I had one interview and knew it was the job for me. I started the next day, planning my Travel Business name and building out a business plan. The NEXT day, the world shut down and Disney World as we knew it changed forever. In a way, the pandemic launched my business is a beautiful way. People were looking to me for answers and trust me they had all the questions. Instagram became a place where I built my Disney Community yes, but also, my clientele. The parks opened and I officially became a travel agent planning trips. Fast forward to now, I don’t just plan Disney Trips, I do many more destinations and have since then found a local agency that better suits me and pours into me. They’ve enabled me to be the agent that I am today.

Kayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am very thankful at how busy my profession has kept me. People really are still using travel agents and I’m beyond thankful. I pride myself in being a completely complimentary Travel Agent. You don’t pay a dime for me, the vendors that you book with do! I think when people hear that at first they think, what’s the catch?! But, there really isn’t one. I book your trip, process your payments, give you helpful tools, educate you and make itineraries customized to your needs specifically for your trip. No one trip is the same. A couples trip to Disneyland isn’t the same as a family trip on a Disney Cruise. I think my customer services as well as my knowledge sets me apart from the rest. I take extra special care for my clients and am readily available to answer any and all questions they may have. I do have a very helpful instagram that I direct them to from time to time. I know that not everyone is an auditory learner, some need to see it. I try my very best to meet my clients where they are. Whether it’s there first time at the destination or the 100th.

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

Like I had stated previously I have been apart of two agencies. The original one was a great agency to get me started and trained up. I appreciate everything that business owner taught me. I wasn’t looking to switch per say but also, was really wanting something more local and community oriented. One day on instagram I saw a fellow Disney Agent post about being in my city, I got really excited and messaged her saying “hey I live here, we should meet up!” She then told me she lived here too and we definitely should meet up. I knew she was an agent and I had never met another agent before so I was very excited to form a friendship with her. Little did I know, she wasn’t just an agent but an agency owner. Her passion and heart for people was so aligned with my heart that I knew I wanted to switch. It just made sense. My previous agency was actually selling their company and moving overseas and so it was perfect timing. I knew it was a meant to be thing and I’m so thankful that I am with A Mouse And A Beach Travel Company.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Part of my business strategy from the beginning was social media! I have always loved connecting with people and using social media for what it was intended for. Connection and community, not competition. Starting during a pandemic was a blessing in some ways because it allowed me to build my audience and focus on Instagram without balancing planning for trips as well. (A task I’m constantly trying to balance now) I pride myself in being fun but also knowing when to get to business and I feel like my social media reflects that, specifically my Instagram. (@travelingredballoon) I have weekly polls, fun 101 informative but fun lessons, and travel specific content. When you look at my account it may not scream “Travel Agent” at first but I did that on purpose. I want to stand out! I want to show you that I love these destinations and aren’t just selling you on them for my personal gain but I believe in them and have a real connection to them as well. Give me a follow, you won’t be sorry.

Contact Info:

• Website: amouseandabeach.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingredballoon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingRedBalloon

Image Credits
Ryan Read – Photographer