We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristal Seldon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristal, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken led me to an entirely new way of life—and a new business. It’s a story you probably haven’t heard before. After years of working the 9-to-5 grind in the corporate world, my husband and I turned a dream into reality and completely transformed our lives.
We had always dreamed of sailing around the world, so we researched, planned, and saved meticulously. Taking that big leap into the unknown was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Leaving behind the comfort and security of land life to embrace the unpredictability of the open sea was thrilling, but terrifying at the same time.
As things started falling into place, we made some tough choices. We sold our home, our cars, and even my husband’s small business. In exchange, we bought a sailing catamaran and set off on an adventure we’d only imagined.
For the next five years, we traveled up and down the East Coast of the U.S., crossed over to the Bahamas, and explored most of the Leeward Islands. We ventured further south to Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras. It was a trip of a lifetime—full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. Along the way, we learned everything there was to know about boats. We did most of the maintenance ourselves, which meant learning on the go.
Once we returned to the U.S., we knew we wanted to share this experience with others. That’s how our sailing charter business was born. Now, we take people out on the water and also offer a live-aboard course for anyone ready to embrace the sailing life. From Florida to the Bahamas, we teach everything—how to sail, navigate, and even check into foreign countries by sea. It’s the ultimate guide to living the dream we once had.
Kristal, 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?
Our business is all about creating unforgettable adventures aboard a luxurious sailing catamaran, packed with water toys and endless fun. We pride ourselves on catering to our guests’ every need, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and lively environment. With experienced captains and crew who are dedicated to providing the best day on the water, you can relax and enjoy every moment.
As former liveaboard sailors, we’ve designed our charters to offer the perfect atmosphere for enjoying boating safely and to the fullest. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, engagement, birthday, or bachelorette party, we have tailored packages to make your event one-of-a-kind.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Reviews can be more powerful than anything else. We strive to go over the top with our clients and make sure every guest is comfortable and happy. We do everything in our power to achieve this. Also never be afraid to ask for reviews. Building reviews helps get more business, but also keeping that image is important. Once we set the bar high, we realized quickly that we need to keep that bar high every single time. Resolving any issues quickly is important as well, so customer service can be everything to building a reputation.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Targeting advertising where your ideal clients are most likely to book is crucial for attracting new business. At first, it can involve some trial and error as you determine which platforms and strategies yield the best results. However, once you find the right formula, the investment quickly becomes worthwhile as the bookings start rolling in.
Advertising is, by nature, a necessary risk for businesses. Not every campaign will deliver the desired outcome, but it’s an essential part of growth. The key is to continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of your efforts, making adjustments when necessary to optimize your reach and return on investment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wscharters.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wscharters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindSongChartersLLC/