We recently connected with Shanda Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanda, thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Yes, I take at least 3 vacations a year. Being a travel advisor, I take trips to visit new destinations and resorts and in the past would merge that into mini vacations. But I quickly realized, I needed help when I am away, I needed someone to assist with the business when I was away. So I did get someone to assist me, so I could actually enjoy my vacation and build relations at these destinations without interruptions . Taking a vacation is a MUST for entrepreneurs. You need that relaxation period for your mental and physical as well.

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?

I have always loved traveling since I was young. I was born in Brooklyn, NY and traveling was all I knew. I traveled with my church on trips, my godmother made sure I took trips every year and my parents would take me to the south to visit family by car often. In 1995, I began my career working for a major airline in NY and then I transferred to ATL in 1998. I have almost 29 years experience in the travel industry. And the longevity and knowledge I have with the airline sets me apart from others. I have travelled extensively in my life to alot of locations and have knowledge of the traveling by air that not many have to share with their clients. I get excited in helping my clients plan their trips. I can share my personal experiences on a vast of destinations to help them make decision of their vacation destination.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a plus size woman, it is hard to travel comfortable. And there have been so many times I have been embarrassed to ask a flight attendant for a seat belt extender. Then at times sitting next to someone who does not want you sitting next to them, because of your size. And then recently it has become hard to walk through the airports, around resorts and cruise ships and then unable to do certain excursions. I do not let any of this stop me for enjoy my experiences. If I have to get a wheelchair or a scooter to get to places that is what I do. If I have to buy a comfort + and/or first class seat to be comfortable I will do that too. And I purchased my own seat belt extender so I don’t have to be embarrassed to ask for one.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have a following on Instagram and Facebook, mostly family and friends. But recently, I started posting my travel destinations and experiences on TikTok and I have several videos that went viral. I was shocked and learned quickly that people are looking for different experiences while they are on their vacation. I know putting content out there is difficult at times especially of us that are over 40. Lol. But I encourage you to be yourself and it will be received.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trekkwrighttravel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trekkwrighttravel/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Trekk-Wright-Travel-100073322893942/
• TikTok: @trekkwrighttravel

Image Credits
Hakim Wright- hksrmediagroup on IG