We were lucky to catch up with Shay Fertilien recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success in the travel industry, or any business for that matter, requires a combination of passion, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Traveling is something that most people desire and long for and as a travel company during the height of the pandemic we certainly experienced challenges that helped develop my view on success.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry faced unprecedented challenges. Like many others, our travel company experienced a sudden downturn in bookings, cancellations, and uncertainties about the future. It was a time of immense pressure, but it also became a catalyst for transformation.
Recognizing the need for resilience, we swiftly pivoted our strategies. We prioritized the safety and well-being of our clients, implementing flexible booking policies and transparent communication channels. At the same time, with travel restrictions in place, we explored innovative ways to keep the spirit of exploration alive.
Despite physical distances, we managed to connect people through shared experiences. One notable initiative involved creating a series of at-home travel experiences. We curated packages that brought the essence of various destinations to our clients’ doorsteps. These packages included locally sourced delicacies, cultural artifacts, and interactive guides to recreate the feel of a vacation at home. Clients appreciated the effort to bring a slice of the world to them when travel was challenging.
As restrictions eased and the world started opening up again, we seamlessly transitioned back to offering physical travel experiences. The lessons learned during the challenging period strengthened our commitment to providing not just vacations but unforgettable journeys that resonate with our clients on a personal level. It underscored the importance of flexibility, creativity, and, most importantly, the enduring connection between people and the places they explore.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, everyone! I’m Shay, the proud founder and owner of The Shay Experience, where we specialize in providing unique travel experiences for individuals who love to explore the world. Our mission is to make travel accessible to everyone, whether you’re looking for the camaraderie of group adventures or the freedom to embark on a solo journey.
At The Shay Experience, we understand that not everyone has a travel companion readily available. That’s why we offer exciting group travel experiences, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for discovery. Our carefully curated group trips create a supportive and engaging environment, making it easy for solo travelers to join a community of fellow explorers.
For those who prefer the freedom of solo travel, we also cater to individual bookings. We believe that travel should be a personal journey, and our team is here to craft solo adventures tailored to your preferences and interests. Whether it’s a solo expedition to a hidden gem or a self-paced cultural exploration, we have you covered.
One of our core values is to challenge the misconception that travel has to be expensive. We firmly believe that with the right planning and through our services, anyone can experience the joys of travel without breaking the bank. Our budget-friendly approach doesn’t compromise on the quality of the experience; instead, it opens doors to affordable yet enriching adventures that leave a lasting impact.
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a sense of community among solo travelers and providing them with the tools to explore the world independently. We take pride in being a travel company that encourages individuals to see that budget-friendly travel is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that The Shay Experience, is more than just a travel service – we’re a community that believes in the transformative power of travel for everyone, regardless of budget or travel companions. Join us on a journey where you can embrace the thrill of group adventures or chart your path on a solo expedition, all while discovering that the world is more accessible than you might think. Your budget-friendly travel experience begins here, with a team dedicated to helping you explore, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Embarking on the journey to launch The Shay Experience, I followed a strategic approach to secure the initial capital needed for the business. Contrary to popular belief that a 9-5 job in corporate America might limit entrepreneurial pursuits, it was, in fact, my steady employment that became a crucial pillar in funding my dream venture.
In the early stages, I utilized the earnings from my corporate job to seed The Shay Experience. This approach provided a stable financial foundation, allowing me to carefully plan and execute each step of the business development process. While the entrepreneurial spirit burned bright, I recognized the practicality of leveraging the stability and financial security offered by my 9-5 job.
It’s essential to challenge the misconception that a traditional 9-5 job is a hindrance to entrepreneurial endeavors. In my case, the income from my job not only financed the initial stages ofThe Shay Experience, but also served as a safety net during the unpredictable early phases of the business. This approach allowed me to make strategic decisions, take calculated risks, and build the business with a solid financial backing.
The key takeaway here is that, in today’s world, where there might be a tendency to look down on traditional employment, having a steady job provided the financial means to pursue my passion for travel and entrepreneurship. It’s a testament to the importance of being practical in business development – not hastily abandoning stable employment without a thoughtful funding strategy.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, I would advise against hastily quitting a job to pursue a business without securing adequate funding. A 9-5 job can be a valuable asset in funding your entrepreneurial dreams, offering the financial stability needed to turn your vision into a reality. Remember, success often comes from a blend of passion, strategic planning, and a realistic approach to funding your business journey.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped us become well-known in our market is providing great customer experiences. From the start of [The Shay Experience, we focused on making sure our customers have an amazing time. We want each journey to be special and tailored to what our customers love. I work hard to understand what my clients want, so every trip is unforgettable. This commitment to excellent customer service has not only made customers come back but also spread positive reviews about us.
In an industry where trust is crucial, we stand out by making sure our customers are happy. Whether it’s helping plan a dream vacation, solving issues quickly, or ensuring a smooth travel experience, our dedication to great customer service is what people remember about The Shay Experience.
My reputation is built on the relationships I’ve formed, and the good things our clients say about us show how much great customer experiences matter. As I continue to grow, I’ll keep making my customers’ happiness a priority, keeping my reputation strong as a trusted and customer-focused travel company.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theeshayexperience.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shay_thee_amazing?igsh=MXRiYmY3d2F6dm0xcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/voa42iPjpihNkAXD/?
Image Credits
Marvin Antoine