We recently connected with Sophia Baloch and have shared our conversation below.
Sophia, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
As an independent travel concierge, I can confidently say that I am happier as a business owner. While the journey of developing a business from scratch can be challenging at times, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have joined a ready-made brilliant team who has meticulously planned out the structure for our business partners. This invaluable support system has enabled me to focus on what I love most – curating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work-life balance.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that I did have moments of contemplation when considering the prospect of returning to a regular job. One such instance occurred during my previous experience as a nursery assistant in a childcare facility, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Working with children, witnessing their growth, and being a part of their development brought immense joy to my life. Their innocence and enthusiasm reminded me of the boundless potential they possess as future leaders. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I cherished the connection I had with those adorable little ones.
However, as I pondered the idea of returning to a conventional job, I realized that my decision to become an independent travel concierge was driven by a deeper desire to align my passion for travel with my role as a mother and wife. The opportunity to build my business from the ground up allowed me to spend more quality time with my family, particularly my daughter, who has become my constant inspiration.
The journey of entrepreneurship has taught me valuable lessons and provided profound insights. I’ve discovered that by pursuing my passion and combining it with the flexibility of running my own business, I can effectively balance my roles as a business owner, mother, and wife. This realization has deepened my sense of fulfillment and happiness, as I am not only fulfilling my professional aspirations but also nurturing the bonds within my family.
In conclusion, yes, I am undeniably happier as a business owner. While I cherish my previous experience working in a nursery, becoming an independent travel concierge has allowed me to integrate my passion for travel with the joy of spending more time with my family. It is an ongoing journey of growth, and I feel grateful for the support of my brilliant team and the opportunities this entrepreneurial path has presented.
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.
Allow me to introduce myself and share the story of how I entered the travel industry and established my brand SRF Travels. My name is Sophia Baloch, and I am a proud Taurus born in the 1995s. As a devoted Muslim, I embrace my faith wholeheartedly. I am also a loving mother to a one-year-old and a dedicated wife.
My journey into the travel industry began with my previous experience in the field. I had already completed a Level 2 Travel and Tourism course, which provided me with a solid foundation.
Interestingly, becoming an independent travel concierge does not necessarily require prior experience, as comprehensive training is available. However, my personal experience of booking my own travel, leisure activities, and other arrangements gave me valuable insights into how these systems work. It allowed me to understand the needs and expectations of travelers from a customer’s perspective.
Moreover, I was approached by someone who shared an incredible opportunity with me—one that promised the ability to travel more for less. This person explained that I could access up to 80% discounts on my own holiday accommodations, participate in specialist courses, work from home, and most importantly, create an income that I could pass on to my loved ones through my will. The thought of securing a prosperous future for my daughter resonated deeply within me.
Despite my initial hesitation, I took the time to contemplate this opportunity for about six months. During that period, fate intervened once again as I was looking to book for my first Umrah trip, this is when a fellow Instagram user named Zoe reached out to me, offering the same enticing opportunity. It was at this point that I decided to thoroughly understand the potential benefits this business could provide me.
With a deepened understanding and a newfound drive, I took the leap and joined this remarkable venture. By leveraging my previous knowledge of travel systems and my personal experiences in booking travel and leisure arrangements, I embarked on a path that would allow me to offer unique products and services to my clients. It took me about a month to decide what I should name my business, I wanted something that would relate to my daughter’s name Rehemat-E-Fatima, I tried Remiluxurious, then changed it to SRF Travels linking it with my name, I think it’s okay but I’m definitely up for great Idea’s.
As an Independent Travel Concierge, I provide a range of specialized services, including personalized travel itineraries, exclusive accommodation options, curated experiences, Crusie trips, Group tours, transportation, Wedding and Hooneymoon, Disneyland and exceptional customer service. I pride myself on solving the problem of providing high levels of customer service, allowing my clients to relax and let me do all the heavy lifting all I need from them are the dates, numbers of individuals, destination, board type, and budget. I strive to create unforgettable journeys and ensure that my clients receive the best value for their money.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unwavering dedication to exceptional client care and the provision of tailored travel solutions. I prioritize building strong relationships with my clients, understanding their desires and needs, and crafting experiences that exceed their expectations. By combining my industry knowledge, attention to detail, and genuine passion for travel, I create personalized journeys that leave a lasting impact.
What I am most proud of is the opportunity to spend more time with my family, especially my daughter. As a business owner, I have the flexibility to create a work-life balance that allows me to be present for the precious moments in my daughter’s life. This is something I cherish deeply and a value that permeates throughout my brand.
In summary, I am Sophia Baloch, an Independent Travel Concierge driven by a passion for travel and the desire to provide exceptional experiences. With a background in travel and tourism, combined with my commitment to personalized service, I offer specialized solutions, unbeatable discounts, and a deep understanding of my clients’ needs. Through my brand, I aim to bring joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories to every individual who embarks on a journey with me.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When it comes to funding my business, I consider myself incredibly fortunate as I had a stroke of luck that allowed me to start with minimal capital. To begin my journey as an independent travel concierge, I only needed to make a one-time investment of £142 to purchase the travel franchise that has been the backbone of my business.
This initial investment provided me with a wealth of invaluable resources and benefits. Firstly, it granted me full credentials such as ABTA, ATOL, IATA licenses, which not only enhanced my professional reputation but also instilled trust and confidence in my clients. Having these credentials allowed me to operate with legitimacy and provide the highest level of service to my clients.
One of the most significant advantages of the franchise is access to round-the-clock customer service. This support team is always available to assist me in resolving any issues I may encounter or to provide immediate assistance to my clients. Their expertise and dedication ensure that my business runs smoothly, leaving me free to focus on creating exceptional travel experiences.
Additionally, the franchise provides me with a comprehensive back office and booking engine, streamlining the process of managing bookings and reservations. This efficient system enables me to provide timely and accurate information to my clients, enhancing their overall experience.
What truly sets the franchise apart is its extensive network of preferred partners, which continues to grow. These partnerships grant me access to a wide range of industry professionals, allowing me to collaborate with various sectors that intersect with travel. This opens up endless possibilities for creating unique and tailored travel experiences for my clients.
To ensure that I stay up to date with industry knowledge and best practices, the franchise offers specialist courses and comprehensive training programs. These opportunities have equipped me with the skills and expertise needed to excel in areas such as social media marketing, supplier management, customer care, and business growth. The best part is that these trainings, which would typically cost thousands of pounds, are provided to me at no additional cost.
Being part of the franchise also means that I have access to a supportive community. Through personal group training sessions and support groups, I have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from one another. This sense of community fosters growth, inspiration, and continuous improvement.
Moreover, the franchise provides ready-made content, allowing me to focus on delivering outstanding service rather than spending excessive time creating marketing materials from scratch. This resource enables me to efficiently communicate with my clients and showcase the value of the experiences I curate.
In addition to these benefits, the franchise offers familiarization trips (fam trips) that allow me to personally experience various destinations and accommodations. This firsthand knowledge enables me to make informed recommendations to my clients and ensure that their travel experiences exceed expectations.
Lastly, the franchise offers multiple avenues for earning income, providing me with financial stability and the opportunity for growth. This diverse range of revenue streams allows me to create a sustainable and profitable business model.
To keep my credentials active, I pay a monthly fee of £48.39. Whenever I introduce my business to individuals, I often hear skepticism, as people find it hard to believe that such a fantastic opportunity exists. However, I took the leap of faith and seized this incredible opportunity to pursue my passion for travel and create a thriving business.
In summary, the initial capital needed to start my business was relatively minimal, thanks to the affordable investment required to purchase the travel franchise. This investment provided me with a wealth of resources, credentials, training, support, and access to preferred partners, all of which have been instrumental in launching and growing my business. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities this franchise has afforded me.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale are crucial aspects of fostering a productive and positive work environment. Based on my experience, here’s the advice I would offer:
1. Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication is the foundation for successful team management. Regularly communicate organizational goals, expectations, and provide constructive feedback. Encourage an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions.
2. Lead by Example: As a leader, it’s essential to model the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude. Be approachable, empathetic, and actively listen to your team members’ needs. Leading by example inspires trust, motivation, and fosters a culture of excellence.
3. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your team members regularly. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge exceptional work, and express gratitude. Simple gestures like thank-you notes, public recognition, or team rewards can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging.
4. Empowerment and Trust: Encourage autonomy and empower your team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trust their abilities and provide them with the necessary resources and support to succeed. This fosters a sense of responsibility, boosts morale, and encourages personal and professional growth.
5. Professional Development: Invest in your team’s professional development by offering training, workshops, and opportunities for growth. Support their career aspirations and provide avenues for advancement within the organization. When employees feel valued and see opportunities for growth, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
6. Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of work-life balance and promote it within your team. Encourage flexible working arrangements when possible, offer support during challenging times, and prioritize employee well-being. By promoting a healthy work-life balance, you demonstrate your commitment to the overall well-being of your team members.
7. Team-Building Activities: Organize team-building activities to foster camaraderie, collaboration, and a positive team culture. These activities can include social outings, team lunches, or team-building exercises that encourage teamwork and communication. By creating a strong bond among team members, you enhance morale and build a supportive work environment.
8. Transparent Goal Setting: Involve your team in the goal-setting process and ensure that goals are clear, realistic, and aligned with the overall vision of the organization. Collaboratively establish measurable targets and track progress together. Regularly communicate updates, celebrate milestones, and provide constructive feedback to keep the team motivated and engaged.
9. Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your management style to meet the evolving needs of your team. Encourage innovation, creativity, and be flexible in implementing new ideas or processes. By fostering a culture of flexibility and adaptability, you empower your team to contribute their best and adapt to changing circumstances.
10. Continuous Feedback and Improvement: Implement a culture of continuous feedback and improvement. Provide constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, not just during performance reviews. Encourage your team members to provide feedback as well, fostering a culture of learning and growth. This enables individuals to improve their skills, enhances team dynamics, and boosts morale.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your team and maintain high morale, creating a productive and positive work environment. Remember, a motivated and engaged team is the key to achieving success and reaching new heights as a collective unit, and this is what I and my team do to effectively help others grow their own travel business to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.srftravels.co.uk
- Instagram: @srf_travels
- Facebook: SB Baloch
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-baloch-685b83251
- Youtube: @howtotravelmoreforless