Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Aaron.
Anita, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always wanted to travel since my teens. Reading books, magazines or watching TV of people with their suitcases either flying or cruising somewhere. They were going places I would fantasize about and they always looked so happy. As I got older, I didn’t think it was possible to travel more because of finances, work, and eventually starting a family. Then, in my 50’s, I had the desire to start a business for myself. At first, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. Then, one day God spoke to me clearly and said, what about travel? You’ve always wanted to travel. I got excited and reached out to my friend Jill who I knew was a travel agent. She sent me info on how to start a travel business.
The next few days, FEAR kicked in as I went back and forth whether I should start or not. I eventually stepped out on FAITH and invested on myself. I started my business in May 2018 as an Independent Travel Agent under host agency Inteletravel. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her patience in answering every question I had and her telling me I got this when I didn’t know what I was doing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Heck no!! In the beginning, my family and friends congratulated me on starting my travel business. I had a few friends to request my services or referred people to me. I would give them a quote or two, then nothing. I knew I had a lot to learn, but hoped if not my friends, my family would show me support. I’m not just talking about them contacting me whenever they had a trip, but just to like or comment on my social media posts. I got more likes, loves and comments on all my personal ones but my business posts were like crickets. Why is that? I’m not going to lie and say in the beginning it didn’t bother me because IT DID!! I actually thought something was wrong with my posts when I would only receive a few likes or none at all. There were times when I stopped posting on my business. It came to the point when I realized my posts were being seen and I had to learn to get my feelings out the way if I wanted to succeed.
Another thing, I had to learn to adjust my time and energy for my family and business since I still work full time. My family is as important as my business and I had to realize when to shut it down for that quality time with them.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Prestige Travel by Anita is home-based but what I love more is that I can take my business wherever I go. I can work it from my cell phone, tablet or laptop. My services consist of planning and booking any destination or trip you may have. I can book flights (domestic and international), girls and guys trips, groups, hotels, all-inclusive resorts, cruises, trains, car rentals, and much more. Currently, I do not charge an admin/research fee like most travel agents do.
I’m also a PlanNet Marketing Rep. With PlanNet Marketing I’m able to share and educate others on how you can start your own travel business. Did you know every booking site has commission built in? So, if your going to book your own travels why not get paid for what you’re already doing. I have several goals. They are to help 100 families gain time/financial freedom and to leave a legacy for my family.
The pandemic put an abrupt halt on thousands of people travels but I didn’t miss a payment coming in. I decided to promote and go on several mini staycations to keep travel alive (and my sanity), but also show that you don’t have to travel far to catch some amazing sites and things to do in or near your hometown. In 2020, I’ve traveled with my family six times with three of those just in October. (I wouldn’t have been able to do this before starting my travel business). Everywhere we went everyone were following all CDC guidelines by wearing face masks, social distancing, frequent sanitizing and hand sanitizer stations. We felt safe at all our destinations.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a great place to become a travel business owner. There is enough money to make and travel is a trillion-dollar industry. I don’t sell travel, travel sells itself. People are always fantasizing, searching for a place to getaway and travel advisors are here to assist them. As a travel advisor, we get great perks as well. Contact me if interested in learning more or if ready to start.
Contact Info:
- Website: AnitaAaron.Inteletravel.com
- Phone: 832-460-4044
- Email: prestigetravelbyanita@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ptanita
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/prestigetravelbyanita
- Other: http://www.funjet.com/index.asp?pLCode=105480AAAN
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