Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie McDaniels.
Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What started as a passion for travel became a journey of purpose, resilience, and serving others.
As a Travel Advisor, I’ve always loved helping people create unforgettable travel experiences. Seeing families, couples, and solo travelers make memories has always brought me joy. But in 2024, my life took an unexpected turn when I faced a serious illness that nearly cost me my life. Along with the physical battle came overwhelming medical expenses and financial challenges.
To help cover the cost of treatments, I began selling home-cooked soul food plates. What started as a way to make ends meet quickly became something much bigger. People didn’t just enjoy the meals—they appreciated the love, comfort, and homemade flavor that went into every plate.
Today, I am blessed to say I am cured, and I have embraced a new calling. I continue helping clients plan their dream vacations while also serving delicious, home-cooked meals to busy families, professionals, seniors, and anyone who enjoys authentic soul food but doesn’t always have time to cook or meal prep.
That passion led me to create my own signature all-purpose seasoning, allowing customers to bring the same comforting flavors into their own kitchens and on vacations.
Travel Soulfood Queen represents more than great food and travel planning—it represents faith, perseverance, healing, and the belief that even life’s greatest challenges can lead to unexpected blessings. Every meal I prepare is made with love, and every trip I plan is designed with care. My mission is simple: to nourish people, whether it’s through unforgettable travel experiences or comforting, home-cooked meals that feed the soul.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Starting and growing my business while undergoing medical treatments was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. There were days when I had to push through fatigue and uncertainty, all while working with limited resources and trying to keep my dream alive.
Balancing my health, finances, and the demands of running a business wasn’t easy, but my faith, determination, and the support of my customers kept me going. Every obstacle reminded me why I started—to provide for myself during a difficult season and to serve others with meals made with love.
Looking back, those challenges made me stronger and taught me resilience. Today, I’m grateful to be healthy, and every plate I serve is a reminder that perseverance can turn life’s toughest moments into a purpose-filled journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For more than 30 years, I have built a successful career in the Insurance industry, where I’ve been committed to helping clients protect what matters most and providing dependable service. That experience has taught me the value of building relationships, earning trust, and always putting people first.
Outside of my professional career, I am widely known for my love of travel and my passion for cooking. As the founder of Travel Soulfood Queen, I combine two things I truly enjoy—helping people create unforgettable travel experiences and serving delicious, home-cooked soul food.
I specialize in comforting Southern dishes, and I’m especially known for my signature three-meat pinto beans and flavorful smothered meals. I also created my own all-purpose seasoning so customers can enjoy the same homemade taste in their own kitchens.
What makes me most proud is turning one of the most difficult seasons of my life into a business that serves others. Whether I’m helping someone plan their dream vacation or preparing a meal that brings comfort to their table, my goal is always the same: to make a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional service, genuine care, and a personal touch.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe my journey has been about luck as much as it has been about faith, perseverance, and determination. Facing a life-threatening illness while trying to build a business was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever experienced. There were difficult days, but I refused to give up.
I have been blessed with supportive customers, family, and friends who believed in me and encouraged me along the way. Their support, combined with my passion for serving others, helped turn a difficult chapter of my life into a new beginning.
Today, I see my business as a blessing born from perseverance. Every meal I prepare and every trip I help plan reminds me that even life’s toughest moments can lead to a greater purpose if you keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tnvvacations.com/home
