Journey To A New Career

From Hairdresser to Travel Agent: A Journey Fueled by Passion

We all have a story to tell, and for some, the road to their dream career isn't always a straight line. For me, my career path has been full of unexpected twists and turns, yet each step has been an essential part of my journey. Today, I’m a travel agent, a profession I never imagined would be the one I’d end up in—but one I now know I was meant for.

The Spark: A Vacation at Six

I was just six years old when I took my first vacation. It was one of those experiences that completely captivated me—the excitement of seeing new places, the thrill of adventure, and the wonder of discovery. That was the moment I became hooked on travel. Even at that young age, I began to understand the joy of planning, of curating experiences that would stay with you forever. Little did I know at the time, but that first trip was the beginning of a lifelong passion for exploring the world and helping others do the same.

The First Career: Hairdressing

Like many people, I didn’t go straight from that childhood vacation to my current job. Instead, I entered the world of hairdressing, an industry I thought I could carve out a long and successful career in. I loved the creativity of it—transforming someone’s look, making them feel confident, and building relationships with clients. I worked hard, honed my craft, and found joy in the hands-on work that came with styling and cutting hair.

However, life had other plans for me. When COVID-19 hit, everything changed. The beauty industry, like so many others, was hit hard. I lost my job, and the uncertainty of the pandemic led me to rethink my future.

A New Direction: Special Education

When I found myself looking for a new career direction, I decided to go back to school and pursue something completely different: special education. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children with unique needs, helping them navigate the world in a way that worked for them. I worked as a supply teacher for a time, but the instability of the job didn’t sit well with me. I needed something more stable, something I could build on in the long run.

The Side Hustle That Changed Everything

Around this time, one of my closest friends suggested I consider working in travel. I had always loved planning trips—researching destinations, booking hotels, finding the best activities, and curating experiences. It was something I’d always done for fun, and my passion for travel had never faded. But I had never considered turning that love into a career.

I decided to take the plunge and start working as a travel agent on the side. I figured it would be a great way to supplement my income while still pursuing my interest in travel. But what happened next was unexpected: I completely fell in love with it.

As I started booking trips for clients, I realized this was more than just a side hustle—it was my true calling. Every time I helped someone plan a vacation, I felt the same excitement I had felt as a six-year-old on my first trip. The joy of helping people explore the world and create lasting memories became an incredibly fulfilling part of my life. What started as a way to make some extra money turned into a full-fledged career that I couldn’t imagine walking away from.

The Joy of Helping Others Travel

Today, as a travel agent, I’ve found my place in the world. I’ve combined my love for planning, my passion for travel, and my desire to help others create meaningful experiences. Whether it’s booking a honeymoon, planning a family vacation, or organizing a group trip, I take pride in knowing that I’m playing a part in making someone’s dream vacation come true.

It’s been a winding road to get here, but looking back, I realize that each experience along the way was a stepping stone that helped me build the career I have today. From hairdressing to special education to travel, each chapter of my journey taught me valuable skills and helped shape the person I am now. And, in many ways, I think all of those experiences—creativity, adaptability, and a deep desire to help others—have contributed to making me the travel agent I am today.

What's Next?

While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I’m also excited about the future. I have big plans for my travel business, including expanding my reach and helping even more people find their perfect getaways. I believe there’s always room for growth, and I’m eager to see where this journey will take me next.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone who’s looking to make a career change or follow a passion, it would be this: don’t be afraid to take the leap. Sometimes, the path that leads you to your true calling is full of unexpected twists, but each experience helps you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed.

Whether it’s travel or any other dream you’re chasing, it’s never too late to follow your heart. You never know where it might lead.