7 minute read
INTERVIEW BUILDING HER DREAM LIFE
With Lakisha Stinson
Lakisha Stinson is the Founder of Experience the World with Class. She lives in Ruskin, Florida and has been in business for 7 years.
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What does your dream life look like?
After establishing my travel agency, I have been able to turn my dream into a reality. I firmly believe that travel can positively impact someone's life, so I take great pleasure in assisting others in living their dreams and traveling the globe as they wish. I am enthusiastic about providing bucket list journeys to a broader demographic, so more people can enjoy all the beautiful spots the world has to offer. For the past seven years, I have been extremely privileged to be part of the remarkable changes in other people's lives.
Tell us more about what you do and who you help.
I am a passionate small business owner who specializes in the travel industry as a travel agent. With over 7 years of experience working in the field, I am dedicated to helping customers discover their perfect holiday or business trip destinations. I understand that my clients need options and ideas and are looking for somebody to help them create the ideal itinerary. To this end, I do thorough research on their behalf, always staying current on changes in travel trends and regulations, while never compromising on quality and safety.
Furthermore, I remain committed to offering clients the best deals possible and helping them with every step of the process - from planning the trip to offering additional tips and support after their return. My goal is to make sure that my clients have the most rewarding and enjoyable travel experiences possible!
How did you get started with your travel business?
My love of travel began when I was young and enjoyed going on family vacations I always loved learning about new places and cultures, and seeing new sights. As I grew older, I became interested in planning trips and helping others to have amazing travel experiences. This led me to becoming a travel agent. I love being able to help people plan their dream vacations and see the world Travel is such a wonderful way to learn about new cultures and to create lasting memories. I am so grateful to be able to share my love of travel with others and help them create their own amazing travel experiences.
You’ve been in business for 7 years. What has been the most rewarding experience for you?
As proud small business owners, my husband and I have taught our children the invaluable lessons of entrepreneurship. We believe it's essential to gain a sense of independence, experience success and learn financial literacy, which our children have developed as they have navigated their own business journeys. Our experience of traveling the world and witnessing their successes has been more rewarding than any monetary reward they may have earned. We are certain that their business skills will remain invaluable to them no matter where their lives may take them.
What strategies have you used to successfully grow your business?
Leveraging business networking and collaboration has been invaluable for me in terms of expanding my reach and connecting with prospective customers I've built strong brand recognition by participating in industry events, joining applicable organizations, and partnering with other companies for the purpose of joint promotion or cross-marketing initiatives.
Building customer loyalty and repeat business is a core principle of my success. Crafting an exceptional customer service experience, together with introducing loyalty programs and incentives is what drives my customers back I'm confident that minimizing their effort and enabling them to get more for less through my services keeps them coming back.
Do you think it's possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur?
Yes, I believe that it is possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur To achieve this, I have a few tactics that I make sure to employ on a regular basis. First and foremost, I make sure to give myself regular breaks throughout the day, both for mental and physical health reasons. I make it a priority to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to non-work activities like exercising or catching up with friends. I also make sure to take vacations to allow myself some time to completely unplug and unwind elevator pitch, can help introverted entrepreneurs overcome this challenge. Time management is critical for entrepreneurs, particularly those who may need more alone time to recharge. Effective time management skills can help introverted entrepreneurs prioritize tasks, manage their workload, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. embrace your introversion It’s easy to get caught up in what other people think and what works for them, but when it comes to your business, you are the one in the driver’s seat. You can create the space and work style that you want to
Additionally, I try to schedule some time in my workday specifically for taking care of my mental and emotional well-being. Whether that's reading a book, writing, or meditating, I know that these activities are important for sustaining a healthy work-life balance. With these practices, I'm able to remain productive and satisfied with my job as an entrepreneur.
In your opinion, what are the essential skills that introverted entrepreneurs should focus on developing?
Networking can be a challenge for introverts, but it's an essential part of growing a business. Introverted entrepreneurs can develop networking skills by attending events, joining relevant organizations, and practicing their communication skills.
Introverted entrepreneurs tend to work independently, but delegating tasks to others can help free up time and resources. It's important to develop delegation skills to effectively manage a team and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently. Leadership is essential for the success of any business.
Introverted entrepreneurs can develop leadership skills by setting clear goals and expectations, leading by example, and creating a positive work culture.
While introverts tend to be good listeners, it's important to develop effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing. This includes being able to clearly and confidently articulate ideas, make persuasive arguments, and negotiate with others. Remember, these skills are not specific to introverted entrepreneurs, and any entrepreneur can benefit from developing these skills to grow their business.
Additionally, by embracing your introversion, you can leverage it in areas like communication, delegating, and even sales. Having an introspective attitude can provide valuable insight into both yourself and the way that your business functions, leading to innovative and profitable solutions. Ultimately, trust yourself, create an environment you’re comfortable in, and don’t forget that your introversion is a superpower.
Introverted entrepreneurs may struggle with self-promotion, but it's important to market oneself and one's business effectively. Developing selfpromotion skills, such as creating a personal brand or delivering a convincing
What advice would you give to other introverted women who are just starting their own businesses?
My advice to other introverted women who are just starting their own businesses is to trust your gut, focus on doing what makes you happiest, and experiencetheworldwithclass.com
Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Where can our readers find more information about you?
Insider
How To Find Your Passion In Life
Finding your passion is an exciting journey that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially if you don't know where to start Many people spend years searching for their passion without success.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to discover what you truly love and turn it into a career or a hobby Here are some practical tips on how to discover what you’re most passionate about in life.
Take an inventory of your interests and skills
The first step to finding your passion is to take an inventory of your interests and skills.
Make a list of the things that you enjoy doing, the activities that make you happy, and the skills that you possess. It could be anything from cooking to hiking, from writing to public speaking, and from painting to playing an instrument. Don't limit yourself and be honest about what truly excites you.
Try new things
Trying new things is an excellent way to discover your passion. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new activities or hobbies. Sign up for a class or workshop, attend a networking event or volunteer for a cause that you care about. This will expose you to new experiences and people, and may even help you discover a hidden talent or passion
Follow your curiosity
Curiosity is a powerful tool for finding your passion. Follow your instincts and explore the things that pique your interest. If you find yourself drawn to a particular subject or topic, take the time to learn more about it Read books, watch documentaries, attend seminars or conferences, and connect with people who share your interests. This will not only deepen your knowledge but also help you identify your passions.
Reflect on your values
Your passions are often closely tied to your values. Take some time to reflect on what you value most in life.
Is it creativity, adventure, helping others, making a difference, or something else? Your passions are more likely to align with your values, so understanding what's important to you can help you find your purpose
Pay attention to what energizes you
Passion is often associated with a sense of energy and excitement. Pay attention to the activities that leave you feeling energized and fulfilled, and take note of those that drain your energy This will help you identify the things that bring you joy and motivate you to pursue your passion.
Start small while also traveling the world and supporting businesses of all sizes and industries. Today, I'm excited to share with you how I'm turning that dream into a reality.
Finding your passion is a process, and it's okay to start small. Don't feel pressured to make a significant change right away. Start by incorporating your interests into your daily routine, whether it's by taking a few minutes each day to practice a new skill or joining a club or group related to your passion. This will help you build momentum and gain confidence as you move forward.
Finding your passion is a journey that requires self-reflection, experimentation, and patience. Remember, it's never too late to discover your passion, and there's no right or wrong way to go about it By following these practical tips, you can begin to uncover your interests, values, and strengths, and turn them into a fulfilling and rewarding career or hobby.
From a young age, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the business world. After completing my education in Organizational Development and Leadership and gaining practical experience in talent acquisition and employer branding, I knew that my calling was to help businesses retain their top talent and create a positive