Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Hill.
Savannah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In early 2016, I had just had my second baby, was working in Dallas and was looking for a way to stay home while still making some extra money. My husband and our former travel agent encouraged me to go on my own and jump into starting my own agency. Through the rest of the year, I dabbled around in it, did some training, booked a few trips, and then I found out I was pregnant again.
I knew if I was going to ever be successful, I needed to make a change or once my third baby was born, I would probably quit. I joined a networking group, started marketing more, and in turn, started booking a lot more. After my third baby was born, I found out my host agency of about 3500 agents picked me to be the “Rising Star” for the year which pushed me even more. The next two years, I qualified for our “Circle of Excellence” award, which only about 130 agents qualify for. It has been a whirlwind last three years, but it’s been very rewarding!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s gone well, but definitely not smooth on a personal standpoint. My business is still somewhat new and I have been trying to grow and be successful while having three children, ages five, three and two. So, I am juggling being a mom and having a successful business. There’s a lot of times I have “mom guilt” thinking I am not giving them enough time juggling everything. But by doing this, it’s also created many opportunities for us to spend time together on several vacations. We have taken the kids to Alaska, the Caribbean, Disneyland, and last year spent some time in Europe.
On a business standpoint, I came from education and knew nothing about starting or running a business. Luckily, my husband had a successful business and has been able to help guide me, but it’s been more of a “learn as I do” experience. The quick growth has also caused some growing pains, but I am trying my best to work through them and always asking for advice from other successful agents.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Savvy Travel Agency – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As far as destinations go, I have sent people all over the world! Being located here in Dallas, I do a lot of Caribbean “fun and sun” vacations at resorts and with cruises because that is what so many people desire in this area. However, I am also very passionate about river cruising through Europe.
We experienced our first river cruise down the Danube last summer and I fell in love with it! Being in the stage of life I am, I do a lot of “romance travel” for busy moms and dads who need a quick break as well as family travel as I have a lot of personal experience in that corner! A lot of times, it’s intimidating to travel with kids if you haven’t before and I enjoy being able to help families navigate an opportunity since we have done it! I try to think of myself as not just planning a family vacation, but creating opportunities for a family to reconnect, siblings to create life-long bonds, and cherished memories to be made.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am grateful about the growth that I have had, but it’s definitely created a need for growth within my agency. I am slowly hiring to help manage bookings and agents to sell to help balance my business and personal life. It is a scary, but exciting step to jump into!
Contact Info:
- Address: 750 E. I-30, Suite 105
Rockwall, TX 75087 - Website: www.TheSavvyTravelAgency.com
- Phone: 2146798465
- Email: savannah@travelbysav.com
- Instagram: @TheSavvyTravelAgency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelBySav/
- Other: https://www.travelleaders.com/travel_agent/agent-details.aspx?id=65710
Image Credit:
My headshot was taken by Marcie Florance Photography.
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