We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lady Free Renee Russell. Check out our conversation below.
Free Renee, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I am most proud of in this industry isn’t always what the world gets to witness on social media or in photos of smiling clients on pristine beaches. My greatest moments happen quietly — in the late nights planning, the early mornings researching flight routes, the hours spent advocating for a client whose dream vacation needs one more phone call to make it perfect.
It’s the moment a client says, “I never thought I would see this place in my lifetime… but you made it happen.”
It’s being trusted — not just to book travel, but to help families make memories that live longer than a passport stamp.
My proudest accomplishments are the ones behind the scenes:
✨ Staying up after the world sleeps, triple-checking details so a traveler never has to worry about what comes next.
✨ Seeing a first-time cruiser become a repeat traveler because they finally felt seen, guided, and cared for.
✨ Studying destinations for hours so I can speak to them like I’ve walked every cobblestoned street myself.
✨ Creating group trips that feel like family reunions, even when travelers start as strangers.
✨ Pouring heart, prayer, professionalism, and personal experience into every itinerary — because travel is not transactional to me, it’s transformational.
And maybe above all — I am proud of watching RL Travels grow from a vision into a vessel that carries people farther than they ever imagined. I am proud every time someone chooses me to become part of moments they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
The world may see the photos, the destinations, the celebrations…
but I see the tears of joy in a client’s voice, the relief when everything aligns, the light that travel puts back into a person’s soul.
Those are the victories I cherish most.
Those are the wins that no one sees, but I feel deeply — every single day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lady Free Renée, the Owner and Luxury Travel Advisor behind RL Travels. I built this agency with one mission — to help people experience the world in a way that’s personal, meaningful, and full of unforgettable moments. Travel isn’t just something I plan, it’s something I pour my heart into.
RL Travels isn’t a solo operation — it’s powered by what I lovingly call The Dream Team. Alongside me are three incredible Travel Advisors and one VA/PA who help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes: Kay Gilchrist (Disney Travel Advisor and HR), Margie Stephens (Cruise Travel Advisor), Rodney Hay (Sr. Cruise Travel Advisor and Domestic Travel Advisor), and Darrell Stephens (Virtual and Personal Assistant to Lady Free Renee). We bring passion, personality, and a whole lot of love to every client we serve. Together, we create trips that feel curated, thoughtful, and tailored to each traveler’s dreams.
What makes my brand unique is the care and detail that goes into every itinerary. I don’t just book vacations — I design experiences. From luxury getaways and group adventures to cruises across turquoise waters and bucket-list international escapes, I want every traveler to feel seen, supported, and completely taken care of from the moment they inquire until they return home with memories that move them.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding our hosted trips, group travel opportunities, and curated luxury journeys — experiences where strangers become travel family and stories are born that we’ll still be talking about years later.
Travel lights me up.
Helping others see the world through their own eyes — that’s my why.
So, whether you’re craving a romantic escape, a family celebration, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I’d love to help you get there.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mother, the late Deaconess Beulah M. Russell, is the greatest influence on who I am today. She was so much more than a mother — she was a devoted wife of 43 years, a phenomenal Woman of God, my confidante, my anchor, and my loudest, most unwavering cheerleader.
She taught me that there was no limit on my life — no ceiling too high, no dream too bold. She poured love, faith, and belief into me until I could see it for myself. Every vision I carried, she nurtured. Every goal I chased, she pushed me toward with confidence and grace.
Because of her, I learned to dream boldly. Because of her, I believed I could build something of my own. RL Travels was birthed from that belief — from her legacy of strength, excellence, and possibility.
My mother didn’t just shape who I am — she shaped who I dare to become.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering showed me that strength is forged not in comfort, but in the fires of adversity. It taught me resilience when the world felt heavy, courage when fear tried to hold me back, and gratitude for even the smallest blessings. Through struggle, I discovered my own power, the depth of my faith, and a clarity of purpose that no triumph alone could reveal. Suffering became my teacher, shaping me into someone who not only rises but inspires, someone who knows that true growth comes not from what we gain, but from what we endure and overcome.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d probably say it’s the things I hold closest to my heart: my relationship with God, which guides me through every high and low; my children and Glamchildren, who fill my life with purpose, joy, and endless love; the Sisterhood I’ve built and nurtured, which I treasure for their laughter, honesty, and unwavering support; and my agency, RL Travels, which is more than my work—it’s a reflection of my dreams, my passion, and my desire to create unforgettable experiences for others. These are the things I wake up thinking about, the things I protect fiercely, and the things that make my life truly meaningful.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my clients would miss more than just the trips and vacations I curated—they would miss the heart and care I put into every detail. They would miss the excitement in my voice when sharing a new destination, the personal touch I bring to understanding their dreams, and the joy I feel when seeing those dreams come to life. They would miss having someone who listens, encourages, and celebrates with them every step of the journey. Most of all, they would miss the relationship we’ve built—the trust, laughter, and genuine connection that turns a vacation into a lifelong memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rltravels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rltravels2suitu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/free-renee-louviere-cta-ecc-b369b635/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RLTravels
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rl-travels-anna-2?osq=RL+Travels
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rltravels3733
