Today we’d like to introduce you to Free Russell-Louviere.
Hi Free, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey really began as a small hobby. My great-grandmother, Earthalene Kazee, started Bus Tours before I was born. Yearly, we’d travel to Chicago, Kansas City, and Hot Springs, Arkansas. My aunt, Godmother, and mother later joined. What started out as a half-filled bus quickly became a two-bus tour. It was fabulous. I was a Certified Event Planner and loved my business, Events To Suit You. I had a hand in every aspect of the bridal plans… everything EXCEPT the Honeymoon. When I discovered the difficulties couples had in achieving an unforgettable honeymoon, I stepped in. This was a no-brainer for me.
Later on, after the passing of my great-grandmother and aunt and my Godmother’s retirement, I still had a passion for traveling. After all, I’ve been a part of this industry since the age of six (6). I began hosting small groups for cruises and getaways. My first cruise was 13 classmates from Valley Park High School. The next year grew to 30 clients. By the third year, we had over 50 clients. That’s when I knew I was walking in my passion and destiny. I got serious, I got accredited, I perfected my craft, and now… over 800 clients!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. COVID changed a lot in the industry. When traveling shut down, we were one of the few that didn’t close. Clients were few and so were the business finances. Scammers were on the rise and so were hackers. I took this opportunity to learn more and to create contracts for both suppliers and clients. I learned and taught on the subject of Travel Insurance. I learned from reputable suppliers and taught my clients. This was a huge hit during COVID as some clients did not have insurance and lost everything. Now, we inform every client about the importance of travel insurance and how purchasing travel insurance creates a peace of mind.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My agency prides itself on providing “White-Glove” treatment in every aspect of travel. We also provide economy-friendly and Premium travel in addition to Luxury Travel. We now have a “Dream Team,” and each advisor has a specialty within the travel industry, so each client is paired with an expert.
We have Virtual Assistants to respond to all emails by end of business day. With our agency, you never wait. Your time is precious. We are known for our Star-Quality because we communicate with you from the very beginning of your process until you return home. Our agency is also known for agency-escorted group travel so we’re with you on some of the group travels. This is the “Platinum Egg” that sets us apart from others. We enjoy traveling with our clients if it is needed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I wouldn’t call it “luck,” but true blessings. These divine blessings have played a huge role in both my life and business.
Great blessings have come in the form of my amazing spouse, children, and glam children. They keep me grounded and sane. My Sister Circle is awesome and helps with the work-life balance. Not to mention the luck (blessing) I get in celebrating milestones in their lives with cruises, getaways, and vacations. I get to plan birthdays, graduations, etc. for them and look at the smiles on their faces! The appreciation is second to none. That’s a true blessing.
My “Dream Team” has been the best blessing EVER for RL Travels: Stephanie, Kay, Rodney, Margie, and Darrell are my family and RL Travels would not be one of the best agencies if not for them. What luck (blessing) it is to delegate projects and group getaways and know that it will be handled in the way I would do it.
Being in the right place at the right time has been a good blessing because it allows me to meet new clients. I hear what they need, how they need a vacation, how they do not want a church wedding, how they want to travel to a tropical place or European place, and I’m there to talk to them and give my information. That’s more than just luck-that’s a blessing! I get to change lives, and my clients learn that they should work to live… NOT live to work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rltravels.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/RLTravels2SuitU
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/RLTravels
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/free-renee-louviere-cta-ecc-b369b635/
- Youtube: https://bit.ly/RLTravels-YouTube
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rl-travels-anna-2
Image Credits
Majors Photography
Lion’s Heart SnapShot Photography
