Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Vandevender.
Hi Kristen , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Dallas but yet i grew up a true Disney Kid. Spending time not only at Disneyland and dreaming about it, grew up with the dream of wanting to work one day in that same capacity. I majored in film and television at San Diego State which also gave me more time to spend at Disney… and I truly grew up helping friends and family’s plan their trips, giving all the tips and finding anyway to be involved in it that I could be. Even as much as being accepted into the Disney College Program.
Once I figured out I could take this passion and turn it into income I thought a side gig sounded great. However, it grew and grew into a dream I never saw coming for myself when I moved back to Texas. It grew so much it became my main source of income for myself and my kids and opened the door to also working for the travel agency itself. I’ve truly never looked back. The biggest blessing I could have ever asked for.
I average $1.5-$2million in sales each year and send family’s, couples, large groups, do lots of destination weddings etc all over the world. Disney was the dream but it truly became so much more. I love planning all inclusive trips/weddings, sending clients in cruises, NYC, internationally, Disney, Universal and beyond. My love and passion translates to my clients and their itineraries and guidance I provide. I spend a lot of time in the luxury destinations, setting up concierge and VIP and couldn’t be more honored to serve every client I have the pleasure of knowing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No! Ha ha is anything ever smooth? Anything worth fighting for, working toward has bumps in the road… a temporary speed bump if you will. But all Of that is always worth fighting for. What a lot of people don’t realize is this job that I’m so honored to call mine is not all roses. Things happen, flights get canceled, the supplier has a hiccup, and there is not a set 9-5 with these issues. 24/7 and 365 days a year is in the them of possibilities. I however work in the mentality of venting is fixable or I will find a way. I don’t know the answer, I sure will get one for you, nothing will go untouched, unfixed and I’m there for my client beginning to end.
I also set myself up for some speed bumps in the beginning wanting to build my client list that I took on clients at a rapid pace and quickly learned (which is one of my best skills now) of being organized and truly setting boundaries,.. however let’s be honest I’m still going to respond to a new client at 11pm because I want them to feel seen and acknowledged! But with growth comes growing pains and then light at the end of the tunnel. I wouldn’t have it any other way. And if someone tells you there aren’t any bumps in the road… that’s not true 😂
We’ve been impressed with Kristen’s Travel Life , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I began this journey ten years ago and have evolved into a one stop shop for all of your travel needs. I’m yours beginning to end and truly do it all. I’ve been blessed working under MainStreet Travel Agency to have been provided with the tools and training to get where I am today.., but I work very hard at helping making my clients vacations dreams come true, making the process stress free and I tell them all the time, at the end of the day I need you to show up and it will be incredible.
My name and what I bring to the table means a lot to me…so when I get referrals which is a huge part of my business it means more than anyone can know. That means someone was happy with what I did for them that they told someone else you have to use her. I have a fun social media presence as well and content creation is truly a passion, I do lots of room tours, eyes in the parks, tips and tricks… but my main focus is to make sure you see something fun that sparks the desire to travel or fuels the dream vacation you’ve had for quite some time.
I’ve grown into a space of I send a lot of family’s, couples, friend groups, senior trips etc each and every year.., but I’ve gotten really good and and love living in a space of the luxury properties, concierge level, destination weddings and large groups, I’m currently working on an 80 room wedding in Riviera Maya and love helping my clients dreams come true. But I also thrive in the intimate bookings for the newly weds, sending a family on a vacation they’ve saved for for years, or having them see the magic of Disney for the first time. I truly do it all. And when I’m your agent, you get all of me and I’ll say it again… beginning to end.
I want readers to know can you book your own vacation? Certainly… but what you don’t know is that I’m a small business owner hustling to send clients to different destinations because I want my kids to see what hard work looks like. You pay the same price to use me or not and wouldnt you rather plan with a friend? I let me clients be as involved or hands off as they want to be… I have clients that are true seasoned travelers that use me to not only support my small business, but God forbid they need help, or I can make things happen they need they have me at their disposal. It’s way better to have someone help call and charge your dates when a hurricane hits and you don’t have to sit on the phone for 6 hours… I got your back.
And the most proud of for this business I’ve grown is again the clients that keep coming back and send others my way. I love when I get to add a new destination to my resume and working for the travel agency itself, I love being able to say I’ve helped thousands of other agents feel confident to go out there and pursue their dreams as well. I’m by no means an influencer😂 but I sure am proud of my social media presence and how it’s grown over the years. I put a lot of heart and soul into what I do and it really does mean the world.
I’m definitely different though, you won’t find me going silent, or saying I can’t do something. With my will, there is always a way. I hope to be able to serve you and your family one day soon… being giving the opportunity is truly the blessing of a lifetime
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I say this all the time. Confidence, consistency and the willingness to learn. You will not and never will know everything. That’s so beyond unrealistic. But what makes you incredible is you’re willingness to learn, saying I don’t know but I will find out and going above and beyond for your clients.
Confident is key, a lot of newbies feel the unposted syndrome of I can’t post, what will people think, I’ve never cruised so why would I push cruises? I say post, and post often. If someone doesn’t want to see it they can keep scrolling and no harm no foul. But posting and sharing you love, what you do will plant seeds and you have no idea who’s watching and when they’ll be ready to reach out. Show off what you’re passionate about and stay consistent. Often this job doesn’t manifest out in weeks of starting.., it’s definitely a labor of love. But you’ll find what works and what doesn’t… and finding a fantastic host agency or agency to provide the trainings, tools and resources to help you be successful is also key. Exactly why MainStreet Travel has been instrumental in my success.
Pricing:
- I often come at no cost to the client! If there is a cost it’s something I discuss up front with the client…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KristensTravelLife.com
- Instagram: @KristensDisneyLife
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14ZDftRUKNy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: @KristenVanLane
- Other: TikTok @KristensTravelLife and email KristensTravelLife@gmail.com
Image Credits
No credits, did supply one picture with someone else if we can crop her out I like that picture as well. Did have the one first picture taken and edited myself with a back drop etc but not professional. Let me know if y’all need anything else or something different. I’m goofy and just authentic to who I am! Pictures show that 😂😂
