Today we’d like to introduce you to Amyre Barber.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always loved travel and had a desire to see the world, but never did I think I’d make a career out of planning travel accommodations for others and making their dreams come true. My first job out of high school, I worked as an Administrative Assistant for a construction company in Southfield, MI. I did mostly administrative tasks like answering the phones, sending out emails and faxes, and greeting guest that came into our office. Occasionally, the owners would have me make travel arrangements for him and his family to various places around the world–sometimes business and sometimes personal. I don’t even think travel arrangements was in my job description but doing that small task was something I looked forward to when the time came. I thought it was the coolest thing ever to plan someone’s vacation, but still, it never dawned on me that it’s something I could make a career out of.
Years later, I thought I found myself interested in real estate. I worked in property management for a few years as a Leasing Assistant. Then in 2014, I became a Realtor in Michigan, where I practiced briefly before relocating to Texas. Between that time, I also graduated from college with a BS Management. Once settled in, I found a job as a Property Assistant for a commercial real estate company while I studied to obtain my Texas Real Estate license.
While at work one day I was engaging in small talk with a lady about my most recent travels when she advised me that she worked for a travel company as her side-hustle and how much she loved it. Just from sharing my story, she encouraged me to get into the business. I was hesitant at first because I’d already had full plate in front of me with a full-time job, being a single mom, and studying to take my real estate exam. After much thought, I gave it a try but only part-time to make some extra money and learn more about the business. Eventually, I realized that the travel industry was it for me and this is where I belong. It’s just really interesting how the universe works and how things come back around full circle in our lives.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey definitely didn’t start out on a smooth path, so I’ve had a few learning opportunities along the way. I’m an Independent Travel Advisor, not an employee, so going from a traditional source of income to now writing my own paycheck was probably the hardest thing for me. I had to get better with my organizational and time-management skills. Not to mention, I had to develop my own systems which seem like it took forever to do.
There’s a shift in responsibilities and accountability when you become a full-time entrepreneur, so working with clients who are spending a great deal of money (or their entire savings) on a vacation, I had to have patience and handle them with care. I’ve gained an understanding that it’s a big investment so it’s important to make sure that all of my I’s are dotted and all of my T’s are crossed.
Please tell us about Ritzy Vacations.
Ritzy Vacations is a travel agency specializing in luxury and upscale leisure travel with an emphasis on tropical destinations. Our mission is to create a travel experience like no other. We want to upgrade the expectations and desires of consumers by offering unique, custom experiences of affordable luxury without compromising on quality.
I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Expert and Costa Rica, Specialist. Most recently, I began to explore the segment of hosted group travel within the company, where I lead and organize group trips. My first group just wrapped up in April 2019. We visited Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that was themed Ladies’ Weekend Getaway.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t start over but I’ve learned that the wheel can’t be reinvented and that there’s nothing that hasn’t been done already. So, it’s important to be present and to show up as your true, authentic self. I’ve learned to never give up, no matter how hard things seem. If you continue to work hard, your efforts will pay off in due time.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-861-1386
- Email: hello@ritzyvacations.com
- Instagram: @ritzyvacations
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