Jenny’s journey: growing a successful travel business from scratch

When Jenny first joined Travel Counsellors, she was stepping into the unknown.

She'd never used a Travel Counsellor herself and hadn't heard much about the opportunity before being recommended to attend one of our Discovery Days. But something about the timing felt right.

“In the end I decided I just needed to take the risk,” Jenny says. “It felt very much like a ‘now or never’ moment. I took a punt, and looking back that leap of faith has definitely paid off.”

Just 12 months in, Jenny has built strong momentum, earned back her joining fee, and developed a growing client base. Her story shows what's possible when ambition is matched with the right support, tools, and community.

Building a business around her 'why'

Before launching last October, Jenny spent time thinking carefully about why she wanted to become a Travel Counsellor and what she could bring to her new business.

She knew some people might question why they should book with someone who was new to the travel industry. Rather than shy away from that, Jenny focused on the strengths she already had: a trusted network, strong personal values, and a proven track record in roles where people relied on her.

“I've lived in an affluent area for 22 years and people knew me as a primary school teacher and then as a project manager for a foodbank,” she explains. “They already knew my values and that I put others first.”

That authenticity became central to Jenny’s approach. She shared her story on social media, spoke openly about her reasons for making the change and made a point of telling people about her business in everyday conversations – from chatting to her hairdresser and nail technician to speaking with people in her local community.

“I have been very intentional about talking about what I do,” Jenny says. “That combination of a clear ‘why’, consistent social media, and an existing network that trusted me has really helped me build momentum quickly.”

A community that's there when you need it

Running your own business gives you the freedom to shape your future, but it doesn't mean you have to do everything alone. For Jenny, the support around her has been one of the most important parts of her first year.

Her mentor provided regular guidance, encouragement and reassurance, particularly during the early stages. Her local Travel Counsellors group, known as the Yorkshire Queens, also became a vital source of practical and emotional support.

“At the start, they were literally there at 11 pm helping me sort out problems and calming me down when things felt overwhelming,” Jenny says.

She also found encouragement within her fellow Academy cohort. Whether she needed advice, a quick answer or simply reassurance that she was not the only person finding something challenging, Jenny knew there was always someone she could turn to.

“Knowing there is always someone to turn to has meant I can keep my focus on growing the business rather than feeling stuck on my own.”

That sense of community is a powerful part of the Travel Counsellors opportunity. While each Travel Counsellor runs their own independent business, they're backed by a network of people who understand the journey and want to see one another succeed.

Turning trust into long-term growth

Jenny’s biggest concern before joining was whether people would trust her to arrange their holidays.

“I knew I could do the job, but I kept thinking, ‘Why would they trust me with something so important?’”

Over time, that uncertainty has been replaced by evidence. Clients have booked with Jenny, returned to her for future trips, and recommended her to others. By being visible, consistent and honest, she has built the trust that sits at the heart of a successful travel business.

A milestone worth celebrating

One of the highlights of Jenny’s first year has been earning back her joining fee – a milestone that showed her the business was already beginning to pay off.

“It makes me feel like joining was 100% the right decision and that all the hard work I have put in during this first year is really paying off.”

Is your career feeling a little off track? See how you could follow in Jenny's footsteps at our Conference Discovery Day

Jenny’s story is a reminder that you do not need to have every answer before you start. What you do need is a clear reason for making the change, the determination to build consistently and the right backing around you.

Her advice for anyone considering taking the leap? “If you're happy with long hours, especially in that first year, and you genuinely love putting together holidays, then this could be a great fit,” she says. “It's hard work and you have to be intentional about how you build your business, but if that excites you then it is absolutely worth taking the leap.”

Ready to explore what your future could look like as a Travel Counsellor? Sign up for our Conference Discovery Day and discover how you can build and scale your own travel business with the backing of a powerful, supportive community.