Fazlin Samodien celebrates 15 years

Fazlin Samodien, with a background in corporate travel, joined Travel Counsellors in 2008. Her business has gone from strength to strength, and she recently celebrated her best month ever.

We chatted with Fazlin on the 15th anniversary of her travel business.

In a nutshell, how would you describe the past 15 years?
The past few years have been challenging for me, especially when my better half was hit with retrenchment, and then Covid came, which tested my patience. I have been blessed with great support and felt confident that I will get through this hurdle, especially with the best support from my husband and sons and Travel Counsellors Head Office CPT and UK. The support I received made me even more resilient and more determined to keep doing what I love and keep giving the best to my clients.

Why did you join Travel Counsellors?
After being in the corporate travel industry for almost 2 decades I was missing out on crucial milestones when it came to family. I needed to be close to my two boys. My eldest started high school in 2008, and my youngest just started primary school. What an unbelievable journey it’s been. Fast forward 15 years, and I still love the journey and look forward to greater things. Joining Travel Counsellors was the best decision of my career, as I could put my family first and give my clients 110%.

Describe your work environment (where you spend most of your time working).
Today, I am happy to be able to spend most of my time with my mom, who will be 90 years old soon. I get to work, make my clients happy and be close to my family, especially my mother. The best of both worlds under one roof. My family and my work.

Are you in a team/Do you work with a buddy and how has that helped you? Being a Travel Counsellor, I know I have every Travel Counsellor’s support. #TEAMTC #ALLIN

How would you describe the support you receive from TC Head Office?
I am never left alone to struggle with something - from ticketing, reissues, refunds, marketing my business, business advice, travel update knowledge, and IT issues. The back-office support is endless. A big “Thank you” to everyone at head office for making my journey stress-free.

What do you love most about being a TC?
I love being my own boss. I decide who my clients are. I decide when the cut-off time will be. I get to be with my family every day and do what I enjoy. I get the best back-office support.

What destinations/experiences are still on your bucket list?
The most important trip on my bucket list is the journey to Mecca (Pilgrimage), God Willing. Apart from my spiritual journey, I want to start traveling everywhere with my husband and experience it together.

What are your top tips for succeeding in this industry and as a Travel Counsellor?

1. To have Resilience! To bounce back stronger in any situation life throws at you.
2. Be in contact with your clients. Customer service is the key to success. Keep them posted.
3. Time management.
4. Technically savvy.
5. Be a social media travel influencer.
6. Be informed and learn something new every day.
7. Attention to detail.