There are so many people in the travel industry, that you don’t often meet someone who stands out from the crowd. However, recently, I came to know a woman who so impressed me that I thought she was an ideal subject for an “Island Profiles.” Eden Johnson is the woman behind “She-Travels.com,” a site dedicated to Caribbean travel for women. Eden knows of what she speaks. She was born and raised on the islands of Trinidad & Tobago, after which her family moved to Canada. She is a student of Fashion Arts & Design, and began her career modeling, which allowed her to travel all over the world. For a young woman, she has seen so much, including Paris, England, Sweden, Japan, much of the USA, the Caribbean islands, Venezuela, Margarita, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Antigua, St. Martin, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and The Bahamas.
In 2007, she welcomed a son to the world, and packed her bags, relocating to her home land of Trinidad and Tobago. She described her return as a “real culture shock.” As she told me, “Imagine that? I’m a Trinidadian, and returning home to live was a culture shock!”
Enough from me. Let’s hear Eden talk about her amazing company and her passion for travel:
What made me want to start my own company?
I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss. Between the years of 2002 – 2006, whenever my friends would travel, they would always ask me to find them something to do on their vacation. One trip we always made as a group was to TnT’s Carnival, and once a year to another destination.
My Dad was the one who put the idea in my head when he said to me, “why don’t get into travel and do this professionally.” So, 2009, I returned to Canada, worked, and researched the best school for me to attend to study Travel & Tourism. I decided on Humber College. By this time, I had already had itchy fingers, and gotten a website, and started building it. Still no real idea as to what role I wanted within the travel industry. Within about a month at Humber College, I immediately knew and realized that I was on the right track. My professors really helped me understand the industry, plus, I had the opportunity to work with professionals and learn from industry professionals as well.
I decided on Women’s Travel because, I knew that I did not want to be just another “travel agent” selling leisure travel to everyone, everywhere. This industry is both small and yet so vast with umpteen untapped niches. . I decided on the Caribbean, because this is where I’m one from, and two, have an infinite love and passion for. Women Travel has basically quadrupled over the years. It was now a matter of tailoring my business accordingly.
What is unique about She-Travels.com?
In order to brand our self differently, we have decided to offer Travel Entertainment Packages for groups of women. These are exclusive of airfare/accommodations. We also provide a travel match program to our single female travelers. Who are probably weary about travelling on their own and to a new destination, so we match them up with other likeminded travelers, and they are able to spend time exploring and having fun together. Many friendships have been forged by this program.
One of our long term goals will be to work with an abused women’s organization. The goal there will be to host an amazing vacation for the women on an island, where they are able to experience possible something they have never before, and create opportunities for them.
I make myself available to my clients 24/7. I let them know that I am just a phone call, text, email, Skype, Tweet, Facebook away. My phone is always on, so is my laptop and tablet. It’s weird to be so “reachable” every moment, but after my son, my clients are priority. I’m a consumer as well, so I appreciate and understand what my clients want and need.
We have partnered with knowledgeable and passionate vendors to make your vacation memorable. In Trinidad & Tobago, one of our vendors is a company called Naturetrektnt.com. The owner Emile Serrette, is a gentleman who is very passionate and very knowledgeable about his country. His tours are both educational and very fun. We have also partnered with April Thompson, The Absolute Travel Addict, who has been helping us with contacts and suppliers in Jamaica. We’re going to be working together with tours and packages for Jamaica and special events on the island. Other great partnerships are in the works, which will prove to provide many exciting opportunities for our travelers.
Give Eden a call or shoot her an e-mail. She will be a valuable resource in planning your next trip. To reach Eden,
Eden Johnson
1.888.702.2610