Running a travel agency requires a passionate, dedicated entrepreneur. While many would (correctly) expect flight attendants, travel professionals and those working in hospitality to excel in the travel realm, there are many other industries where workers’ skills and knowledge align with vacation planning just as well.
When researching alternative paths beyond careers as a hair stylist or salon owner, consider breaking into the travel industry in a truly exciting way. You’ll discover that owning a travel agency allows you the same sense of creativity and personal connection you already experience—with added doses of freedom, flexibility and the chance to grow.
The best part is, with Dream Vacations, you won’t be starting from scratch. Our Franchise Owners come from a huge variety of backgrounds – we provide the training and support to make you a travel expert. Plus, you’ll quickly realize that much of the skills developed in the beauty industry translate to travel quite well.
Here, we’ll introduce you to Koryn Lightner, a former hair salon owner who took the leap to becoming a Franchise Owner in 2023 and reveal why you should follow in her footsteps.
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New Places and New People
For Lightner, owning a travel agency business became a real possibility when she found Dream Vacations, largely because she was able to build her business around a previously successful venture.
“Transitioning from being a hair salon owner into being a travel agent has been an amazing experience,” she says. “We grew so fast with having that built-in clientele that we decided to open our own franchise. My husband decided to join me and now we have four associates.”
From Brandon, Florida, Lightner launched her Dream Vacations franchise in December of 2023, and has enjoyed unrivaled connection since it started, forming new friendships right off the bat.
“I’m a person that likes to connect people together,” Lightner says. “I started a ladies’ group, and we now travel once a year. The ladies’ group started off with 19 my first year and it grew to 70 the next year, and we’re online to exceed those expectations this year. Our group travel has been excellent for us.”
One of the biggest things that has helped her build this community is attending Dream Vacations’ annual National Conference, a weeklong event held each year aboard the industry’s newest cruise ships. While at sea, the event helps her connect with suppliers and peers alike. Another element that has been crucial for Lightner when it comes to franchise ownership is the Dream Vacations Franchise Owner community Facebook group, where owners share support and expertise.
“We are just open and inviting and willing to help each other grow, and I think it’s a great part of our company,” she adds.
How Careers as a Hair Stylist Translate to Travel
Hair stylists and salon owners can make excellent travel agency owners, as it’s a career that allows them to take their pre-existing skills and talents and apply them in a new way. Just like designing colors, cuts and hairstyles, you’ll be crafting the perfect itineraries that give your clients the vacations of their dreams.
Entrepreneurs who want to open a franchise will be pleased to learn just how many of their skills are relevant. Aside from the creative aspects, hair stylists may already be knowledgeable in building clientele, maintaining relationships, listening to client needs, encouraging repeat bookings, recommending upgrades and handling mini emergencies. Stylists and salon owners may also have experience identifying what’s trending at the moment and running social media accounts. These all translate perfectly to the travel industry.
Several benefits await as well. Owning a travel agency allows you the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world, so long as you have your laptop, cell phone and reliable internet access. You’ll also be able to travel for work, not only during the annual conference but also for training events or familiarization with the places you promote to your clients.
Of course, one of the biggest perks is the ability to be your own boss. Create your own schedule, working as many or as few hours as you desire. Use this to your advantage and allow your business to grow as you build community with clients, travel agents, agency owners and hospitality connections across the globe. This makes it perfect if you want to integrate your travel business with your current needs and lifestyle!
Take the First Steps of Your Journey Today
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a love for travel to the next level, this path might be for you—and with Dream Vacations, you’ll be supported at every step of the way. Careers as a hair stylist and salon owner help set you up for success, with the first step being to simply choose to use your skills in a new way.
Being able to live life on your own terms is something that is truly irreplaceable, and that’s exactly what you’ll enjoy as a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner. To get started on your journey, reach out and learn more about your next steps.
