Traveling and helping others are two of Cynthia Torres’ passions. Before opening her Dream Vacations travel agency franchise on Veteran’s Day in 2016, the Gulf War Army Veteran owned a “travel to you” nail salon servicing home-bound patients who were elderly, quadriplegic or cancer patients. Bringing joy to people’s lives is important to Cynthia – whether she is creating dream vacations and lifelong memories for her clients or sharing empathy by providing a sense of confidence in their day-to-day life.
As a travel agency business owner, Cynthia has found that leadership and organization are two skills that have carried over the most from the military, while her nail salon business instilled in her the importance of providing superior customer service and making personal connections with clients. Cynthia’s business and clientele has increased each year as a result of her customer service, referrals and being active in the community.
In fact, that is Cynthia’s number one piece of advice for new franchise owners. She says to get involved with business organizations in your community and set up booths at local community events. Cynthia hosts a booth at every event she can find and has joined several organizations such as her local Small Business Association and Chamber of Commerce, and also volunteers her time with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Quilts of Valor, which makes quilts for soldiers.
Cynthia’s Dream Vacation is to go to the Maldives and stay in an overwater bungalow.
Cynthia is excited about Dream Vacations’ targeted expansion efforts in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. She looks forward to meeting new local franchisees and working with them on community events. If you want to meet Cynthia or learn more about Dream Vacations, come join us at the Biz New Orleans March networking event on Friday, March 22nd.
