Q and A with Nicole from Los Angeles, California, living in Atlanta, Georgia

“A quote I like is: Feminism in travel is about empowering women to explore the world freely, breaking barriers and stereotypes, and discovering the strength within themselves through every journey. – Unknown”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about God, family, and travel.

My love for travel started at a young age when I was fascinated by different cultures and destinations around the world. I think I went to Mexico when I was just a few months old (so, really, it’s my parent’s fault [Nicole laughs]). I love helping others create memories. So, I became a travel agent 16 years ago, and eventually launched my own host agency, Art N Soul Escapes, six years ago.

Let’s go back a little ways, so you can get a glimpse of why this journey is so important. In 1999, I was in a plane crash (military) that changed my life forever. I won’t go into the entire story, but I was not supposed to walk away from that accident. I had switched seats with one of the airmen who passed away just before takeoff. From that moment forward, fear took over my life. It took about 10 years to “jump back on the horse,” and even now, I’m extremely afraid to fly—but I try to live by​ the words tattooed on my arm, “Walk by faith, not by sight.” I knew from then on, I had a purpose. What that was, I wasn’t so sure. What I began to realize, was part of that purpose (is) to face my fear, and help others face theirs. I feel extremely blessed, and if I can inspire one person to have a tiny bit of courage, then this journey is all worth it.

Currently, I’m working on organizing unique and affordable bucket list travel packages for 2025 and 2026. One of my most requested trips is my Mystery Trip. My goal is to empower more women, especially women of color, to break the stereotype and venture beyond their 100-mile radius to explore other countries. I want my clients to know that they can afford these experiences, and our payment plans help make it possible. Often, we need a little courage to take that leap, either because we don’t think we can afford it, or because we don’t have friends that can go with us. And that’s where my agency steps in to help.

As a host agency, my focus is to give those new or wanting to get into the industry an opportunity to have the personal support that you don’t always get in a larger host agency. I strive to provide them with the tools that I wasn’t given when I got into this industry. There wasn’t a person I could pick up the phone and talk to when I needed help walking through a process, or anyone showing me the ins and outs of putting together group trips. I had to figure it out alone. That is not what our agency is about.
In the travel industry, the money can be great, especially when you niche down and know who your clients are. But for me, it’s about more than just the money I make—it’s about building up a sisterhood and being able to explore things and make memories that our ancestors weren’t able to do. It’s about showing up for people who thought they couldn’t afford to go to places like Dubai or the Maldives. And once you connect with people, their word of mouth is confirmation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and exploration. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my interests and instilled in me the importance of hard work and resilience. I was involved in various activities, from sports to student organizations, which taught me teamwork and leadership.
I am the youngest of four children. My siblings enlisted in the military before I even went to high school, so it was almost like being an only child. As long as we got good grades and stayed out of trouble, my parents really let me make my own decisions. My dad’s mindset was, “If I tell you no, you’ll sneak out and do it behind my back. I’d rather you lead with the truth.” And honestly, you think that would be the greatest deal ever, to get to do what you want—but it was the opposite. It actually made me more self-aware of the choices I made.

As a teenager, I had the incredible opportunity to travel abroad to places like Russia, Germany, Belgium, and England. These experiences exposed me to different cultures and ways of life that I didn’t see back home in California. It definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for home, but it also ignited my desire to join the military. The military allowed me to visit places I would have never seen otherwise. Travel is very empowering, and those early experiences abroad shaped my desire to help others explore the world and appreciate the diversity and beauty it has to offer. After getting injured in my plane crash, I went into personnel, and later into human resources.

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Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: One valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. The first few years of building my host agency were challenging (due to the pandemic), but staying committed to my passion and adapting to changes allowed me to succeed. I want others to know that pursuing your dreams may come with obstacles, but the experiences and growth you gain along the way are invaluable. It’s also crucial to surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision. Success looks different for everybody. Remember, there is room for more than one person at the top. Don’t let someone else’s success discourage you from going after yours. This may be their time to shine, but don’t fret; yours is coming too, sis!

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism, to me, means advocating for equality and empowerment for all genders. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed, regardless of their gender. As a minority, veteran, and woman-owned business, Art N Soul Escapes embodies these values by promoting diversity and inclusion in the travel industry.

We are very focused on women’s safety and providing safe and empowering travel experiences. We ensure that solo travelers who don’t have anyone to go with feel like they’re at home with our group experience. For us, that means providing secure accommodations, safe transportation, and knowledgeable agents who understand the needs of women travelers.

Our agency is all women, and we encourage those interested in joining a great boutique agency to reach out to us to be a part of something empowering. Additionally, we try to collaborate as much as possible with women guides, women photographers, business owners, and other female professionals to help level the playing field. I believe in supporting and uplifting others, especially women, to achieve their goals and make their mark in the world. Feminism, for me, is about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel empowered in their journey.

MORE ABOUT NICOLE: While Art N Soul Escapes may not be the largest agency, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment and consistency. Our journey began with a group trip, which was a fortunate accident, and it revealed the immense potential of full dedication. Even working part-time, we reached our goal of six-figure sales in our first year and have continued to achieve this milestone every year thereafter, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of our clients. The only person I am in competition with is myself. This mindset drives me to continuously improve and innovate in the travel industry. My goal is not just to succeed, but to empower others to succeed as well. I believe in building a sisterhood and creating opportunities for everyone to explore the world, make lasting memories, and achieve their dreams. My advice to those on the fence about pursuing your passion—​take that leap. Put your fears aside, and just go for it. If you fall down, dust yourself off and start over. The closest people to you may be the last ones to support you, and that’s okay! Keep going, and show them why they should have believed in you from day one. ​

Thanks for reading!

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California, but my military travels have taken me all over the world. I have settled in the Atlanta Metro Area for the past 14 years.

Thank you so much for reading my story, 🙂

Website: www.artnsoulescapes.com
My email: info@artnsoulescapes.com
Phone: 678-779-8544
Mention “Women Wednesday” for $100 OFF if booked by October 31, 2024.***

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