Meet Brittany Epps | Travel Agent, Educator, & Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Epps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, how do you think about risk?
I truly believe in the idea that without risk, there can be no true reward. I think that there is a certain amount of risk associated with everything that is worth attaining. In fact, it has been in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that I have both grown and learned the most. At this point in my life, I welcome the good “danger” that is associated with the risks that get me closer to my dreams. Most recently, my family and I took the risk to leave the life that we knew in New Orleans and relocate to Houston. Unsure of all the outcomes on the other side of that decision, we knew that it was the best choice for the future we desire for ourselves and our children. With that move, I also took advantage of the opportunity to leave the comfort zone of my 8-year career in education in order to pursue my passion of curating travel experiences, while working from home. I jumped at the chance that presented itself to me, and I haven’t looked back since. I know, for a fact, that when we decide to bet on ourselves and throw caution to the wind, we may not always get the desired result, but we’ll most certainly be a lot stronger and more fulfilled than if we never tried at all. Risk taking requires faith.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So, in addition to being an educator and somewhat of a serial entrepreneur (it’s the Aries Sun in me), I have recently become an independent travel agent! With that, I have the honor of planning vacations from Arizona to Jamaica to Santorini and literally helping to make people’s dreams of travel a reality. I know firsthand the powerful impact of journeying to new destinations and experiencing adventures in unfamiliar locations, and it feels like such a blessing to offer my services in this way. Still, this is a fairly new venture for me, and I am learning so much! Over the last several years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some incredible places across the world. I’ve also gotten supreme joy out of planning vacations, curating itineraries, and discovering unique accommodations and activities in the places that I visit. It was a natural progression, albeit not the easiest choice, to find myself here. There’s always the thing of making the best, and most responsible choice, especially when bills and children are involved. However, I’ve learned that when you go after your personal journey, the universe conspires on your behalf. Word to Paulo Coelho and his transformational book, The Alchemist. I’m the kind of person who believes that we should tap into all of our gifts and talents in order to truly walk in purpose. This doesn’t have to be all at the same time. We have to figure what makes the most sense for our lives. In my situation, I just knew in my heart that it was time.

Jumping back into the now, when planning trips for my clients, I make selections as if I were going on the trip, myself. I truly want my people to enjoy themselves and have an incredible experience! I’m having fun experimenting and figuring out branding and the “Brittany way” of doing things, but the passion is here, exuding out of everything that I do! I am excited to see how this journey unfolds.

A couple of takeaways from the first 2 months fully in this field + working remotely are: 1. There has to be a cut-off time when working from home. Finding balance is key! 2. Travel agents should most definitely charge a service/planning fee, and potential clients should not shy away from paying it! Our time and expertise are invaluable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I moved to HTX about 3 months ago, so I am still finding my groove! However, a few spots for good food, drinks, and vibes that I’ve enjoyed so far are: Turkey Leg Hut, Max’s Wine Dive, Downing Street Social Club, Present Company, and MAD Houston. What I love most about this city is that there is so much to get into, so many areas to explore, and so many places to try! I’m excited to be here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my support system! My man who recognized my gift in planning travel, encouraged me to do it full-time, AND initiated the move to Houston that made it possible! I want to shout out my best friends who are full-time entrepreneurs and encourage me daily with their truth and their passion! My mother who planted seeds of audacity into my spirit from the day that I was born, and still. And my sweet daughter who inspires me to live my most authentic and uninhibited life!

Website: https://www.travelleaders.com/travel_agent/agent-details.aspx?id=218190

Instagram: @BrittanyTraveste

Other: Additional Website: seedtobloomessentials.com Can purchase items from my organic self-care line! here!

Image Credits
Jesse Watkins of Express Marketing