Meet Mariela Reyes

 

We were lucky to catch up with Mariela Reyes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mariela , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something many of us struggle with, and I was no exception when I began my journey as a travel advisor. I had a deep passion for travel and plenty of experience, but I wasn’t sure how that would translate into successfully advising clients. In the beginning, I had moments of doubt, wondering if I really had what it takes.
But as I completed more training and started working directly with clients, I realized that I truly did have the knowledge. What helped me the most was recognizing that I don’t need to know everything right away. It’s about understanding where to find the right information and having the resources to support me.
My host agency, Fora, has played a huge role in overcoming imposter syndrome. The community they’ve built is incredibly supportive. Whether it’s connecting with fellow advisors or accessing their vast network of resources, having that backup has given me the confidence to push past those moments of self-doubt. While imposter syndrome still creeps in now and then, I remind myself that being an expert isn’t about knowing it all, but about being able to find the answers and provide the best possible experience for my clients.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am the owner and founder of Elavated Travel, a full-service travel advisor business dedicated to taking the stress out of trip planning and letting my clients fully immerse themselves in their travel experiences. What excites me most about my work is that I get to curate these incredible journeys and handle all the behind-the-scenes details, allowing my clients to focus on enjoying the destination rather than stressing over logistics.
For many people, planning a trip can feel overwhelming—sometimes it’s almost like a full-time job! I thrive on that part of the process and love using my experience to craft seamless, unforgettable trips. My services range from booking a simple staycation to organizing complex itineraries with every detail handled, including tours, dinner reservations, and more. I’ve arranged everything from once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic cruises to quick weekend getaways, always with the goal of making each vacation stress-free and memorable.
At Elavated Travel, what drives me is the commitment to providing a smooth, enjoyable experience from the moment we start planning. The meticulous attention to detail I bring to every trip is what sets my service apart, and it’s what I’m most proud of.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’m a natural planner, and that’s something that has always spilled into my day-to-day life. Even before I became a travel advisor, I would spend countless hours crafting meaningful trips for myself—finding those hidden gems, immersing myself in the culture, and making sure each experience was tailored to the destination. That personal experience helped me build a strong foundation for planning my clients’ trips. I learned exactly what to look for and which questions to ask to create unique, unforgettable journeys.
Another key element is that I’ve traveled extensively myself. Having firsthand knowledge of how things work on the ground makes a big difference when it comes to advising clients. I can put myself in their shoes and anticipate their needs. My own travel experiences allow me to offer valuable insights that only come from having been in those situations.
I’m also incredibly driven and goal-oriented. In the past, I focused on hitting specific milestones, but recently, I’ve shifted my perspective from goals to purpose. Now, my driving purpose is to help people plan their dream vacations, and that shift has really propelled me forward in growing my business and serving my clients better.
My advice to anyone, especially entrepreneurs, is to find what you’re passionate about—what you’re willing to put in the hours for. Lean into your strengths and be honest with yourself about where you excel and where you might need help. It’s that self-awareness that allows you to succeed and keep moving forward.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I start feeling overwhelmed, the first thing I rely on is to-do lists—lots of them! I’m very much a paper person, so I have notebooks for everything. Every morning, I sit down with my daily planner and create a fresh to-do list, often carrying over tasks from the previous day. One strategy I find particularly helpful is prioritizing tasks. I focus on what absolutely *must* get done that day, and then identify the things that can wait if needed. That way, I know what deserves immediate attention and what can be pushed to tomorrow if necessary.

Another key to managing overwhelm is clear communication with my clients. Rather than saying I’ll deliver something “ASAP,” I give a specific deadline, like “by Wednesday at close of business.” This helps me organize my time better and manage expectations.

I also keep separate lists for personal and work tasks. Sometimes, when I’m feeling overwhelmed by work, completing a quick personal task can bring a small sense of accomplishment and give me the momentum to jump back into my work with renewed energy.

Ultimately, to-do lists are my secret weapon. They not only help keep me on track, but there’s something so satisfying about checking off completed tasks. That little boost of accomplishment can really cut through the sense of overwhelm and keep me moving forward.

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