Andrea Norfolk shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I travel so much that being away has almost become my “normal”. However, when I am in the USA, I hit the gym first. I try to go as early as possible so I’m ready to take on the day by 9am. That’s essentially when the emails, calls and consultations begin. M/W/F, I take on zoom consultations with potential new clients. T/TH I handle internal meetings and catch up on client work. I usually work until 8pm or later so it’s pretty much the same on the weeks I’m here. The weeks I’m gone (which is usually 2 x a month), is a completely different story! I’m usually visiting different resorts to meet with sales staff, see the property myself so I can advise clients and work as much as possible while away so I do not get behind.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Andrea, and I am the owner of a boutique travel agency that has grown to a team of more than 15 experienced advisors. We specialize in helping travelers explore the world through cruises, custom journeys to Europe, vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean, and even off-the-beaten-path destinations for those seeking something unique.
What sets us apart is the depth of our global network. With trusted partners in nearly every country, we’re able to design everything from quick getaways to extensive, multi-country adventures with the same commitment to detail, service, and care that defines our brand.
We’ve also expanded to include a dedicated destination wedding division, Shoreline Weddings. Each year, we coordinate more than 60 weddings throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, supported by a specialized team of coordinators who ensure seamless travel for couples and their guests. It’s a natural extension of what we do best; bringing people together through carefully planned and organized trips.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I’ve always been naturally shy, and if someone had told me as a child (or even a few years ago) that I’d be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, I would have said absolutely not. I’ve always admired people who seem at ease on stage. Those that are confident, charismatic, and able to deliver a message that really connects with the audience have always impressed me.
Over the past few years, I’ve had opportunities to be a panelist alongside some of my industry partners. I forced myself to say “yes” to the first one, and though I was incredibly nervous, when it was over, I felt proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone. Since then, I’ve continued to improve, and now I actually look forward to sharing my knowledge and story with others.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be so timid, you are strong and you don’t see it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends to describe me, I think they’d say I’m fiercely dedicated; both in my work and in my life as a parent. They’d probably talk about my strong work ethic and how I give my all to everything I commit to (maybe in some cases too much. But what they’d say matters most to me is how much I love and how proud I am of my children. They are, without question, the greatest joy of my life as most parents would say. I hope they see how hard I work and one day will say they are proud of me too.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I’ve always approached everything I do with my full effort even if it doesn’t always come with recognition or praise. I’m not someone who needs the spotlight, and I don’t measure my worth by awards and recognition. I am my own toughest critic, and if I feel proud of the work I’ve done, that’s enough for me. This industry can be tough and it seems like someone is always winning an award and posting about it. I choose not to compare myself to others and when I do receive recognition, I usually keep it to myself unless it’s a partner that I feel strongly about sharing the accomplishments. I’ve stuck to my principles on this and continue to remind myself that my clients do not care about rewards. They care about great service and coming home from a trip feeling that it lived up (or even exceeded) expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shorelinedestinations.com // www.shorelinewed.com
- Instagram: shoreline_destinations & shoreline_wed
- Linkedin: Shoreline Destinations & Andrea Norfolk
- Facebook: Shoreline Destinations
- Yelp: Shoreline Destinations
- Youtube: Shoreline Destinations
Image Credits
Desiree Ortman Photography (Desiree Ortman)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
