Meet Sheyla Paz Hicks

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheyla Paz Hicks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sheyla Paz, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I guess I get that from my mom. She always worked very hard to support us as a single mother. Throughout her life she always had a different types of full time jobs, then would come home and worked as a barber or made clothes for other people while cooking dinner. I think it’s admirable that she worked day and night to provide for us. I do the same thing today. I have several part time jobs while getting my company off and running.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder of Sheyla Adventure Travel, a boutique travel agency that specializes in creating meaningful cultural experiences across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. My passion for travel comes from my own story — I was born and raised in Cuba, immigrated to the United States in 2000, and have always carried with me a deep love for sharing my culture, music, and heritage with others.

What makes my work so special is that I don’t just plan trips — I help people truly connect with the heart of a destination. Whether it’s dancing salsa in Havana, sipping wine in Mendoza, exploring the colorful streets of Brazil, or discovering the timeless beauty of Europe, I design experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. For me, travel is about building bridges, opening minds, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Right now, I’m especially excited about my “Travel With Me” group adventures for 2026, which allow travelers to join me personally on curated journeys. Next year’s lineup includes unforgettable destinations like Italy, Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Cuba. These trips give travelers the chance to explore with confidence, meet like-minded adventurers, and enjoy the added benefit of my insider knowledge and local connections.

At the heart of my brand is a commitment to authenticity, cultural immersion, and personalized service. I want every client to feel seen, cared for, and inspired — because travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you experience it.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I would say the three most important qualities that shaped my journey have been resilience, curiosity, and connection.

Resilience has been vital. As an immigrant starting over in a new country, I had to adapt quickly, overcome challenges, and keep moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear. For anyone starting out, I’d say: don’t fear setbacks — they often become the stepping stones to your greatest growth.

Curiosity has guided my entire career. From journalism to film production to building my travel agency, I’ve always been eager to learn, ask questions, and explore new perspectives. Staying curious keeps you open to opportunities you might not have imagined. My advice? Read, travel, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

Finally, connection has been at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m connecting travelers with local cultures, building relationships with clients, or collaborating with partners across the world, it’s these human connections that make the work meaningful. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage building genuine relationships — not just networking, but really listening and showing up for others.

If you focus on resilience, curiosity, and connection, you’ll not only grow in your career, but you’ll also create a path that feels fulfilling and true to who you are.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Two pillars of support have been instrumental in my journey: ASTA (the American Society of Travel Advisors) and my husband.

Being part of ASTA over the last six years has been transformative. The mentorship, training, and ongoing support I’ve received have not only helped me grow as a professional but also given me the confidence to navigate an ever-changing industry. Having access to such a strong network of advisors and leaders has sharpened my skills, expanded my knowledge, and shown me the power of collaboration within the travel community.

Equally important has been the support of my husband, who has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. He has been my anchor, the person who steadies me through challenges and celebrates each milestone with me. Knowing I have that kind of encouragement at home gives me the strength to keep pushing forward and building something meaningful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Santorini flying dress and Sheyla Paz

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