Meet Teressa Short

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teressa Short. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teressa below.

Hi Teressa, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned to own my space and trust that I belong in any room I step into. As a Black woman, I know that representation matters, and I carry that with pride. Being the only one who looks like me has taught me the power of confidence, preparation, and staying true to myself. I focus on bringing value, building relationships, and letting my work speak for itself. Instead of seeing it as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and open doors for others who will come after me.

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

I’m Teressa, the founder of Teressa’s Dream Destinations, where I specialize in curating personalized travel experiences that embody true luxury—luxury that’s about feeling special, relaxed, and taken care of, rather than just cost. As a travel advisor, I help clients plan unforgettable vacations, from breathtaking island getaways to exclusive VIP sporting events. My goal is to make travel planning seamless and stress-free, creating experiences that are uniquely tailored to each individual, ensuring every journey feels like an escape.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to help people experience the world in ways they never imagined. I’m truly passionate about curating memorable travel experiences that allow my clients to step out of their everyday lives and explore new places with ease. I love the idea of turning someone’s travel dreams into reality, whether it’s relaxing on a beach, exploring a new city, or attending a special event.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my brand by expanding my group booking services, launching my YouTube channel, and continuing to connect with travelers who want curated, stress-free vacations. I’m also working on educating my audience on the value of working with a travel professional—especially for those looking for luxury escapes with expert planning and insider access. For anyone looking to book their next dream vacation, I’d love to help make it unforgettable!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a passion for learning.

Resilience has been essential in overcoming the challenges and setbacks that naturally come with building a business. Staying focused on my goals and bouncing back from obstacles has helped me keep pushing forward, even when things aren’t easy.

Adaptability has also played a big role, especially in the travel industry, which is constantly changing. Being open to new ideas, learning new tools, and adjusting to what clients need has helped me stay relevant and grow my business.

Passion for learning is another quality that has driven my journey. I’m always eager to learn—whether it’s about the latest travel trends, new technologies, or better ways to serve my clients. That constant curiosity has kept me moving forward.

For those just starting out, my advice would be to focus on these three things: Stay resilient when things get tough, stay adaptable to changes, and never stop learning. The more you invest in yourself and your growth, the more you’ll see the payoff in the long run.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m open to collaborating with professionals and businesses who share my passion for creating memorable travel experiences. I’m particularly interested in partnering with luxury accommodations, event planners, tour operators, and brands in the travel industry that align with my values of providing personalized, high-quality travel. If you’re a destination resort, travel provider, or even someone in the wellness or lifestyle industry looking to offer something unique to your clients, I’d love to connect. We can work together to provide seamless, unforgettable travel experiences. Feel free to reach out through my website www.teressasdreamdestinations.com or @teressasdreamdestinations on FB/IG if you’re interested in exploring collaboration opportunities.

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