Meet Valerie Mendez

 

We recently connected with Valerie Mendez and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome was incredibly challenging when I started my business. In the first few months after launching The Wander and Travel, I fell into the worst depression I have ever experienced. I constantly questioned myself: “Was this the right move?” “Should I have even started a business in this field (travel)?” “Is this something people are still interested in?” “What do I have to offer that hasn’t already been offered?” These doubts overwhelmed my mind and prevented me from simply operating my new small business.

Having a support system around you is crucial. People who reach out and say, “It’s going to be okay,” are essential. It’s also important to have people who uplift you and remind you of your unique value. I overcame imposter syndrome by understanding and telling myself that even in a room full of 1,000 travel bloggers or travel agents, there would still be only one of me. Just like in everyday life, people gravitate towards what they feel connected to. People don’t want to hear from just any travel expert; they want to hear from YOU! This realization has become something I can apply to every area of my life now.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Valerie Mendez, and I am the CEO and Founder of The Wander and Travel. The Wander and Travel is both a travel blog and a travel agency. As a travel blogger, I connect with my audience by sharing my opinions, experiences, and tips on navigating the often overwhelming world of travel. As an agency, we specialize in adults-only luxury travel while welcoming all types of travelers.

As a Latina and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I strive for inclusivity in my brand. The Wander and Travel is a modern travel agency that provides you with the tools to travel as you desire. Our free blog allows you to DIY your own trip, and our pre-made itineraries offer a grab-and-go solution for your vacation. Save yourself from the endless hours of scouring through blogs and websites to piece together your trip. With our expertly curated pre-made travel itineraries, you’ll bypass the overwhelm of choosing from countless options and ensure you don’t miss out on any amazing experiences, as we provide you with the best of the best based on personal experience.

Our booking services are our most VIP offering yet! All you have to do is sit back and relax while we plan and book your entire trip. This includes our travel concierge service, where we are at your service 24/7 for any of your needs while you are at your destination. Soon, we will have more pre-made itineraries available, as well as a Booking Service Bridal Package, which will include booking and planning all of your wedding needs, such as destination weddings, bachelorette/bachelor parties, honeymoons, and more!

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?

The three most important qualities I relied on when opening and running my business were discipline, patience, and gratitude. Having your own business and being your own boss sounds great on paper until you realize you have to be your own boss. There will be days when you simply do not want to do anything, and that is okay. However, you have to have the discipline to tell yourself, “Okay, it is time to put in some work.” It’s the only way you can survive having your own business. Have the discipline to learn, to adapt, and to simply “clock in” for your own business. Give it the time it deserves.

With that comes patience. You will be working many hours and may not see a steady and fast return. Instead, you have to remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Businesses on average do not see any return until at least year three. Reminding yourself of this and being patient is what will get you to that finish line.

Being grateful that you have even gotten this far is essential. Thank yourself for pushing through even when you didn’t want to. Be grateful for that motivation, that drive, that resilience, that patience, and that discipline that many people struggle to find. Give yourself some grace and remind yourself of how far you have come.

How would you describe your ideal client?

The ideal client for The Wander and Travel and me is someone who truly wants to enjoy life to the fullest. They are not afraid to take risks and explore new, off-the-beaten-path destinations, yet they have a clear understanding of their personal preferences and travel style. They thrive on the thrill of new experiences, but also appreciate the comfort and security of well-planned itineraries.

My ideal client loves luxurious experiences but focuses more on the value rather than the cost. They understand that luxury is not merely about spending extravagantly but about creating memorable, enriching experiences that provide lasting joy and satisfaction. They seek out unique, high-quality experiences that offer exceptional value for their investment, whether that means staying in a boutique hotel with personalized service, dining at a hidden gem of a restaurant, or embarking on a private, curated tour.

This client is curious and open-minded, always eager to learn about new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. They value authenticity and want their travel experiences to reflect the true essence of the places they visit. They appreciate detailed, thoughtful planning and the peace of mind that comes with knowing every aspect of their journey is taken care of, from transportation and accommodations to exclusive excursions and dining reservations.

Moreover, my ideal client understands the importance of sustainability and responsible travel. They are conscious of their impact on the environment and local communities, and they prefer to support businesses and practices that align with these values.

In essence, my ideal client is someone who views travel not just as a getaway, but as an opportunity for growth, learning, and creating unforgettable memories. They are sophisticated, adventurous, and passionate about experiencing the world in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

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