Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Waite.
Hi Tonya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for travel, learning about places, the people who live there, and the stories behind them. That curiosity has been with me for as long as I can remember. Eventually, it led me to start Belle Vie Travel, a full-service travel agency.
The real turning point, though, was a conversation with my mother while she was terminally ill from cancer. She told me to stop being so responsible, to stop always putting others first, and to put myself and my dreams first, finally. Before she got sick, we had talked about opening a business together, a mother-daughter venture we could build side by side. When I created Belle Vie Travel, it became a way to honor that dream and keep that promise to both of us.
Now my sister, Deanna Otero, has joined me in the business, and in many ways it feels like we’ve brought that original dream full circle, still rooted in family.
Before launching my agency, I spent many years in the corporate world, in various roles, handling administrative, operations, and logistics. I also trained in a brick-and-mortar travel agency and earned my Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) credentials. All of that shows up in how I plan trips today, organized, detailed, and realistic about what will actually work for a client’s time and budget.
My focus on women’s travel grew out of my own life. I’ve been traveling with my girlfriends since I was 16, and there’s something powerful about those trips, the laughter, the support, and the freedom to do exactly what you want. Over the years, I kept hearing women say their partners or husbands didn’t like to travel, or they didn’t want to go alone, so they weren’t going anywhere. I felt there needed to be more trips designed for women, by women, so they didn’t have to put their own travel dreams on hold.
Cruises, including river cruises, were a natural fit. They allow people to see a lot in a short time, with many of the details handled, which works well for busy professionals and families. I also love helping clients find hotels and added perks that make their trips feel special and easy, so they can show up and enjoy the experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle was learning how to build everything from scratch. I had to figure out how to attract clients without a big ad budget, how to manage my time between marketing, learning new systems, and actually planning trips, and how to stay on top of constantly changing policies and contracts. Each challenge forced me to get more organized, more focused, and more creative about reaching the right people.
As you know, we’re big fans of Belle Vie Travel. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Belle Vie Travel is a Parma-based, women-owned agency serving clients in the Cleveland area and nationwide. We plan river cruises, women’s travel, hotel stays with added value through our exclusive preferred partners, ocean and expedition cruises, and custom vacations.
What sets Belle Vie Travel apart is the way we guide people through the planning process. Travel can take up a lot of time and energy, and many of our clients come to us because they’re tired of sorting through endless information on their own. We listen to what they want their trip to feel like, the kind of days they enjoy, and what fits their life right now. From there, we handle the research, compare the options, and help them understand what makes sense for them, without pressure.
I trained in a brick-and-mortar agency, earned my CTA and VTA credentials, and completed extensive supplier education. Still, the heart of my work is much simpler than that: I explain things clearly, stay involved from start to finish, and make sure clients always feel supported and not overwhelmed.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Belle Vie Travel helps people uncover the heart and soul of the places they visit. Our goal has always been to take the pressure off planning while showing clients the deeper side of each destination, its culture, its stories, and the moments that stay with you long after you’re home.
What I want readers to know is that travel doesn’t have to feel like another thing on your to-do list. We take on the research and organization so you can enjoy your time away instead of working for it. Our focus is simple: clarity, care, and trips that feel doable, even in the middle of a busy life.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that honesty builds the strongest relationships. People don’t want a sales pitch; they want someone who will tell them what’s realistic, what’s worth their time, and what isn’t. They want someone who is knowledgeable and has vetted the places, hotels, and cruises they recommend, not someone who disappears after the deposit clears. The more direct and transparent I’ve been, the more clients trust the process. It’s taught me that being my natural, straightforward self is not only easier, but it’s also what people appreciate most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bellevietravel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellevie.travel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelleVieTravel/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bellevietravel/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BelleVieTravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BelleVieTravel
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/belle-vie-travel-cleveland
- Other: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tonywait15346
