Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena Barnes.
Hi Helena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for travel started as a little girl. My parents loved to travel. We did road trips near and far. I spent summers in Alabama with my maternal grandmother. Travel was usually on the Greyhound going down and then flying home. 12 years ago when living in the Washington, DC area, I received information for travel agent certification classes. I thought it would be fun. After becoming certified, I remarried, moved to Ohio and started my business.
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 road was not smooth at all. It took hard work and dedication. It took me 5 years of posting 5-6 days weekly on social media to build clients. I continued taking classes to learn what was new and trending with travel. I would have potential clients asking for “discounts” and expecting prices to be lower than normal. I would share that I don’t get to lower prices. Unfortunately, at this time I don’t get to post on social media as often as I would like.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Helena Barnes Travel & Tours?
I am what is known in the travel industry as a host based travel agent. This means that I have a parent organization that provides support, resources, and a network to help me build my business. I provide excellent customer service for all types of travel. My clients get to speak directly with me verbally, via text or email. I love when questions are asked by my clients. As a travel agent, I don’t expect my clients to have the most up to date travel information. I provide travel serivce going both near and far. For Ohio residents, I share places to go that most aren’t familiar with. I live a few miles from the Michigan state line and I offer the same for my Michigan clients.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach me by phone, email, my website or social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tap6.myagentgenie.com/helenabarnes/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenabarnestravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenabarnestravel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-barnes-56956a84/
