Steph Mayorga
What
was your first job?
I was a waitress at Wimpy’s
Diner from the time I was 14 until l graduated from Centennial College, where I
studied marketing.
How
long have you been in the business?
In the travel
industry, about 3 ½ years now. I worked
in the financial industry before for 10 years but switched because I wanted a
lifestyle change. I have two young daughters just 14 months apart and I wanted
to find something where I could work from home. Plus I’d always loved helping
friends plan their vacations.
Why
Travel Only?
I have a relative who is a BDM for a supplier and has worked in the
industry over 20 years. I asked for her advice and she recommended Travel Only.
Do
you have a specialty?
Destination weddings and family travel. I’ve
done about 10 weddings now, just starting that last year. I planned my own wedding in Cancun, almost
six years ago, and just loved it. The ones I work on now are all over the
Caribbean. I’m working on my largest now, about 80 people in November in
Jamaica.
If
you could have any job in the business what would it be?
I like my job! I wouldn’t
change anything. I like having my own business and setting my own hours.
What
was your best fam?
A Palace Resorts fam to Cancun
and area, a weeklong trip and we got to see all the properties they have. Very informative!
Who
do you most admire in the industry?
There are a few people at our head office who always have our back –
and have tons of experience. I don’t dare list them because I might leave
someone out! I learn a lot from them, and they all want you to succeed.
What
drives you crazy?
I can’t think of anything. I
don’t mind getting calls every day from brides.
What’s
the first thing you do when you get into a hotel room?
Take a picture before we
disorganize it!
Do
you have a magic sentence to close the sale?
I always close my emails saying I’m here to
help and that there are always more options out there.
Do
you have any time management strategies?
That’s a
tough one. I do this only part time as
my younger daughter isn’t in school yet.
Check back next year!
How
have destination weddings changed since you got into the business?
Since my own wedding six
years ago, they have become more and more popular – and elaborate. The resorts
are now offering very grand and luxurious wedding packages and so many options
to customize. It’s definitely a growing
industry.
If
you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I
can’t imagine doing anything else. But if I didn’t have to work, I would focus
on my girls more.
If
you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick?
Cancun. It’s always been near and dear to my heart
and that’s why I got married there. I
plan to move there one day!
If
you or someone you know who is a front line travel agent in Canada would like
to be featured in Biting Questions, please
contact us.
