Talitha Park (Photo Credit: Talitha Park)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Talitha Park, the top-producing agent at Anew Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
For many years – and still today – I’ve worked as a hair stylist. My salon chair has always been more than a place for haircuts and color; it’s where people open up, dream aloud and share pieces of their lives. No matter who sits down, one topic consistently brings joy, connection and a spark of excitement: travel.
I’ve always loved how talking about vacations instantly changes the energy. It lets us leave politics, stress and negativity at the door to focus on something uplifting. Over time, I realized these conversations weren’t just lighthearted moments – they were the highlight of my day. I naturally found myself offering destination ideas, sharing experiences and helping clients envision their next adventure.
After years of seeing how much joy travel brought into my chair, I started to recognize a deeper passion growing within me. That’s when I decided to officially begin my journey as a travel advisor. It felt like the perfect extension of what I already loved doing: inspiring people, connecting on a personal level and helping them feel excited about life.
Today, I am proud to balance both careers. I’m still behind the chair, and travel remains the number one topic with my clients – only now I have the ability to turn those conversations into real, meaningful travel experiences for them.
How did you build your business over the years?
My travel business was built step by step – through relationships, education (lots of it!) and an unwavering commitment to service. From the very beginning, I knew that if I wanted to create a business rooted in trust and excellence, I had to become a true expert. I invested heavily in ongoing training, supplier certifications, property tours and firsthand destination knowledge so I could confidently guide my clients with real experience instead of guesswork.
Very early on, I also leaned into social media – not as a place to “sell” but as a space to connect. I began posting daily, sharing real experiences, behind-the-scenes moments and authentic storytelling from both my own travels and my clients’ journeys. Over time, this consistency helped people feel like they knew me personally, making it natural for them to reach out when they were ready to travel.
As the industry evolved, so did I. One of the most transformative tools I’ve embraced is Artificial Intelligence, which now plays a valuable role in supporting my workflow. From helping streamline research to enhancing communication and organization, AI allows me to work more efficiently – giving me even more time to focus on the high-touch service and personal connection my clients expect.
But the heart of my business growth has always been how I treat my clients. I built my brand by treating every traveler like a VIP – no matter their budget, destination or reason for traveling.
I believe in exceptional service, thoughtful touches, timely communication (very important) and customizing every trip with genuine care. Because of that, my business has grown organically through referrals, repeat travelers, community presence, and clients who proudly share, “Talitha planned this!”
Today, my business continues to flourish because I’ve stayed committed to the same core values I started with: educate endlessly, serve wholeheartedly and build relationships that last far beyond a single trip.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I believe my success comes from a combination of traits: A service-minded heart – I care deeply about my clients and their experiences; attention to detail – I approach every trip as if it were my own; creativity – crafting itineraries, solving problems and designing unforgettable trips is truly my passion; adaptability – travel changes constantly, I thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of this industry; and relationship building – both with clients and supplier partners, which is essential to delivering elevated experiences.
What have been your greatest challenges?
The biggest challenge has been navigating the constant changes in travel – from global events to airline schedules to supplier policies. Destination entry requirements and protocols can shift at a moment’s notice, and staying current on every update is essential to running an efficient and reliable business. As a travel advisor, you must remain informed, adaptable and ready to pivot quickly.
Another major challenge has been balancing rapid business growth with maintaining high-touch, personalized service. As my business grew, I realized something important: You simply cannot be everything to everyone.
Adapting to that mindset took time, but it ultimately allowed me to elevate my business. By setting clear boundaries, refining my process and focusing on the clients and types of travel that align best with my strengths, I’ve been able to deliver a higher level of service without sacrificing the personal care my clients expect.
These challenges have pushed me to streamline systems, evolve with industry demands and continuously raise my standards. Yet every obstacle has helped me grow stronger, smarter and more dedicated to my craft. They’ve shaped me into a more confident, resilient advisor and have reinforced the importance of staying educated, organized and true to the kind of service I want to provide.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
When I look at what I’ve accomplished, one of the things I’m most proud of is building a thriving travel business from the ground up while still working as a hairstylist. Juggling two careers has taught me discipline, balance, and the importance of staying connected to the clients who originally inspired my journey into travel.
Another accomplishment that means so much to me is the steady, organic growth of my business through referrals. When someone loves their trip enough to send a friend or family member my way, that’s the highest compliment I could receive. Referrals aren’t something you can buy; they’re a direct result of trust, consistency and genuine service.
I also recognize that I didn’t build this alone. Having the support of an incredible host agency has made a tremendous difference. Being part of Anew Travel, under the guidance and leadership of Christina Royer, has been a true blessing. Her mentorship, encouragement and unwavering support have allowed me to grow with confidence while staying true to my values and the level of service I strive to provide.
And truly, that trust is my greatest accomplishment. Clients rely on me for their vacations, celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime moments. Knowing they feel confident enough to place those memories in my hands is something I never take for granted. Their trust is the foundation of everything I do.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
First and foremost, invest in education and supplier training. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence is what allows clients to trust your recommendations. The more you learn, the stronger and more credible you become as an advisor.
Find your niche, but stay flexible. Specializing helps you stand out in a crowded industry, while versatility allows you to grow as travel trends and client needs evolve.
Treat every client as if they were your only client. Exceptional service is what separates a good advisor from a great one. The care, communication and personal touches you provide will always matter more than price.
Build relationships – not transactions. This industry thrives on connection, trust and long-term partnerships. When clients feel valued, they come back and they refer others.
And finally, be patient. Success in travel is built over time through dedication, authenticity and passion. It often takes a solid three years to build a strong foundation. I always remind new advisors: You have to show up to go up!
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
