From Corporate America to Travel Entrepreneurs
Emer and Dervila’s journey started incorporate America, where international travel was a coveted perk. However, they soon realized that one week of vacation a year wasn't enough for their adventurous spirits. As they explored the travel industry, they began to dream bigger, seeking a way to make travel not just a perk but their full-time passion.
Dervila recalls, "We needed to find away around that one week of vacation. That’s when we started thinking about how to turn our love of travel into something more."
Finding Inspiration in Every Step
Emer’s background in health and fitness introduced her to international travel, and she quickly fell in love with experiencing new cultures. For Dervila, her corporate role also allowed her to travel, but it wasn’t until she returned to Ireland in 2005 that she started to envision a future in the travel industry.
Building a Business Through Friendship
Celtic Hearts Travel is not just abusiness—it’s the product of a strong friendship. Emer and Dervila’s complementary skills have been the backbone of their success. Emer’s natural sales ability paired with Dervila’s organizational talents created the perfect foundation for their business. "We were the best of friends and loved to travel together. It just made sense to build a business with both of our strengths," says Dervila.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Starting a business is never easy, and both Emer and Dervila battled with imposter syndrome in their early days. "We didn’t feel like professionals yet," shares Emer. "But every small win helped us gain more confidence."
Their first major success came when they booked a luxury trip to Italy, which helped them realize they were capable of offering top-tier travel experiences.
Embracing the Role of Group Leaders
A pivotal moment in their business came during a mastermind meeting where they were encouraged to lead group trips themselves. Instead of relying on others, they took the reins and hosted their first successful group trip to Ireland. This moment solidified their position in the luxury travel space and marked the beginning of their focus on group travel experiences.
Pivoting During the Pandemic
While the pandemic halted travel for many, Emer and Dervila found a way to adapt. They hosted virtual presentations to market a river cruise with AmaWaterways, and despite the global challenges, they filled the group. Their come-with-us strategy was a hit, showing their ability to thrive even in uncertain times.
Achieving Entrepreneurial Success
Today, both Emer and Dervila feel they've reached a significant milestone in their journey. By mid-2024, they had already surpassed their total sales for the previous year, proving their resilience and business acumen.
Dervila shares valuable advice for aspiring travel entrepreneurs: "Let go of your imposter syndrome, and don’t shop with your pocketbook. Understand your clients’ needs and trust the value you bring."
The Gift of Community and Support: Joining the Gifted Travel Network
For anyone considering a career in travel, Emer and Dervila emphasize the importance of having a support system like the Gifted Travel Network (GTN). Joining GTN provided them with invaluable mentorship, resources, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. "GTN’s support was a game changer for us," says Emer. "Their guidance helped us navigate challenges and achieve success far beyond what we imagined."
If you're passionate about travel and looking to turn that passion into a business, GTN offers the tools, training, and community to help you succeed. With GTN’s support, you can build a business that offers freedom, fulfillment, and financial satisfaction—just like Celtic Hearts Travel.
If you're interested in professionalizing your passion for travel, apply for our Travel MBA program today.
Watch or listen to the full Travel Business Unpacked episode:
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