TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

Stephanie Malakie, founder of Empress Travel Club, discusses a business model that’s gaining serious traction in the luxury travel world: memberships! The same concept behind your favorite wine club or go-to subscription service is now helping travel advisors lock in dream clients and keep them for the long haul. Stephanie shares why today’s ultra-wealthy travelers are craving more than just beautiful vacations. They’re looking for trusted partners who get them, know their preferences before they say a word, and can pull off flawless, one-of-a-kind experiences all year long. You’ll hear the magic behind her high-touch approach, how she structures her membership model without overcommitting, and how to grow your client base through authentic relationships and high-value referrals. If you’re curious about adding more exclusivity, ease, and long-game strategy to your business, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Stephanie Malakie:

Growing up on the west coast of Canada with a family who loved to travel, Stephanie developed an appreciation for international destinations from a young age. Her early adventures to places like Egypt, Europe, Central America, and Asia ignited her passion for exploring the world. After completing her degree in Business Management from the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Melbourne in Australia, Stephanie moved to Hawaii. There, she joined a management program at Four Seasons Resorts, working across various operational hotel management roles. She eventually managed a VIP client program for years before transitioning to a luxury travel agency and concierge firm. After gaining further experience in the industry, Stephanie founded Empress - a company catering to discerning clients looking for seamless, unique and luxurious travel experiences across the globe. She is based in Kona, Hawaii leading a team that spans from Hawaii to Portugal, allowing Empress to provide 24 hour client coverage. 

empresstravelclub.com

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SOP TEMPLATE & CHECKLIST: http://tiquehq.com/sop?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+131&utm_medium=SOP+PDF&utm_campaign=SOP+Checklist+Freebie

Consider this your secret weapon for creating clear, step-by-step processes that eliminate guesswork, save time, and make delegation effortless.

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

@TiqueHQ

Followers are great, but clients pay the bills! Katie Brown, founder of Hey Party People and a top-performing agent at Travelmation, tackles a question so many travel advisors and business owners wrestle with: How do you actually turn followers into clients? In this episode, Katie shares how she went from joining the travel industry to fund her son’s adoption to building a $7M business in just five years. She dives into the strategies behind her success like using personal storytelling, authentic branding, and strategic content to grow an engaged Instagram audience of over 50,000. You’ll hear how she blends lifestyle and travel, why showing up as yourself is a business superpower, and how short-form video helps her turn online visibility into real sales. Whether you’re a travel advisor or online business owner looking to grow your audience and your revenue, Katie’s insights will help you ditch the algorithm obsession and start building trust that actually converts!

Connect with Katie Brown:

heypartypeople.travel

Instagram: @itskatiejobro

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TECH STACK CHECKLIST: http://tiquehq.com/tech-stack?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+130&utm_medium=Tech+stack+PDF&utm_campaign=Tech+Stack+Freebie

Download the foolproof guide to the only tools you need to streamline your workflow, cut your admin time in half, and run your business like a well-oiled machine.

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

@TiqueHQ

Ever feel like your business can’t grow unless you’re in control of everything? Think again! Lindsey Epperly, Founder and Chairwoman of Jetset World Travel, shares how stepping back can actually unlock your next level of success and why letting go is a power move, not a setback. From starting in the travel industry at 19 to building a multimillion dollar company and eventually stepping down as CEO, Lindsey’s journey is full of lessons on growth, leadership, and evolution. She dives into the mindset shifts required to scale, including recognizing when fresh leadership is needed and how to navigate imposter syndrome as you transition from founder to visionary. If you’re growing, pivoting, or reevaluating your role, this conversation is your reminder that sometimes the smartest move is stepping back so your business can leap forward.

Connect with Lindsey Epperly:

jetsetworldtravel.com

Who Made You the Boss?

o-nr.org 

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JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

What do construction sites and luxury vacations have in common? A lot more than you’d think! This episode explores the parallels between project management and travel advising with Curated by Cara founder and Travel + Leisure Rising Star, Cara Donleavy. Cara shares how her background managing multi-million dollar construction sites laid the foundation for her booming luxury travel business. From timelines and budgeting to risk management and client communication, she brings a project-based mindset to every itinerary she creates, ensuring each trip runs as seamlessly behind the scenes as it feels to her clients. Hear how she transitioned from part-time to full-time advisor, the systems and tools that keep her business running smoothly, and how she approaches budgeting, boundaries, and scaling with intention. Press play to learn why every trip deserves a project plan, and how that mindset can take your business to the next level!

About Cara Donleavy:

Cara is the founder and proud owner of Curated By Cara, a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke itinerary design. Since launching her business in 2022, she has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences tailored to each traveler’s unique style and preferences. Based in Boston, MA, Cara works with families, couples, and groups to curate dream vacations that are seamless, inspiring, and stress-free. At Curated By Cara, the mission is simple: take the stress out of travel planning and replace it with pure excitement. The team handles all the details—research, booking, and beyond—specializing in luxury accommodations and thoughtfully curated experiences you won’t find just anywhere.

curatedbycaratravel.com

@curatedbycaratravel

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JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

→ Sun & Sand Client Communication Templates: Your go-to workflow for smooth, stress-free beach and all-inclusive bookings.

Ever feel like you’re trying to be everything to everyone? In this episode, Lori Gold from Explore More Mexico explains why niching down might just be the best thing you can do for your travel business. Lori’s story starts with a free trip to Mexico and ends with her building a thriving, passion-fueled career as a Riviera Maya expert. She shares how focusing on one destination has made her work easier, more profitable, and way more fulfilling. Learn about the power of firsthand experience, how to market yourself as a true specialist, and why simplifying your services can actually help you stand out and serve your clients better. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth picking a lane and going all in, this is your sign! Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how specialization can take your travel business to the next level (with a lot less stress along the way).

About Lori Gold:

Lori has spent the past 16 years planning travel for her clients, with over 8 of those years living in the Mexican Caribbean. Her deep-rooted passion for the region has naturally evolved into a commitment to education—sharing her knowledge with fellow travel advisors to help them better understand and sell this destination with confidence. She spends her time exploring every corner of the Mexican Caribbean, from hidden gems to well-known resorts, participating in tours, and getting to know the destination inside and out. Through this hands-on experience, Lori has developed a suite of accessible resources and engaging classes designed specifically for travel advisors. She knows that a well-informed advisor has the power to elevate a client’s experience—and she’s on a mission to make that possible for as many advisors as she can. 

Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/theresortsoftherivieramaya

Mexperts: exploremoremexico.com/mexperts-membership

Mexican Caribbean 101: 

exploremoremexico.com/offers/T7WSDFks/checkout

exploremoremexico.com/offers/MP3KunVM/checkout

Today we will cover:

DEFINING YOUR DREAM CLIENT GUIDE

A free workbook designed to help travel advisors define, attract, and convert more of your dream clients!

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Colors do more for your brand than just look pretty. Amandolin Webb of Smeuse Studio dives into the psychology of color and how it plays a major role in creating emotional connections, influencing perception, and building trust with your ideal audience. You’ll learn what different colors say about your brand, how to build a cohesive palette that aligns with your business goals, and the biggest mistakes to avoid when choosing your colors. Whether you're picking a palette for the first time or refreshing your brand visuals, this conversation will help you make intentional, strategic choices that leave a lasting impression. From choosing your anchor and accent colors to understanding what color actually signals to your audience, Amandolin breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to apply!

About Amandolin Webb:

Amandolin is the founder of Smeuse Studio, a boutique branding and web design studio helping travel advisors and creative entrepreneurs show up with clarity, confidence, and style. Formerly the Creative Director at Tique, she now brings over a decade of design experience into her signature semi-custom and custom services—making high-end branding feel streamlined, strategic, and actually enjoyable. Think of her as your design-savvy big sister—here to cut through the chaos and help build an online presence you’re proud of. 

smeusestudio.com

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Listen to Previous Episodes:

11. How To Define Your Dream Client & Why It's Important For Your Travel Brand with Amandolin Webb (Part 1)

12. Using Proper Branding To Attract Dream Clients with Amandolin Webb (Part 2)

16. The Importance Of Building An Authentic Brand with Amandolin Webb

DEFINING YOUR DREAM CLIENT GUIDE

A free workbook designed to help travel advisors define, attract, and convert more of your dream clients!

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

A seamless client experience doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built with intention. Tique’s Workflow Manager, Ashlyn Puckett, shares why niche workflows are the key to delivering personalized journeys that impress at every step. From Disney vacations and destination weddings to luxury cruises, you’ll learn how to tailor your systems to different trip types, master strategic timing, and use touchpoints and feedback to build lasting trust. Ashlyn also breaks down how to balance automation with personal connection, avoid common workflow pitfalls, and audit your client experience to ensure every detail aligns with your goals. Whether you're refining your processes or starting fresh, this conversation will help you create workflows that feel effortless for you and your clients!

Listen Episode 115: How Buyer Psychology Is Changing (& What To Do About It)

Explore Tique’s Client Communication Templates.

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JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Learn how to confidently break into a new niche - specifically the wild world of safari travel! In this episode, Clint Saint, owner of Live Life African Safari Getaways, shares how travel advisors can successfully enter the safari market without needing to be experts in every detail. From building strong supplier partnerships to setting client expectations and marketing with heart, this conversation walks through what it really takes to sell unforgettable African adventures. You'll learn how to navigate emotional experiences like the Great Migration, why FAM trips are helpful but not required, and how to position yourself as the go-to expert for clients seeking once-in-a-lifetime trips. If you’re ready to expand your travel offerings and bring Africa’s magic to your clients, this one’s for you!

Connect with Clint Saint:

livelifesafaris.com

Today we will cover:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

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FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com

Budget discussions with clients aren’t always easy, but what if they didn’t have to be so awkward? Courtney Gardner, founder of Fisher and Stout, unpacks how travel advisors can confidently navigate those tricky money conversations while building trust and delivering unforgettable experiences. With a 99% referral rate, she walks through how she sets the tone from the very first call, focusing on how clients want to feel on their trip and not just what they want to spend. Learn how to handle misaligned expectations with grace, educate clients on the value of what they're getting, and use transparent pricing as a trust-building tool. If you’ve ever struggled with vague budgets or felt stuck when clients dream big but spend small, this conversation is the clarity you’ve been craving.

About Courtney Gardner:

Courtney is the founder of Fisher & Stout Travel, a boutique travel advisory specializing in custom, high-end experiences. Born and raised in Idaho, Courtney spent 20 years working in theatre and film, honing her ability to craft compelling narratives—something she now brings into the world of travel. She doesn’t just plan trips; she designs immersive stories, using a mix of meticulous planning and gut instinct to create journeys that feel effortless yet extraordinary. After starting Fisher & Stout in Arkansas, she’s built a reputation for curating seamless, meaningful travel experiences that allow her clients to discover the world in a way that’s uniquely their own. 

fisherandstout.com

Today we will cover:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

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FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq

CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY 

What if the key to unlocking your next level isn’t just strategy but connection? In this episode, Robin and Jennifer discuss five key reasons why every travel advisor needs a strong community around them. From increasing your income and accessing exclusive opportunities to finding mentorship and preventing burnout, surrounding yourself with the right people can truly transform your business. You’ll hear surprising stats (like how connected advisors earn 26% more!) and insights on how community builds credibility, trust, and long-term success. Plus, get an inside look at the Niche Community - a supportive space designed specifically for driven advisors like you. Because here’s the truth: business isn’t meant to be navigated alone. Tune in and find out why community might just be your most valuable business asset!

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CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com