Exploring Life & Business with Tamara Buyck of Tam B Traveling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Buyck

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Travel and event planning have always been my passion. What started as a side hobby in 2018 soon became something much more. As a wife and mother with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University, I naturally became the go-to person for planning family vacations, coordinating events, and ensuring every detail was perfect. I loved the thrill of crafting itineraries, discovering hidden gems, and creating seamless experiences for others.

My journey to success wasn’t traditional. I was a young mother, giving birth to my oldest child at 20. By the time I graduated, I was a mother of two, balancing college, part-time work, and leadership responsibilities. Despite the challenges, I didn’t just survive—I thrived. I became the president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Xi Nu Chapter, while juggling work and motherhood. Those years taught me resilience, time management, and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities—skills that would later serve me well in business.

What began as a passion project in 2018 led me to join a host travel agency. I made it through the challenges of the pandemic, navigating industry changes and adapting to an uncertain travel landscape. But over time, frustrations grew—my host agency wasn’t paying commissions in a timely manner, and I felt like I had little control over my success. In December 2022, I made the difficult decision to leave, unsure of what my next step would be.

At the same time, I was juggling a career as a public relations specialist. For six years, it had been fulfilling, but by October 2023, I felt drained. Burnout had crept in, and the work that once inspired me no longer brought the same joy. I knew something had to change. So, I took a month to focus on my mental health, to pause and reflect on what truly made me happy.

That’s when my mother gave me the push I needed. She saw my passion for travel, my talent for planning, and the years of experience I had already built. “Why not start your own agency?” she asked. And that was the moment everything clicked.

My mother didn’t just encourage me—she invested in my startup. With her belief in me, I was able to take the leap and turn my dreams into reality. I couldn’t have made it this far without her support.

I also couldn’t have done it without my husband, who had held down the house, allowing me the space to focus on pursuing my passion. His belief in me has had been invaluable throughout this journey.

In November 2023, I launched my own travel agency. It was a scary but exhilarating decision—one that allowed me to take control of my business, serve my clients the way I wanted, and finally step into the career I was meant for.

Now, I wake up every day excited about what I do. I help families, couples, and solo travelers create unforgettable experiences, and I’ve never felt more fulfilled. The journey wasn’t always easy, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes, the hardest moments lead us to where we’re truly meant to be.

For anyone afraid to take that first step, I say this: Trust yourself. Follow your passion. And don’t be afraid to rewrite your story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my own travel agency has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life, but it hasn’t come without its fair share of struggles. As a wife, mother of two active high schoolers, and business owner, I find myself constantly juggling multiple roles. The challenges of running a business while keeping up with family responsibilities often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the financial side of things.

Supporting my business financially, especially in the early stages, has been one of the toughest hurdles I’ve faced. With the pressure to ensure the agency’s success while managing personal finances, it often feels like I’m carrying a heavy weight. There are days when I wonder if I’m doing enough or if I’m even heading in the right direction. But the passion I have for travel and event planning keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

In addition to the financial challenges, balancing my career, business, and family life is a delicate act. My two high schoolers are involved in sports and other activities, and as a mother, I want to be there for every game, every event, and every milestone. Being present for my family is my priority, but I also have to be fully committed to my business.

The day-to-day grind of running a travel agency requires time, focus, and discipline—resources that can feel scarce when you’re constantly pulled in different directions. Finding the time to reply to emails, research destinations, provide quotes, and keep up with the latest industry trends while managing the rest of my life is a constant challenge. Some days, it feels like I’m racing against the clock, trying to meet deadlines, respond to clients, and ensure that my family’s needs are met.

As a perfectionist, I’ve always strived to do my best in every aspect of my life. But now, as a business owner, I’m working on changing my mindset. I’ve learned that perfection doesn’t always exist, and that part of the journey is embracing imperfection. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and focus on progress, not perfection. The mistakes I make, the lessons I learn, and the ways I push myself forward have all helped shape me into a stronger business owner and individual.

Yet, even with all the struggles, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The ability to help others create memorable travel experiences and the freedom to run my business on my own terms makes it all worth it. The key, I’ve learned, is staying organized, prioritizing what matters most, and remembering that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

It’s not easy, but every challenge I face only strengthens my resolve to keep moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My travel agency specializes in curating personalized travel experiences for individuals, families, and groups. As the sole agent and a woman, minority-owned business, I bring a unique perspective to every travel experience I plan. With over 6 years of experience in travel and event planning for large events in and out of Michigan, along with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, I focus on creating unforgettable trips by carefully planning every detail—from selecting the best destinations to crafting tailored itineraries that match my clients’ unique preferences and needs. I have a knack for group travel such as friends trips, destination weddings, and all-inclusive Mexico and Caribbean getaways, and am particularly passionate about destinations like Disney and Universal Studios, where I’ve helped many families and groups create magical memories.

What sets me apart is my commitment to exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate the unforeseen. As a former executive assistant, I’m highly skilled at problem-solving and thinking ahead, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. I pride myself on not just providing a trip, but creating a seamless, stress-free experience for my clients. I take the time to get to know my clients like family, which allows me to personalize their travel experiences and make sure every part of their journey is tailored to their unique needs.

I’m most proud of the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with my clients, many of whom return to me time and again for their travel planning needs. What I want readers to know is that my agency is dedicated to providing not just a vacation, but an unforgettable experience, offering expert guidance, personalized service, and a passion for travel that ensures every detail is handled with care.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice on finding a mentor and networking is simple: you have to put yourself out there. It’s about actively seeking connections and being open to new opportunities. For example, a friend recommended that I take a business class held by a well-known nonprofit in the area, where I was paired with a business coach. This experience has been invaluable in shaping my business journey. I’ve been able to establish connections with other local business owners in different industries.

Networking is key, and I’ve made a point to partner with local businesses. For instance, I work with a local balloon company that provides hotel room décor for my clients’ special occasions, and I also collaborate with a custom merchandise creator who designs t-shirts and other business items for my group trips. These partnerships not only add value to my offerings, but they’ve also led to referrals and new connections with other businesses and clients.

Additionally, find someone in your industry who has years of experience—someone you might be admiring from afar—and don’t be afraid to ask to sit down and pick their brain! People in your industry who have paved the way often have invaluable insights, and they’re usually more than willing to share their experiences and advice. Building a solid network of like-minded professionals has been essential to my growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming Soon!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tambtraveling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tambtraveling
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-buyck-2856a638/