Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Gambino.
Hi Caitlyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I earned an English degree from Michigan State University, and after college got a job at AAA as a travel agent. After 5 years there and learning the business, I started my own travel agency–Aum Journeys, in 2018. Studying abroad in college awakened my passion for travel and I haven’t stopped ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my business was a risk that was pretty scary. Leaving a job with stability, benefits, and support to do my own thing was something I planned for for a while. When I finally made the leap, I was so happy with my decision, but it took a lot of strategy and preparation to be successful on my own. And then soon after that came the pandemic and it stunted my business’s growth and put a hitch in any momentum I had had at that point. And then just honing in on the kind of business I want to do and working with the types of clients that light me up instead of just saying yes to everything has been a very long process, but I finally feel more confident in that now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I named my business Aum Journeys in the beginning because I was hoping to specialize in organizing yoga retreat groups and encouraging people to slow down and immerse themselves in the quiet and relaxation of a vacation so they can be more present in their everyday lives. Although my business has morphed into something a bit different than that, I decided to keep the name because the idea is still the same, and I like to pay homage to the yoga retreat in Bali that inspired me to start my business in the first place.
Now my business focuses a lot on custom-designed journeys to Europe, and more specifically Italy, but also all around the world. I help people organize complicated itineraries with their preferences and budgets in mind. I particularly love working with clients who are adventurous and active, but want a high quality, immersive hotel to come back to and be pampered. I’m also a dual-citizen with Italy, and having lived there for approximately 3 years. I have particular expertise in helping people prioritize what to see and do there when they have a shorter length of stay to work with.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts: Jillian on Love / Travel Pro Theory / Tresessanta
Books: Profit First / Attached.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aumjourneys.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aumjourneys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/aumjourneys
