Meet Kyle Werly of Traverse City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Werly

Hi Kyle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a deep-seated passion for travel and a love for exploring new places. Growing up in Traverse City, Michigan, I was surrounded by the beauty of Lake Michigan, charming local businesses, and vibrant community events. Family trips to various destinations ignited my wanderlust and shaped my desire to help others experience the magic of travel.

In 2021 I took my daughter on her first plane ride to Walt Disney World, which was also her first time visiting. This trip reignited my love for Disney and travel. This passion led me to start working as a travel agent, initially focusing on helping friends and family plan their vacations. As my expertise grew, so did my clientele, and I soon became well-versed in the intricacies of planning seamless Disney and Universal trips, as well as various cruise lines.

Beyond my travel business, I’ve had a profound love for flying to any destination. The thrill of boarding a plane and embarking on a new adventure never gets old for me. This love for travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about the experiences and memories created along the way. I believe strongly that people should focus more on experiences rather than work and material objects, as these experiences are what truly enrich our lives.

In addition to my travel agency work, I wanted to start giving back to my local community and share the hidden gems around my hometown in Michigan. This desire led me to create the ‘Kyle In Michigan’ social media accounts. Growing up in Traverse City taught me the value of local businesses and the importance of community support. Through these platforms, I’ve started to showcase local businesses, attractions, and events, highlighting the unique charm and character of our area. By promoting local spots on Instagram and other social media, I aim to support small businesses and encourage others to explore and appreciate what’s in their own backyard.

Balancing my time between running my travel agency and creating content for ‘Kyle In Michigan,’ I’ve found a fulfilling way to blend my passions for travel and social media. Whether it’s planning magical vacations for my clients or highlighting the best of Michigan, my goal is always to inspire and assist others in discovering new experiences.

Today, I continue to grow my travel business and social media presence, constantly seeking new ways to inspire and connect with people. I am also going back to school online at Full Sail University in September. There I will obtain my Bachelor’s in Media & Communications, opening up a variety of possibilities.

My journey from a travel-loving individual to a dedicated travel agent, content creator, and local ambassador has been incredibly rewarding. I look forward to helping even more people experience the magic of travel and the wonders of their own communities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has certainly had its challenges. Navigating the world of social media marketing has been one of the biggest hurdles. Figuring out the algorithms, understanding what content resonates with my audience, and building a community from scratch was overwhelming at times. It took a lot of trial and error, as well as continuous learning, to start seeing the results I aimed for.

Growing up in Traverse City, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance, but dealing with the lack of support from some people around me was tough. Realizing that not everyone understands or supports my life choices was a hard pill to swallow. It’s been a journey of learning to stay true to my passions and dreams despite the naysayers.

On a more personal level, I’ve faced struggles with depression and trust issues. I’ve been having a rough time balancing my current life, and chasing what I wish for my life to be. These battles have made the journey more difficult, but they’ve also taught me resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. Losing friends along the way has been painful, but I’ve also gained new ones who truly support and understand me.

Balancing my personal life has been another challenge, especially as a father. Creating a good life for my daughter while pursuing my career goals requires constant juggling. Ensuring that I am present for her and providing the best possible upbringing is always a top priority. Despite the struggles, being a father has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

These challenges have shaped me into who I am today and have driven me to work even harder. The road hasn’t been smooth, but each bump along the way has taught me valuable lessons and made me more determined to succeed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d love to share more about my work and passions. Currently, I work full-time as a data entry clerk at Oryana Community Co-Op, an all-natural foods co-op store. However, my true passion lies in my side ventures, which I hope to turn into a full-time, fully remote career.

About a year and a half ago, I started my journey as a travel agent with a host agency, and as of the end of May, I am proud to be part of the Academy Travel team. I specialize in planning magical vacations to Disney and Universal, helping families navigate the complexities of these destinations to create unforgettable experiences. My expertise includes everything from booking accommodations and dining reservations to crafting personalized itineraries that ensure my clients make the most of their trips.

In addition to my work as a travel agent, I have started to support and promote local businesses in my area more through my ‘Kyle In Michigan’ social media accounts. I love highlighting the unique charm and offerings of my hometown, helping local businesses gain visibility and connect with the community. Although a new venture, this initiative allows me to combine my love for travel and exploration with my passion for supporting small businesses.

I’m also diving into freelance writing and content creation, aiming to broaden my skill set and explore new opportunities. I’m dedicated to growing ‘Kyle In Michigan’ and ‘Kyle Vacations”, making a positive impact both locally and beyond.

What sets me apart from others is my genuine passion for creating memorable experiences, whether through travel planning or promoting local businesses. I’m most proud of the positive feedback I receive from clients and followers who appreciate the effort and care I put into my work. My ability to balance multiple roles and projects, all while maintaining a focus on helping others, is something I take great pride in.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to create a fulfilling and balanced life that aligns with my passions and values. Success isn’t just about achieving professional milestones or financial goals; it’s about finding joy and satisfaction in what I do every day.

For me, success means making a positive impact on others, whether it’s through helping families plan their dream vacations, supporting local businesses, or inspiring people to prioritize experiences over material possessions. It’s about building meaningful relationships and being present for my loved ones, especially my daughter.

Success also involves personal growth and resilience. Overcoming challenges, learning from setbacks, and continually striving to improve myself are key aspects of my definition of success. It’s about maintaining a balance between my professional ambitions and personal well-being, ensuring that I can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Ultimately, success is about living a life that brings me happiness and fulfillment, while also making a difference in the lives of others. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that my efforts, no matter how big or small, contribute positively to the world around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kylevacations
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylevacations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylevacations
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kyleinmichigan