Dothan, Alabama is home to a remarkable mompreneur who has embarked on a unique journey of entrepreneurship while balancing the demands of motherhood. Meet Kelly Handal, with Fairytale Journeys, a travel agency specializing in creating magical experiences for families. In this article, we dive into Kelly's inspiring story, the challenges she faces, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.
About Kelly and Fairytale Journeys:
Kelly Handal is not new to the world of business. From running a nightclub and restaurant to owning a boutique, Kelly's entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant in her life. In 2021, she found her true passion and launched Fairytale Journeys, a travel agency dedicated to providing personalized and magical experiences for her clients.
Specializing in destinations like Disney, Universal Studios, All-Inclusives, weekend getaways, and cruises, Kelly combines her love for travel with extensive training to deliver top-notch customer experiences. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, including being recognized as a top agent and top seller for two cruise lines in 2023.
The Balancing Act:
Juggling the demands of running a business and being a mom of two can be challenging, but Kelly has found ways to make it work. Planning appointments around her kids' schedules and utilizing tools like Google Calendars and a personalized organizer help her manage time effectively. Flexibility is key, and Kelly embraces it, understanding the unpredictability that comes with parenting.
Challenges and Overcoming Them:
Like many mompreneurs, Kelly faces the challenge of unexpected events, such as sick days for her kids. Communication and flexibility are her secret weapons for overcoming these hurdles. By staying adaptable and having a strong support system, she navigates the challenges seamlessly.
A Flexible Work Environment:
For Kelly, flexibility is not just a luxury but a necessity. With two children on different schedules, being rigid in business operations is not an option. Embracing a flexible approach allows her to meet the needs of both her family and clients, creating a harmonious work-life balance.
Technology's Role:
Technology plays a vital role in Kelly's business. From utilizing Facebook and Google listings to connect with clients to relying on apps and groups for support, she leverages technology to streamline her operations and reach a broader audience.
Successes and Milestones:
Kelly's journey is marked by significant milestones, such as winning multiple awards in 2023. Her definition of success involves seeing a significant increase in clients and achieving repeat business. Professionally, setting attainable goals and continually challenging herself is the roadmap to success.
Lessons Learned:
Reflecting on her experience, Kelly emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and taking the good with the bad. She encourages fellow mompreneurs to give themselves grace and prioritize family while building their businesses.
Empowering Other Moms:
Kelly actively supports small businesses, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products in her boutique. Her vision includes bringing mom-owned enterprises together for collaborative events that benefit everyone involved.
Work-Life Integration:
Creating a healthy work-life balance requires making time for family first. Kelly emphasizes the need for flexibility and staying connected with local business communities for support.
Future Plans:
Looking ahead, Kelly's future plans include exceeding sales goals, continuous growth, and achieving her ambitious goals for the year.
In closing, Kelly shares a valuable reminder: Rome wasn't built in a day, and the same applies to starting your own business. Success requires dedication, patience, and faith. As she continues to inspire others with her story, Kelly Handal proves that with the right mindset, the journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship can be both magical and rewarding.
For more information about Fairytale Journeys, you can visit www.fairytalejourneys.com or connect on Facebook. To reach Kelly for travel inquiries, appointments, or questions, you can contact her at Travelwithkelly101@gmail.com or call 334-618-0738.
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