Meet Alanna Moorer | Travel Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alanna Moorer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for my business grew naturally out of a deep passion for travel. I was already planning trips for friends and family in my spare time—I’d spend hours researching everything from hidden local spots to the best places to eat. The biggest reward was seeing their travel photos and hearing how much they loved the itineraries I had put together. It was their joy that made me realize I could turn this passion into a profession. I officially launched ASM Essentials in 2016, and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I absolutely love what I do. My journey hasn’t been without its share of growing pains, but I’ve learned from those experiences and have carefully refined my business to incorporate lessons learned so I can provide the highest level of service to my clients.
What I’m most proud of is the personal connection I build with each client. I’m not just a travel planner; I’m a partner in creating unforgettable memories. I take the time to understand their deepest travel desires, whether it’s a desire for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, and then I craft an itinerary that feels uniquely their own. It’s about designing the experiences they didn’t even know they needed. This personal touch is what truly sets me apart.
Of course, the road to becoming an independent business owner hasn’t been easy. The biggest challenge was learning how to navigate the business side of things, from marketing to finances, all while maintaining my creative passion. I overcame this by surrounding myself with incredible mentors who helped me refine my operations and focus. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that every “growing pain” is an opportunity to improve. My business today is stronger because it’s been carefully refined by those experiences.
What I want the world to know about ASM Essentials is that I believe travel is more than just a trip—it’s a transformative experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Grab pastries at my favorite spot, Hell Yeah Gluten Free, then take a walk along the BeltLine to admire both the people and the artwork that adorn the trail. It’s a draw between Ponce City Market (Minero) and Krog Street Market (Soul: Food and Culture) for lunch, and either spot offers something for everyone. For dinner, I’d want to show them the true diversity of Atlanta’s food scene. A great choice is Banshee in East Atlanta Village, which has a lively, eclectic vibe and delicious food. Or, we could do something more upscale, like Miller Union for a farm-to-table experience.
Day 2: I’d show them the history and culture of our beautiful city and take them to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park for a powerful and essential experience in Atlanta. For dinner, I’d head to Gunshow for an interactive and memorable dining experience.
Day 3: On the final day of the trip, we’d venture out to the North Georgia mountains for a wine tour. There are several beautiful vineyards there to choose from, but why pick one when you can hop on a wine tour experience that includes stops at a few different wineries? It’s a perfect, relaxing way to end the weekend and show them a side of Georgia they never expected.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Starting and growing my business has been a labor of love, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who helped me along the way. My journey wouldn’t have been the same without Jae Brown, my professional mentor, who has been an invaluable source of advice on everything from business strategy to the day-to-day realities of being an independent owner. I also have to thank Warith Niallah, a mentor and friend who helped me refine my vision and streamline my business operations. And, of course, there’s my sister by choice, Dr. Zoe Johnson. For nearly 40 years, she has been my unwavering source of support through every twist and turn of life and business. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in my success.

Website: www.asmessentials.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmessentials/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASMEssentials

Image Credits
Alanna Moorer