Meet Lena Anderson | Travel Consultant

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

Hi Lena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve been a risk-taker my whole life, but it wasn’t until recently that I started identifying myself as such, likely because my risks have mostly been calculated. George Addair has a great quote that states, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.”. For me, taking risks has always been about overcoming the things I’m most afraid of because, in my heart, I know a great reward will come from it. One of the biggest (and not so calculated) risks I’ve taken so far was quitting my corporate HR job in 2018 without a real plan. That defining moment was the catalyst to starting my travel company and eventually moving abroad – the latter being something I’ve wanted to do for over a decade. My company, Sweet Bean Travels, is flourishing, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company Sweet Bean Travels is a full-service travel agency dedicated to curating luxury leisure travel experiences. We also provide corporate travel management solutions. I think what sets me apart is my high-touch approach with my clients. I refer to myself as a Travel Consultant (rather than an agent) because I take the time to discover my clients’ needs and provide a great deal of guidance during the planning process. There have been moments when a discovery call turned into a pseudo therapy session. I think actively living abroad also sets me apart from others in my industry.

I’m most excited about the growth my company is experiencing. I will be hosting my first group trip in early 2022, which marks a significant milestone and one that I’ve been working toward for some time.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to be mindful of the value I bring to my clientele and to charge accordingly. Historically, women have a more difficult time asking for salary adjustments and/or not charging enough. I recognized early on that I needed to align my fees with the high-quality experience I provide for my clients.

The main thing I want people to know about my brand story is that once I truly bet on myself, I was able to manifest the life I had long envisioned. And I get to do something that sparks joy for myself and my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally from Philadelphia, but I currently live in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and I love when friends come to visit. One of my favorite hang-out spots is the rooftop at The Fives Hotel (downtown). I usually buy a day pass and luxuriate by the infinity pool with a cocktail and ocean views as far as the eye can see. La Barracuda, a restaurant just beyond the main touristy area, makes some of the best fried fish in the city. And visiting a cenote – a large sinkhole or cave filled with rainwater – is a definite must in this part of Mexico.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been quite a few influential people in my life who I can credit for this beautiful journey.

My dear friend James has the most incredible travel stories in which he paints a vivid picture of the culture, language, and people of the countries he’s visited. He is the first person I knew who spent an extended period of time abroad. I took my first solo trip to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil because of James – the trip that started it all.

Five years ago, I would have never imagined I’d become an entrepreneur. But, I have to acknowledge my mother and grandmother for being the example. They founded the first female African-American, nurse-owned dialysis center in the country and ran it successfully for over a decade. It allowed me to witness everything that goes into owning a business firsthand.

Finally, I have several female friends who own and operate successful businesses. The level of encouragement and support we provide for one another has been the greatest blessing.

Website: www.sweetbeantravels.com

Instagram: @sweetbeantravels

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenatanderson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/solosquad