Meet Takoya “Koko” Cunningham | Travel Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Takoya “Koko” Cunningham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Takoya “Koko”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have a great career that I love and worked hard for, but it does not compare to having my own personal business. For me, having my own business means more time for the things I love which are my family and traveling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a travel specialist from South Carolina and I am the owner of Alluring Getaways. It is not easy being “just another” travel agent because let’s be honest, we come a dime a dozen. It is even more difficult when it comes to setting yourself apart from so many others, but when you are passionate about what you do it comes naturally. My mentor has been a great asset to my travel business. One of her most important pieces of advice is having a niche. There are travel agents everywhere but what makes you different? My travel business focuses on all-inclusive resorts, romance travel and family travel. Picking my niches were easy for me because I wanted to do something I can relate to. If we are being honest, I am a married, mom of three with lack of a village. So family travel comes natural to me. It is always me, the husband and the kids. If I’m going to travel my babies will too and I’m going to make sure they see the world.

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.
I currently reside in Greenwood, SC but 45 miles away is Greenville, SC. The bestie and I would hop on Highway 25 North for a fun time. First stop would be Another Broken Egg Cafe. It is one of my favorite brunch spots. The city grits with lobster and the blackberry mimosa is my go to. Next, I love to shop and one thing that Greenville has to offer are several family owned and small businesses. Supporting locals is a must in my book. After shopping we would head over to Everything Egg Roll located on Pelham road. Rumor has it they have the best egg rolls in town and I am dying to try them. From there we will head to Downtown Greenville. There are even more shops and boutiques to visit but instead we would do a little bar hopping and eventually making our way to Up on the Roof sipping mixed drinks and enjoying the starlight and city view. It’s only right to bring everything to a close with a night full of laughter over at the Comedy Zone. It is also located Downtown Greenville and they have a host of guest comedians on the regular.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mentor, Teneka Hughey, of Greenbook Vacations.

My husband for always being my greatest support and my backbone.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/alluringgetaways

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/@thealluringgetaways

Other: TikTok.com/@getawaywithkoko