Taryn, tell us a little bit about yourself.
- I’m a wife, mother of two, and a Tennessee native who has lived in the DC area for more than 15 years.
How did you start your travel business and what motivates you to continue today?
I’ve been passionate about traveling since childhood, but it wasn’t until I became pregnant with my second child, that I felt a calling to pursue my travel business. The Trip Wish List is a boutique travel agency and blog that helps American luxury travelers make their dream trips a reality. I love helping people explore the world, whether it’s through advising them on an exciting itinerary or writing an engaging travel article for my website or another travel publication.
What are some of your most memorable experiences/trips and why?
My earliest travel memory was a family road trip from Tennessee to California when I was around six years old. This trip allowed me to see many Southwestern states and laid the foundation for my love of travel. Now, I’ve been taking my own family around the world, including my parents, whom I recently took to Africa for the first time. I love seeing the glimmer in my kids’ eyes when we travel to new places, and a few of their favorite places have been Turks and Caicos, Colombia, and Portugal.
At what point did you realize you could thrive? Walk us through that moment.
Ironically, it was 2020, when I realized that this was an area in which I could thrive. The pandemic forced me to step back and re-evaluate my objectives. In addition to my blog, I committed to writing for travel publications, promoting outdoor travel and nearcations, establishing a greater presence on social media, and connecting with others in the travel industry. It was the year I truly made great strides in my niche and my path.
Who is your target audience and why?
- B2B: travel publications and destinations.
- B2C: multicultural moms who value travel and cultural experiences.
- I’m passionate about multigenerational travel and women’s wellness through travel—trips are an incredible time to bond with family.
Do you have mentors?
For several years, I’ve had a business mentor through the SBA SCORE Mentoring Program (free coaching for small businesses). I’ve also taken numerous training courses covering different aspects of running my travel business.
Do you have a niche? How does it help?
I see the value in having a niche because if you try to speak to everyone, you’ll speak to no one. B2B: luxury travel content for publications and destinations. B2C: luxury wellness and cultural travel for multicultural American women.
If you could advise your earlier self…
- Find a mentor or business coach early.
- Hire a financial advisor or tax expert.
- Build a mailing list from day one.
Talk to us about your hair journey—what drove you to locs?
As a child, my sisters and I spent what felt like an eternity in hair salons with chemical treatments that didn’t agree with me. Years later, when I discovered Sisterlocks™, I thought they were stunning and knew I had to try them.
Top three business lessons learned
- Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle or end.
- Outsource tasks you don’t like doing.
- Listen closely to what your customers need.
As a Black businesswoman—opportunities & pitfalls
- Great programs exist (e.g., Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship, iFundWomen, Fearless Fund)—I’ve benefited from at least one.
- Systemic issues: limited access to capital and affinity bias; few Black female founders receive investment funding.
- Personal responsibilities can limit capacity—this was true for me.
Advice for someone entering your field
- Define your travel niche; review your last year’s clients and double-down on those you loved serving.
- Invest in learning—books, courses, mentors.
- Attend travel conferences to network and track trends.
What do you want to leave us with?
Don’t wait for things to be perfect. Just start where you are.
How can we connect with you?
- Join my mailing list: tripwishlist.com
- Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/thetripwishlist
- Instagram: @taryntraveler | @thetripwishlist
- Facebook: /thetripwishlist
- Pinterest: /thetripwishlist
Taryn, thanks so much for this opportunity! I appreciate our friendship and the mentorship you have provided me throughout my entrepreneurial endeavors. I look forward to your next trip! Please sign me up!
~ Nova Locs
