Hidden Gems: Meet Nicole Frierson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Frierson.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Barbados with dreams of traveling the world. For me, exploring other places and cultures is a fun, meaningful way to learn about life.

The opportunity to study business and finance as a college student brought me to the US. Eighteen years of hard work in my banking career sparked my curiosity of the world even further and afforded me the opportunity to take amazing trips to more than 20 countries! But no amount of vacation time seemed enough to accommodate my passion for traveling.

In 2021, I walked out of my corporate office into my home office to coach women entrepreneurs about finances and business. This year, I took another leap of purpose and purchased a Dream Vacations franchise. My clients now have access to my expert knowledge of travel, business, and finance.

Each day brings new challenges and experiences, but it doesn’t feel like work. I wake up excited to help people enjoy new adventures and experiences.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Shifting from the corporate world to entrepreneurship proved scary at first. And the pandemic added even more uncertainty. But once I created my plan and committed to it, the pieces began to fit into place. Business has been better than expected and I’m so thrilled by the amount of referrals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ultimately, I create (not sell) the perfect vacations for my clients based on their needs, wants, and budget. I strive to make the travel planning process as enjoyable and effortless as the vacation itself.

My specialties lie in land travel and cruises to the Caribbean and Hawaii. Most of my clients are families and groups looking to celebrate special events or create unforgettable memories.

Delivering the best service to my clients requires staying up-to-date with the industry and various destinations. I have achieved a Bachelor of Adventure from Royal Caribbean University, completed the College of Disney Knowledge Certification, and earned a Hotel Excellence Certificate of Completion from Marriott. These are just a few of the trainings I’ve completed, along with personalizing dozens of trips for clients.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentors can appear in various forms in our lives, such as family, friends, colleagues, or advisors. Learning from others, both from their successes and failures, is crucial for personal growth. While it’s admirable to aim high when seeking mentorship, remember that there might be someone right beside you who can be an excellent mentor.

In mentorship, give as much as you take. Once we have learned something of value, it is important to pay it forward for those who could benefit.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.createvacations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolefriersondreamvacations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleFriersonDreamVacations
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolenfrierson/