Life & Work with Natalia Borzym of West Adams / Baldwin Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Borzym.

Hi Natalia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Natalia Borzym, and I am a Travel Advisor and Event Planner based in South Los Angeles. You could say that travel is in my blood. I am the daughter of an immigrant mother from Trinidad & Tobago and a first-generation Polish-American father, both of whom left their original homes to further their education, to seek better work opportunities, and to travel the world. My first flight was at 9 months old with my mom to visit her family in the Caribbean! I was born in Illinois, grew up in South Florida, graduated from Northwestern University, lived and worked in Chicago for about 8 years after that, and then moved to Los Angeles in 2019 with my husband and our two cats.

I’ve worn a lot of professional hats over the years, primarily working in digital marketing roles for larger corporations. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse brands across industries, ranging from publishing to real estate to legal services. One thing that’s remained constant is my skillset in strategy, timeline management, and organization. My extensive background has equipped me with the expertise to tackle any planning challenge that comes my way.

I’ve also been the go-to planner for my friends and family for decades, whether it’s crafting the perfect itinerary for a trip or orchestrating unforgettable parties and gatherings. I thrive on turning ordinary occasions into extraordinary experiences.

Now, as a professional travel advisor, my passion is turning my clients’ travel dreams into reality. I’ve mastered the art of making the planning process not just stress-free, but genuinely enjoyable. I’ve explored 25 countries (and counting!) and I love to bring that global perspective into every itinerary I create for myself and my clients: thoughtful, flexible, and full of heart. These experiences have not only enriched my life but have also equipped me with a deep appreciation of different cultures and a keen eye for unique experiences in every destination.

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?
My path to where I am today has certainly not been linear or smooth! Early in my career, I sought to maintain “steady” work in full-time, salaried positions at large corporations. But after experiencing company acquisitions, COVID policy changes, and layoffs due to economic downturns, I questioned why I was pursuing a career path that was neither fulfilling nor reliable.

When searching for a new marketing role in early 2023, I heard back from many companies that they were “pausing” their search or closing the position. After dozens of interviews, I received an offer for a full-time role, but it was significantly worse than I was expecting. I realized the job market had changed drastically in recent years, and it was time to pivot.

That’s the moment I decided to start my own business and lean into what I love to do most. With the support of my family, it was the first time in my life that I had the time and resources to go after it! I honestly don’t think I would have followed this path if I hadn’t been living in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a city of dreamers, with multi-hyphenates pursuing their passion projects while juggling different schedules and sources of income. Living in Los Angeles means I’m always surrounded by creativity, culture, and inspiring stories of people from all over the country.

Being an entrepreneur has its own challenges, but knowing that I have full control over my time, who I work with, and where I want to take my business is absolutely worth it! I’ve invested a lot of time and resources into my business so that I can continue to grow, learn new skills, and become an expert at what I do.

Planning travel and events for families isn’t just a profession for me; it’s a passion that has been an integral part of my life. I firmly believe that every moment, no matter how big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Life is a collection of these moments, and each one is an opportunity to create cherished memories.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a planner, creative thinker, logistics-lover, and firm believer that great travel and unforgettable events don’t have to be chaotic or confusing. I help busy, idea-rich people bring their travel and event visions to life without the overwhelm – something real, doable, and genuinely magical. I combine real-world experience with an eye for what makes a moment truly memorable. My people call me thoughtful, a great listener, calm in a crunch, and someone who’s just as excited as they are about their big plans.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that planning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be quite the opposite: exciting, organized, and even enjoyable. My mission is to bring this perspective to my clients’ lives, whether they’re mapping out their next vacation or preparing for a memorable birthday bash. I specialize in making sure all the intricate details are seamlessly orchestrated and conveniently consolidated in one place.

Working with me means more than just having a plan in place. It means being seen, heard, and actually understood, so my client’s trip or event reflects who they are and what matters most to them. I’m not here to hand over a cookie-cutter itinerary or tell someone what’s “popular.” I’m here to build something that fits their budget, their style, their pace, and their priorities.

I’ve helped dozens of clients travel domestically and internationally, and I still get a thrill from matching the right resort to the right person. I love bringing personality into events too: like a themed birthday party based on a board game (yes, really) or a Galentine’s Day brunch that feels like a scene from a rom-com.

One of my travel specialties is planning theme park vacations for families who want a stress-free vacation where they can focus on having fun and making memories. From my roots in sunny South Florida to my current home in the heart of Los Angeles, Disney theme parks have also been a cherished part of my life and my family memories. I’ve been visiting Disney parks since I was three years old, and my first ever cruise was on the original Disney Cruise Line ship: The Disney Magic! Now I live just a short drive from Disneyland and frequent the parks as often as I can. Yes, you could call me a “Disney Adult” because I know the parks inside out, especially how to make them work for families, big groups, and first-time visitors.

Beyond the theme parks, I have a genuine love for exploring the world and broadening my horizons. I’m here to share my passion and expertise to curate unforgettable travel experiences for couples, families, and all kinds of groups.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
What has worked well for me is seeking out different groups across Los Angeles to find other like-minded women, both professionally and socially. Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve joined a movie club, a ladies bachata dance team, and the Junior League of Los Angeles. They’ve all been wonderful experiences in their own unique ways!

Whether I’m at a networking event or a friend’s birthday party, I’ve learned to put myself out there and introduce myself when given the opportunity, in the hopes that I can make a real connection with someone else. It can be difficult to make connections when moving to a brand new city (especially when a global pandemic effectively shuts down that city shortly after the move). What I’ve found is that with a little time and research, you can find whatever you’re looking for in a big city, especially in Los Angeles. As you know by now, I love a good plan!

Pricing:

• Cruise Planning starts at $150
• Disneyland Planning starts at $200
• Walt Disney World Planning starts at $350
• International Travel Planning starts at $500
• Event Planning starts at $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nataliaborzym.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalia.planning/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaborzym/

Image Credits
Lauren Quirk – Travel with Character Nathalie – Flytographer Japan Beth Hawkes – Mariposa Pictures Ayako – Flytographer Japan