Hi, I'm Laurie,
MY STORY behind travel entrepreneurship:
Late August 1986. I still clearly remember that day in Denali National Park, Alaska.
We were near the turnaround area for our park wilderness bus tour. The driver allowed a couple of us to get off the bus about a half mile from the last stop. Once the bus was out of hearing range, it was silent. So silent it was almost deafening.
A grizzly bear was foraging for berries maybe a hundred yards or so in one direction. A caribou minding its own business about a hundred yards in the other direction. To make sure I knew she was there, the tip of Denali decided to peek through a shroud of clouds.
A truly magical moment in time, broken only by a lonely screech of an eagle somewhere above us. I left part of my soul there that day, it had such an effect and impact on me.
But it didn't stop there. Later that afternoon, as the bus got closer to the park lodge, my Granny (80 years young), Mom and I decided we'd walk the rest of way. It wasn't far - less than a mile. Having been on the bus all day we needed some exercise and this would be a nice and easy hike.
We were enjoying ourselves so much we failed to pay attention where we going and promptly got lost. So much so the park rangers were sent out to find us! Thankfully. A little stressful but the three of us had a good amount laughter that day - together, three generations, and a whole lot of memories.
Two extraordinary life changing moments. Little did I know they would one day be one of the primary reasons I became a travel entrepreneur and business owner.
I've been very fortunate to have traveled as much as I have. I attribute my adventurous spirit to my parents, who loved to explore new places. Having lived in Germany, Switzerland and Hong Kong for 12 years as a child, I had many opportunities to experience new cultures and people, iconic sites and interesting food. These adventures have never stopped. Travel is just a natural part of my being.
Not every memory has resulted in a part of my soul being left behind like Alaska, but I sure do have a lot of great stories to tell:
- Climbing the Sydney Bridge - in the rain.
- The best fish sandwich ever in Waihi, New Zealand (that halibut sandwich in Juneau though was a very close second!).
- Jumping off the sailboat in the middle of the Bora Bora Lagoon - I've never seen clearer or bluer water in my life. And celebrating my parent's 50th wedding anniversary on the Paul Gauguin in Tahiti was beyond Wow.
- Walking on Ephesus' marble roads that were built in the 11 century B.C. with my Mom. You just have to walk them yourself to understand the amazing feeling.
- A delayed flight to Torres del Paine Park from our cruise due to a mechanical issue had me meeting some German guests who lived quite close to where I grew up. A small world indeed. And it was this trip that began my love of Chile.
- Dad's first cruise - to Alaska in 2000. Took some convincing but after that he was hooked! Oh the fun we had on the 100+ days at sea after this. Fond memories indeed.
I started my journey as a small business owner in early 2015.
I spent 30+ years in the corporate world, learned a lot, gained many life skills, met an untold number of interesting people along the way, and my continued growth afforded me exceptional opportunities, both personally and professionally. I enjoyed the years and am grateful for all it brought me. I use the skills learned everyday in my business helping my clients.
I've always believed that things happen for a reason. Changes sometimes force your hand. After getting caught up in a second corporate downsizing, I chose to take charge of my own destiny. And Lakama Luxury Travel was born.
Why a travel business? The stories. I realized how much my stories impacted my life, and I know I can help you bring home your own incredible stories. I look forward to connecting with you.
I spent 30+ years in the corporate world, learned a lot, gained many life skills, met an untold number of interesting people along the way, and my continued growth afforded me exceptional opportunities, both personally and professionally. I enjoyed the years and am grateful for all it brought me. I use the skills learned everyday in my business helping my clients.
I've always believed that things happen for a reason. Changes sometimes force your hand. After getting caught up in a second corporate downsizing, I chose to take charge of my own destiny. And Lakama Luxury Travel was born.
Why a travel business? The stories. I realized how much my stories impacted my life, and I know I can help you bring home your own incredible stories. I look forward to connecting with you.
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I'D LOVE TO BECOME YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR.
Each week I share a bit about me, tips, insights, destination inspiration and an occasional promotion, so when you are ready to travel, you know how I can help you. Open and honest marketing. Never any spam - we appreciate your inbox too much to do that, and we never give your information to anyone else. I'd love to send it to you too. |
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PS. People are curious about the name "Lakama". It sounds exotic, maybe even Hawaiian, they say. I'd love to have an elaborate story behind the name, but it's actually quite simple: it's an acronym of my full name - LA for Laurie, KA for Katherine and MA for Marschall. With an accent above the second "a" just because I like it!
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