Have you ever wondered how you could turn something you love into a thriving business that also serves your community?

In this episode of Freedom to Take Off, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Louise, the owner of the Tandridge Independent, our local newspaper. What struck me most during our conversation was how passion, persistence and community spirit can merge to create a sustainable business that makes a real difference.

Louise took over the paper in 2019 after 18 years working at the BBC. Without a business background, she stepped into the unknown, balancing journalism with the steep learning curve of advertising and operations. What I loved about this discussion was hearing how she navigated those challenges while raising three children and staying rooted in her local area.

We spoke about the evolution of local news, the pressures of print media, and the joy of seeing community members pick up the paper with enthusiasm month after month. Louise shared how she and her small but dedicated team keep the publication alive through creativity, collaboration and trust.

This conversation also reminded me of the power of collaboration. Writing my monthly travel column for the paper has given me a platform to share stories of travel and inspire others to explore. In return, it has helped to build awareness of my own business. Together, we’ve created a partnership that shows how supporting one another’s ventures can benefit both businesses and the community at large.

What I reflected on most was that combining passion with business is rarely a straight road. It’s about showing up, learning new skills, and being open to opportunities you never expected. From lockdown radio shows to community events, Louise has proved that resilience and creativity can keep a business not only alive but thriving.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your passion could become your business, this episode offers inspiration, practical wisdom and the reassurance that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Freedom to Take Off

• 02:15 – Introducing Louise and the Tandridge Independent

• 06:45 – The challenges and rewards of running a local newspaper

• 12:10 – Adapting through the pandemic

• 18:20 – The role of community support and collaboration

• 25:00 – Building business skills without a business background

• 32:00 – Travel, lifestyle, and making business family-friendly

• 38:30 – Reflections on passion, resilience, and growth

• Local businesses thrive when rooted in genuine community support.

• Collaboration opens unexpected opportunities for growth and visibility.

• You don’t need to come from a business background to succeed as an entrepreneur.

• Resilience, creativity and adaptability are key to navigating uncertain times.

• Turning passion into business is about consistency and trust as much as enthusiasm.

combining passion with business, building a flexible business, local newspaper success, entrepreneurship journey, community support in business, travel business opportunities, working from anywhere, resilience in business, balancing business and family, turning passion into profit,

Mentioned in this episode:

Want to learn more about starting your own travel business?
Email me for a free information pack: kimcooper99@gmail.com

Website: www.thelatitudecollective.com

Thanks so much for tuning in to Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help.

Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and let’s take off together.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to blend business growth with unforgettable travel experiences?

In this episode I take you behind the scenes of one of the most extraordinary weekends of my life, a trip to Monaco that was so much more than luxury hotels and helicopter rides. It was a powerful reminder of the perks, personal growth, and genuine connections that come with running your own travel business.

When I first joined this business, I never imagined I’d find myself stepping off a helicopter on the shores of Monaco, attending world-class events, and sharing meals with like-minded entrepreneurs from all over the world. Last year, my friend Catherine and I went for the first time, booking the cheapest room we could find and travelling by taxi. This year, we decided to go all in – a sea view room at the Fairmont and a helicopter transfer from Nice. The feeling of being greeted by name, bags whisked away, and stepping onto that rooftop lounge set the tone for the whole weekend.

From rooftop conversations at Nicky Beach to beachfront dinners and early morning training sessions with our CEO, the trip was filled with inspiration. I met people who have been in the business for years, some brand new and brave enough to attend their very first event. We learned from three incredible directors, each sharing their journey and reminding us that success isn’t about copying others, it’s about staying true to who you are and building your business in a way that feels authentic.

The advice that resonated most? People join people, not businesses. The right team members will connect with your personality, your values, and your way of working. It’s a lesson that has shaped how I want to grow moving forward.

Of course, it wasn’t all work. The white gala dinner overlooking the sea, complete with live music and dancing, was the perfect celebration of community and achievement. By the time I boarded the helicopter back to Nice, I felt not only grateful for the trip, but excited for what’s next, Orlando, Turks and Caicos, and the big London event in November.

If you’ve ever considered starting your own travel business, this episode shows what’s possible when you say yes to new opportunities.

Timestamps

• 00:01 – Arriving in Monaco in style: my helicopter experience
• 02:26 – Building connections at Nicky Beach
• 03:45 – Inside the Saturday morning training with our CEO
• 04:43 – The unforgettable white gala dinner
• 07:35 – Lessons from three top directors
• 09:57 – Different ways to grow your business
• 10:45 – Upcoming events and why they matter

Key Lessons Learned

• People join people – authenticity is essential for building a strong team.
• Success is a long game – consistency over four to five years is the proven blueprint.
• Events provide unique value – the conversations and inspiration are as important as formal training.
• Build your business in a way that fits your personality and strengths.
• Invest in experiences – they can inspire you and fuel your motivation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Want to learn more about starting your own travel business?
Email me for a free information pack: kimcooper99@gmail.com

Website: www.thelatitudecollective.com

Thanks so much for tuning in to Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help.

Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and let’s take off together.