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.

In this episode I talk with two of my team members Lucy and Jo as they share how they got started with their own travel business and how they are growing it alongside a full time career and parenting, and why they're not going to stop.

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.

Why start a Travel Business?

In this episode of Freedom to Take Off, Kim interviews her friend Katherine about their journey into the travel business. They discuss how they discovered the opportunity, the importance of building a community, and the benefits of creating passive income.

The conversation also touches on travel trends, the power of networking, and the diverse experiences that come with being part of this business.

Both Kim and Katherine emphasise the importance of taking control of one's financial future and encourage listeners to explore opportunities that align with their passions.

Key Takeaways:

• Catherine discovered the travel business opportunity online and jumped in.
• The journey started as a way to book personal travel efficiently.
• Creating multiple streams of income is essential for financial security.
• Building a supportive community is crucial for success in business.
• Passive income can replace traditional retirement savings.
• Traveling extensively has become more accessible and affordable post-COVID.
• The travel business allows for flexibility and fits around other jobs.
• Networking is key to building a successful business.
• Diverse experiences in travel can lead to personal growth and learning.
• Opportunities in business should be embraced without hesitation.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Journey
• 03:11 Discovering the Opportunity
• 05:55 Building a Community
• 08:59 The Importance of Passive Income
• 12:04 Travel Business Insights
• 15:02 Diverse Experiences and Learning
• 17:56 Travel Trends and Future Plans
• 20:57 The Power of Networking
• 23:53 Conclusion and Reflections

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.

What does the future of my travel business look like? And how can you build one too?

Welcome back to Freedom to Take Off! Over the past episodes, I’ve shared my journey, rom turning travel into a business to helping others create their own path to flexibility and independence. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of how my business is growing and where I see it going next.

If you told me years ago that I’d be leading a team of over 110 people, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am building something that not only fuels my passion for travel but also helps others do the same. My team spans the UK, Ireland, the U.S., and the Caribbean, with even more countries joining us soon. And the best part? I get to support them every step of the way, through training, community events, and hands-on mentorship.

Helping my team grow is just as rewarding as growing my own business. Whether it's answering questions, hosting coffee mornings, or hopping on Zoom calls with members across the globe, I’m here to make sure no one feels lost. When I first started, I had doubts, especially about the business side of things. I told myself I’d stick to booking travel, but looking back, I realise that was a huge mistake. I now love the business-building aspect and wish I’d embraced it sooner.

The beauty of this journey is the freedom to shape it how you want. Some in my team focus on personal travel, while others build incredible niche businesses, luxury, safari, solo trips, cruises, and even Contiki tours. One of my team members travels with groups of fifteen, earns commission, gets her place for free, and then signs them up when they return home. How clever is that?

For me, the future looks like continued growth, building this business, traveling as much as I can with my family and friends, and working towards my ultimate goal: retiring my husband. This business has given me new dreams and ambitions I never thought I'd have, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

If you’re considering taking that first step, just know, you don’t have to do it alone. It’s an exciting and flexible opportunity that can fit into your life however you choose. And who knows? You could be the next success story, turning a passion into something life-changing.

Key Lessons Learnt:

• Support & Mentorship Matter: Having a strong support system in business, whether through colleagues, mentors, or training, can make a huge difference.
• Flexibility & Growth: You can shape your business in the way that works for you, whether it's a side hustle or a full-time career.
• Niche Marketing Works: Finding your niche, from luxury packages to solo holidays, can be a powerful way to stand out.
• Opportunities Are Everywhere: You never know who might be interested in starting their own travel business, sometimes, all it takes is sharing the opportunity.
• Thinking Long-Term: The residual income and compensation plan structure make this business scalable and sustainable.

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.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a travel business and how it can completely transform your life?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what life has looked like since I started my travel business and how it’s become something so much more than just a job. It’s opened doors I never imagined possible: doors to new cities, dream hotels, unforgettable experiences, and friendships I’ll treasure forever.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve booked over £100,000 in travel for clients. That number still stuns me. Not just because of the bookings but because of the lifestyle that came with it. I’ve travelled more in the past year than I had in the previous decade, ticking off bucket list adventures and exploring the world with my family in ways we once only dreamed of.

From skiing in France and Austria to cruising under the Northern Lights in Iceland, from Lake Como with my daughter to a girls’ trip in Ibiza this business hasn’t just given me a new career; it’s given me more life. And yes, I’ve earned commission on every booking, whether for clients or my own trips.

And the best part? I’ve done all this while learning, growing, and gaining confidence in ways I never thought possible with incredible support, expert suppliers just a call away, and zero pressure to "hit targets". It’s entirely on your terms.

In this episode, I share:

• How I turned family holidays into business opportunities
• The personal touches that make clients come back again and again
• The perks of being a travel agent, from upgrades to exclusive events
• My favourite travel agent conventions and why they’re unlike anything else
• The two sides of the business: travel booking and marketing
• What passive income really means, and how it changed everything for me
• Inspiring stories from others in the business, aged 20 to 60+
• My upcoming trips to Porto, Monaco, and Orlando, and why they’re more than just holidays

Key lessons:

1. You grow through doing, confidence comes from experience, not perfection.
2. The travel industry is about relationships, with clients, suppliers, and fellow agents.
3. There’s more than one way to build this business, you can focus on bookings, marketing, or both.
4. Passive income is real, and can create long-term security and legacy.
5. Surrounding yourself with supportive people matters, this is a community that cheers you on.

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 into 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.