On Moving Forward...

Hello Friends!

Happy 2022 to you all. I hope that all-things life, health, work, family and adventure are serving you well!

I am writing to let you know about some big changes ahead for me and Living Big Travel. Despite growing traveler optimism, the demand for custom travel design services is still fluctuating in ways that continue to cause unpredictable workflows and uncertainty for the business. So, after much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to suspend work at Living Big Travel. I've had this in my mind for months now, but sharing it here publicly is an all-together different, and difficult, experience.

Living Big Travel started in 2014 from a seed of an idea - a hunch really - that if given a hand to hold, a plan to latch on to, and a community to join - more people (women in particular) would be traveling the globe. That hunch turned out to be true, put Living Big Travel on a path that surpassed my wildest dreams, and completely changed my expectations for what "work" could look like. Thank you to everyone that has been part of this company. You've enriched my life in so many ways. And I hope your memory book is also a little richer from the experiences you've had!

This isn't goodbye; you know my entrepreneurial brain is working around the clock scheming on the next big idea! In September 2021 I started an Executive MBA program at the University of Oregon. Just a few months in to the program, I am already finding it to be a rewarding experience -- stretching my mind on life and business. In addition to school, I've returned to the world of brand marketing and brand strategy, working with local brands and creative agencies on a freelance basis. And most importantly, I'm soaking in every moment I can with my daughter, who is now 15 months old.

Despite the difficult (and unplanned) transition for Living Big Travel stemming from the Pandemic, the experiences working with you have given me the foundation I need to pursue even bigger opportunities that create impact, deliver value, and leave the world a better place.

Thank you, and cheers to YOU! May you continue to find ways to 'live big' in this new season of life.

Please stay in touch! I love hearing from you.

Mary
Founder, Living Big Travel