Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Stull
Mia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved to travel, but growing up, my family didn’t have the money or opportunity for traditional vacations. Instead, we would load up the car and head to one of two familiar places: New Braunfels, TX, where my father’s family lived, or Tampa, FL, to visit my uncle. In Texas, we’d get discount tickets to Schlitterbahn waterpark thanks to my cousin, who worked there. In Florida, we’d brave the endless traffic to spend a day at Clearwater Beach. At the end of each day, we’d pack up and drive back to our relative’s house. I often found myself wishing we could stay at one of the beachfront resorts, but unfortunately, that was a rare treat.
As a teenager, I worked and saved every penny I could to join school trips to places like Washington, D.C., and New York City, and go on spring break with friends to Panama City Beach.
When I became a mother, I vowed to show my kids the world. Every trip we took became an opportunity for me to dive into research. I loved uncovering the best things to do, the must-try foods, and the hidden gems at every destination.
The idea of becoming a travel agent didn’t cross my mind until we planned a family trip to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. I reached out to a former neighbor, Trish Hinds Kruse, who owned a travel agency, to help with the arrangements. Using her expertise made the entire process effortless, and I was amazed at how enjoyable the planning felt with her guidance. It sparked an epiphany: I could combine my love of research and travel to help others experience the joy of vacations without the hassle of time-consuming planning.
I contacted Trish, who trained me and welcomed me into her team at the Travel Gals agency, and I never looked back!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the beginning, finding clients was a challenge. Without an established track record, I hadn’t yet had the chance to prove myself. But that quickly changed. Once I secured a few bookings, word began to spread. Today, I’m proud to say that around 80% of my bookings come from repeat clients and referrals—which makes me feel as if I’m doing something right!
Time, however, remains my greatest challenge. I am a mother of four, and I also teach high school English, so balancing everything can be overwhelming at times. Between working directly with clients, conducting research, staying on top of continuing education, attending webinars, and networking with suppliers, my schedule is always full. However, I thrive under pressure and excel at managing time constraints, which helps me juggle it all.
Of course, I couldn’t do it without my incredibly supportive husband. He’s my biggest fan, too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in all-inclusive vacations and cruises, but I’ve also had the privilege of booking trips for clients to a variety of other incredible destinations. One of my proudest achievements is being part of the Travel Gals agency. When I first joined, I had no idea just how well-known Trish, the agency’s owner, was within the travel industry. It wasn’t until I attended my first conference with her that I realized I had hit the jackpot. Thanks to her connections and leadership, our agency has become one of the top travel agencies in the country.
What truly sets me apart as a travel advisor is my passion for research. I’m a lifelong learner, and for me, attending webinars, completing supplier training, and diving into independent destination research isn’t just work—it’s fun. This enthusiasm translates directly into my ability to find the perfect accommodations in the ideal destinations for my clients. I genuinely enjoy going the extra mile to ensure every detail of their trip is thoughtfully planned and tailored to their preferences.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Connecting with others in my industry has been very key to my success. With social media, there are so many opportunities for this. While I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive boss and team at my agency, I also belong to several Facebook groups designed specifically for travel agents. Additionally, attending networking events, webinars, conferences, and taking trips to tour resorts in the destinations I most frequently sell has allowed me to meet some amazing people in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TravelGalMia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/travelgalmia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/travelgalmia
