Meet Maranatha Lee | Travel Agency Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maranatha Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maranatha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From my earliest memories, the entrepreneurial spirit has been ingrained in me. As a child, I eagerly asked for candle and jewelry making kits for Christmas and birthdays, crafting products that I sold to family and neighbors. It was a bit of childhood genius, really—keeping 100% of the profits for myself. I used the money earned from these endeavors to fund our annual vacations with the church group, indulging in all the souvenirs I desired.

The annual church group travels not only cultivated my entrepreneurial spark but also ignited a passion for exploration. Thanks to these yearly conferences, I’ve had the opportunity to visit nearly half of the United States. What started as domestic adventures has since blossomed into a global odyssey, including Caribbean cruises, European escapades, and Asian explorations, tallying up 32 countries and counting!

This deep-seated love for travel has culminated in the creation of Travel Queen, LLC. My mission is clear: to share the joy of exploration by curating personalized itineraries that maximize the enjoyment of my clients’ vacations. By handling all the research and collaborating closely with clients to understand their travel needs, I streamline the planning process. From our initial consultation, I take the gathered information and transform it into a customized dream vacation, leaving clients free to savor their destination without the burden of stress, saving both time and money in the process.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Travel Queen is not just a travel agency; it’s a gateway to personalized, unforgettable travel experiences. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to full-service planning, ensuring that each journey is a unique reflection of our clients’ dreams and desires. As a dedicated travel planner, Travel Queen specializes in curating personalized travel experiences and providing comprehensive concierge services, allowing our clients to indulge in seamless, stress-free adventures or rejuvenating vacations.

Our personalized travel services extend beyond the conventional, encompassing every detail of the journey. We’ve established exclusive partnerships with top-tier hotels, curated the finest excursions, and identified the most captivating sites and experiences at each destination. This meticulous approach allows us to tailor each itinerary to the individual needs and desires of our clients. From booking accommodations and arranging exclusive tours to securing reservations at local hidden gems, our aim is to elevate the cultural richness and enjoyment of every travel experience.

What makes us particularly excited for the future is our forthcoming initiative to host 1-2 group trips annually. This unique offering will allow clients to embark on unforgettable journeys alongside me, personally. These group trips are designed not just as vacations but as communal adventures, providing an opportunity for like-minded travelers to come together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. The personal touch I bring to these group trips ensures that clients not only discover new destinations but also forge connections with fellow travelers in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience.

Furthermore, we’re expanding our offerings to include comprehensive itinerary guides for clients who prefer to plan their own travels. This service will provide a suggested day by day itinerary to see the top attractions or uncover hidden gems that I have personally experienced. Whether clients choose our full-service planning or opt for our detailed itinerary guides, our commitment to personalized travel experiences remains at the forefront.

Looking ahead, we are most proud of the growth and adaptability displayed by Travel Queen. Despite the initial challenges of launching during the pandemic in 2020, our dedication to providing exceptional travel services has only strengthened. The positive response from clients and the anticipation for upcoming group trips and expanded travel services reinforce our excitement for the future. As we continue to evolve and cater to the diverse needs of our clientele, Travel Queen is poised to be a beacon for those seeking not just a vacation but an unparalleled travel experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I often have friends visiting from the East Texas (my hometown) area for a girls weekend and we typically explore the Frisco and Plano areas. Day one would kick off with a tour of The Star, the epicenter of Cowboys Nation, offering an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts. We’d then unleash our creativity at FleaStyle, curating custom cowboy hats to infuse a touch of Texan flair. Come evening, Haywire in Plano would be the perfect setting for a dinner that blends rustic charm with culinary excellence. The next day would be a shopping spree at Legacy West, a chic destination boasting upscale boutiques and trendy shops. We’d wrap up the weekend with another delightful meal at Sixy Vines, savoring the culinary delights & tasty wine from all over the world that make DFW a haven for foodies. The combination of sports, artsy endeavors, shopping, and exquisite dining ensures a quick girlfriends’ getaway filled with the best of local experiences and unforgettable memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my incredible husband, Marvin. His unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my journey with Travel Queen. While I’m out exploring the world, attending events, and setting up community engagements to promote Travel Queen, he holds down the fort at home with grace and dedication.

Marvin not only manages the household seamlessly but also plays a vital role in the success of Travel Queen. His encouragement, understanding, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities allow me the freedom to focus on growing my business and creating unforgettable experiences for my clients.

In every sense, he is my rock and a silent partner in this venture. His selflessness deserves all the credit and recognition for the success of Travel Queen, and I am immensely grateful for his constant support on this thrilling entrepreneurial journey. Cheers to a remarkable partner and an unsung hero in my story!

Website: travelqueenusa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelqueenllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/travel-queen-llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelqueenllc/

Image Credits
Headshot: Little Poppy by Heather LeeAnn