We chat with Jo Duffy, Founder & Director, Mindful Tribes on wellness holidays, being jaded with retail and starting her own business, in conjunction with the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in November.
I spent 20 years in retail travel. Then I had a little girl and I became jaded with retail and I needed something to keep my interest.
In my 20s and 30s I dabbled in yoga but mainly we went out and socialised and drank too much. I found myself wanting to heal and bring balance back to my life. I felt that I wanted to combine that passion with my travel background.
I realised that no one was doing wellness holidays the way I wanted, which is adventure with yoga. I want people to have an amazing holiday first and foremost. They are holidays with a wellness flavour. They incorporate yoga retreats but I find the term alienates people.
The main thing with any business is trepidation. I want to stay true to the vision I have for Mindful Tribes. I want to make sure we have a group of vibrant western leaders. Travellers are often first timers and they are daunted by the idea of doing something different so they want to connect with and communicate with experts.
The bookings are from people interested in making changes to their life. Everyone has a story to tell, most people are interested in making changes.
We have been contacted by agents all over the world since we started the business. But I don’t want to grow too big too quickly as it would compromise the brand.
Travel Weekly is proud to present the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in Sydney on 17 November.
Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on 17 November in Sydney. Earlybird tickets are on sale.
Any questions, contact Daisy Melwani on 0401216294 or drop her a line here.
Read other Women in Travel interviews in this series:
Simla Sooboodoo, Hands On Journeys
Eliza Woodward, SmartFlyer Australia
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Line
