Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! This series will help you get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as we ask them questions about their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Samantha Olson, Franchise Owner of Dream Vacations!

Tell us about yourself and your business! I’m Samantha Olson, and I’m the owner of Dream Vacations.

How does your business help people? As a travel advisor, I take the stress and guesswork out of planning by handling all the details—so my clients can simply enjoy the experience. Throughout every step, I provide peace of mind by being just a call or message away if plans change or issues arise. Most importantly, I help people create meaningful memories through travel that bring them closer to the world—and each other!

How long have you lived in the Madison area? Since Oct 2022

What inspired you to start your business? My love for travel inspired me to start my business. After my husband and I took a three-week trip to Italy that I planned from start to finish, I realized how much I enjoyed organizing every detail—the flights, hotels, tours, and experiences. While I found it exciting, I knew that for many people, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others enjoy travel without the stress, turning what I love into a way to make dream vacations effortless for others.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry? I would say it’s the personal touches and genuine care I bring to every trip I plan. I take the time to get to know my clients and what matters most to them. I don’t push experiences—I simply provide thoughtful options and honest guidance so they can choose what feels right. My goal is to make travel planning easy, enjoyable, and perfectly suited to each traveler.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? That’s a tough one, but I’d say it’s the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Every trip has its ups and downs, but when a client returns to plan their next adventure, it’s an incredibly rewarding reminder of the trust and connection we’ve built.

How does your business contribute to the local community? Since it’s just me running the business, I focus on volunteering my time and am on the Madison Street Festival Committee, make donations, and support local events. I’ve also sponsored local athletics and community programs to stay involved with the community.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? I see my business growing into a community of travelers—groups from Madison coming together to explore the world while forming lasting bonds. I want to create opportunities for people to connect through shared travel experiences, so they not only make memories abroad but also build friendships and a sense of adventure they can carry back home.

Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? My typical customers are families, couples, and groups who want to travel but prefer having someone handle the details for them. Most of my clients come through referrals from happy travelers, but many also find me online through Facebook, Google, Instagram, LinkedIn or my website. I’m also building a Facebook group to share travel tips and inspiration, and I’d love to start hosting local travel parties where people can connect, learn about group trips, and start dreaming up their next adventure together. Soon to come!!

What do you enjoy most about running your business? What I enjoy most about running my business is the flexibility it gives me. With little ones at home, it’s a blessing to be able to work from home, set my own hours, and still be there when they need me—whether it’s school events, pickups, or those unexpected sick days. It lets me do what I love while still being present for my family.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? I stay up to date with industry trends through a mix of ongoing learning and constant connection. I read travel magazines and news articles, follow updates from suppliers and destinations, and receive regular communications from my franchise with the latest promotions, policy changes, and training opportunities. It helps me stay informed so I can provide my clients with the most current options, deals, and travel insights.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry? I’d tell them to be patient and prepared to learn constantly. It takes time to build trust and a solid client base. Focus on creating genuine relationships, not just making sales.

What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time? Right now, I’d love to highlight European river cruises. I’m currently diving back into studying and relearning all the details about these incredible journeys—everything from the different cruise lines and itineraries to the unique experiences along the Rhine, Danube, and beyond. River cruising is such a special way to see Europe. You travel within the country and are immersed. I’m excited to help more travelers discover just how amazing it can be.

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so? Sort of! We travel as a family, so I’m always getting feedback from the kids on what they enjoy and what makes a trip fun for them. They also love helping me with little things like sending mail or putting together client packages. It’s a fun way to include them and show them what I do.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life? The one that stands out right now the most for me is juggling the after-school chaos—sports practices, homework, and evening routines—because that often overlaps with the times clients are most available to discuss itineraries or changes. Finding that balance between being fully present for my kids and keeping up with my business can be tricky.

What business in the Madison Area is your favorite? Oh, that’s a tough one! But I’d probably say All Things Madison. She does such a great job keeping me grounded in the community and connected to what’s happening locally. I can always count on her for news, events, and stories that matter to our area—it’s such a great resource for anyone who loves being involved in Madison.

Do you have a business bestie? I don’t have a single “business bestie,” but I’m lucky to have a great network of supportive people in the area that I can turn to. Nutmeg Cookies is one of my favorites, and I’ve also connected with other travel advisors nearby—Isaiah and Deborah Banks with Cruise Planners are wonderful! They were such a big help when I first moved here, and I’m grateful to have that kind of encouragement and community around me.

Anything else you would like for us to highlight? I’d love to highlight that even if you already know exactly what kind of vacation you want, it’s still valuable to have someone on your side. I’m here to answer questions, offer guidance, and step in if something goes wrong. You don’t have to hand over every detail for me to help—I can simply be your support system throughout the process. And at this time, there’s no fee to work with me.

Where can people find you? sjolson.dreamvacations.com

Thanks for reading! If Samantha’s experience as a mom and business owner resonates with you, we want to hear from you in the comments! And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com. to be featured in a future Member Highlight post!