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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!
March 11, 2026
Owner: Rachel Eubanks
About: Eubanks Written Solutions (EWS) is a copywriting company that helps businesses use words to attract and keep great clients. From newsletters to social posts to white papers to websites, EWS serves businesses that understand how words matter to customers.
Phone Number: (205) 712-0156
March 4, 2026
Owner: Deanna Bender
About: Favorite Things located on Main Street Madison is an ecclectic boutique carefully curated to showcase thoughtful and clever gifts. Owner Deanna Bender is dedicated to help customers the perfect gift or new “favorite thing” for themselves.
Address: 204 Main St, Madison AL 35758
Phone Number: (256) 111-2222
February 24, 2026
Owner: Heather Fogg
About: The Dreamt Garden offers whimsical floral designs, community building floral workshops, and cottage inspired gifts and home decor. We value slow living, seasonal flowers, and the local floral and garden communities in the Madison and Huntsville area.
Address: 7186 Highway 72 W Huntsville, AL 35758 (Inside Vintage 72)
January 28, 2026
Owner: Susanna Chesser
About: Pure Barre Madison is a fitness boutique specializing in barre classes. We offer 4 class formats that allow for a well rounded fitness routine, each offering low-impact but high-intensity movements.
Address: 14 Main Street Suite A, Madison, AL 35758
Phone Number: (256) 684-5549
January 28, 2026
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 Dr. Yanique Rolingson, Owner of S.N.A.P. Academy!
Tell us about you and your business! I’m Dr. Yanique Rolingson and I own S.N.A.P. Academy
How does your business help people? S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC helps students in grades 2–4 build strong academic foundations in reading, math, and writing through individualized and small-group learning sessions. I also support teachers with consultation, coaching, and encouragement, enmpowering both students and educators have the tools, confidence, and faith to thrive.
How long have you lived in Madison? 5 yrs
What inspired you to start your business? What inspired me to start my business was my experience as an educator for nearly two decades and my desire to make a deeper impact on both students and teachers. I saw how many children struggled with foundational skills in reading, math, and writing, and how that struggle often followed them for years. I also witnessed the weight teachers carry and their need for encouragement, coaching, and faith-filled support. S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC was born from a vision to give students the strong start they deserve while also providing teachers with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
What sets your business apart from others in the industry? As an educator for nearly two decades, I saw firsthand how many students in the early grades were struggling with foundational skills in reading, math, and writing and how that struggle often followed them for years. I also witnessed the weight teachers carry and the need for encouragement, coaching, and faith-filled support. S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC was born out of a desire to give children the strong start they deserve and to provide teachers with the tools and confidence to keep thriving.
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? My biggest success so far has been finding the courage to step out of my comfort zone and trust God to guide me. In doing so, I’ve been able to pursue the true desire of my heart: to move beyond the limits of a system and create space to help students build strong foundations while also giving teachers encouragement and support. That step of faith turned a vision into reality with the launch of S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC, a program designed to equip students with academic skills while nurturing character and confidence. I envision the excitement of parents, educators, and community members as this work grows and meets a real need, laying the foundation for lasting impact.
How does your business contribute to the local community? S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC contributes to the local community by providing students in grades 2–4 with high-quality academic support in reading, math, and writing through small-group and individualized sessions. We also invest in the well-being of educators through coaching, consultation, and encouragement, creating a ripple effect that strengthens both classrooms and families. By nurturing academic growth, character, and confidence, we’re building a stronger foundation for the future of our community.
How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? In the next 5–10 years, I envision S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC growing into a full-service learning center that serves more students in grades 2–4 while expanding to additional grade levels. I see our work extending beyond academic center to include family engagement, leadership development, and faith-based support programs that strengthen both students and educators. Over time, I plan to build partnerships with local schools, churches, and community organizations so S.N.A.P. Academy becomes a trusted hub for academic excellence, character development, and teacher encouragement in North Alabama and beyond.
Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? Our typical customers will be families with children in grades 2–4 who need extra support in reading, math, and writing through individualized and small-group learning sessions. We also aim to serve educators seeking consultation, coaching, encouragement, and connections to strengthen their practice and well-being. As a new business, families and teachers will find us through word of mouth, community connections, social media, and partnerships with schools and organizations in the Madison and Huntsville area.
What do you enjoy most about running your business? What I look forward to enjoying most about running my business is seeing students gain confidence as they strengthen their academic skills and knowing that I’ve helped give them a stronger foundation for the future. I also anticipate the joy of supporting teachers through consultation, coaching, encouragement, and connections so they feel equipped and valued in their work. Most of all, I’m excited about building meaningful relationships with families, educators, and community partners as S.N.A.P. Academy grows.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? I plan to stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes by actively engaging with professional learning communities, attending education conferences, and connecting with other local business and education leaders through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. I will also continue reading research on effective instructional practices, following thought leaders in education, and seeking feedback from families and teachers so that S.N.A.P. Academy stays relevant, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our community.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry? My advice to anyone interested in starting a business in education is to begin with a clear sense of purpose. This work requires passion, patience, and persistence because you’re not only shaping academics but also shaping lives. Take time to understand the real needs of students, families, and teachers in your community and design services that genuinely meet those needs. Build connections, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to start small. Most importantly, have the courage to step out of your comfort zone, trust the process, and remain flexible as you grow.
What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time? At this time, I would like to highlight our small-group and individualized learning sessions for students in grades 2–4. These sessions focus on building strong foundations in reading, math, and writing while also nurturing character and confidence. This is the heart of S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC and the service we are most excited to bring to families in our community.
Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so? Yes, I do involve my children in my business. My older son, who is currently a student and tutor at UAH, has expressed interest in supporting me with this work. His involvement not only allows him to contribute his own gifts and experiences but also makes this business a family journey. I believe including my children helps them see the value of education, service, and entrepreneurship firsthand.
What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing mommyhood and business life? What I anticipate being the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life is making sure I stay fully present for my daughter, who is a sophomore in high school and the only one left in our household, while also giving S.N.A.P. Academy the focus it needs to grow. My two sons attend UAH for engineering and one is also a part of the track team, so my daughter still needs my attention, support, and presence day to day. I know it will take intentional planning, prayer, and balance, but I believe this journey will model resilience, courage, and faith for all three of my children.
What business in the Madison Area is your favorite? A local business I admire is Mathnasium of Madison, located at 51 Nance Road, Suite 101. Their model of individualized learning and foundational skill-building closely aligns with what S.N.A.P. Academy aims to provide across multiple subjects.
Do you have a business bestie? At this stage, I don’t have a business bestie, but I truly value the opportunity to connect with other local entrepreneurs. As S.N.A.P. Academy grows, I look forward to building relationships with like-minded business owners who share the same passion for education, community, and making a lasting impact.
Anything else you would like for us to highlight? I would love for you to highlight that S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC is not just about academics, but about building the whole child. We focus on strengthening reading, math, and writing skills while also nurturing character, confidence, and resilience. In addition, we offer consultation, coaching, and encouragement for educators, because when teachers are supported, students thrive. Our vision is to serve as a bridge that helps families, educators, and the community come together to create lasting impact. One Vision. Two Paths.
Where can people find you? People can find me through our website at snapacademyal.org . I am based in Madison, Alabama, and available to connect with families, educators, and community partners locally and online. I am also currently building our Facebook business page, S.N.A.P. Academy, LLC, where updates and resources will be shared.
January 28, 2026
The Business Boost Summit by Madison Mompreneur is a high-impact, zero-fluff workshop designed to help small business owners strengthen their brand, increase their visibility, and create meaningful momentum — all within a warm, community-driven environment.
This half-day summit brings together four local experts who will share actionable strategies around:
- Building consistency through social media & branding
- Elevating your client experience with strategic email touchpoints
- Using newsletters to nurture, serve, and convert
- Reaching your local market through Google Business Profile
Whether you’re newer to business or a few years in, this summit is built to help you stop spinning your wheels, gain clarity, and take the next step confidently. Leave with a refreshed perspective, practical action steps, and renewed momentum for the months ahead.
Join local small business owners for a morning of connection, clarity, and growth.
What You’ll Learn
In three focused workshops, you’ll learn how to:
- Strengthen your brand consistency
- Show up confidently on social media
- Improve your client experience with email touchpoints
- Nurture your audience through strategic newsletters
- Increase your local reach with Google Business Profile
- Boost productivity with simple, proven strategies
Every workshop is intentional, action-packed, and designed to help you take real steps forward — no fluff.
Who the Summit is for
The Business Boost Summit is perfect for:
✔ Mompreneurs
✔ Small business owners
✔ Creative entrepreneurs
✔ Service-based businesses
✔ Brick-and-mortar owners
✔ Newer entrepreneurs ready for clarity
✔ Experienced business owners needing renewed momentum
If you’re looking to boost your visibility, strengthen your marketing, and get more done, this is for you.
What’s Included
- Admission to all four workshops
- Heavy snacks + beverages
- Access to virtual courses
- Networking with 50+ local small business owners
- Headshots with Gari-Ann of Kia & Co.
Pricing
🎟 Early Bird: $79
🎟 General Admission: $97
💻 Virtual Ticket: $29
All tickets include access to the virtual courses.
How To Sign Up
Tickets for the Business Boost Summit are intentionally limited to preserve the quality of learning and connection. If you’re ready to invest in your growth, sharpen your strategy, and connect with other driven small business owners, now is the time to secure your spot.
Sign up by visiting madisonmompreneur.com/summit to reserve your spot today!
January 21, 2026
Owner: Audrey Smith
About: Grow Our Village is an inclusive social enterprise that provides new parents with access to affordable baby essential rentals, wellness services, and community support.
Address: 190 Lime Quarry Rd, Suite 113, Madison, AL 35758
Phone Number: (256) 617-7270
November 26, 2025
