Her Story
About Cynthia
Cynthia Jackson serves as Agency Director of Kensington Traveler Services in Fort Pierce, Florida. She has 14 years of experience in the travel industry, including 11 years in her current leadership role overseeing six agents. Jackson specializes in Mediterranean cruises and UK travel, focusing on curating custom itineraries, planning cruises, and organizing group trips planned 14 to 18 months in advance. Prior to transitioning to full-time travel work, she taught high school biology science in New York for approximately 14 years while simultaneously building her travel business. Her educational background includes three master's degrees in school leadership, one master's degree in science education, and an associate's degree in theater from a school in New York. Jackson attributes her success to consistency in her work, anticipating client needs, and delivering personalized service grounded in old world values inspired by Kensington Palace, emphasizing human contact over impersonal alternatives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cynthia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being consistent in my work and finding ways to make people happy by staying in front of them, anticipating their needs, and providing that wow factor. I founded my business on old world values like those of Kensington Palace, emphasizing tradition, honor, and personal human contact over AI or impersonal services.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Find an occupation where you can get paid and that really interests you beyond words. If you can find that, it's a win-win. I love what I do so much that somebody could call me at 3 in the morning and I'd be excited to take that call. I don't consider it work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When starting off in the travel industry, lay the groundwork of your understanding of the business. Know what you like to sell and find that narrowed niche that makes you happy. Get your systems down, know what areas you like to travel to, and focus on those over and over.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the inconsistency of income, with some months making a lot and others lean. To create consistency, I plan group travel and solicit past clients, mapping out quarterly with 4 big groups per year planned 14 to 18 months in advance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are to find ways to be appreciated or give back in a meaningful way, not just spin my wheels. I like to feel like I'm making progress, whether with a new certification, new understanding of a supplier, or helping a client be happy.
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