Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Mathis.
Hi Molly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I love the saying “The more you experience, the more you have to offer.” When I started MOJO Active Adventures in 2013, my goal was to make it easy for people to create and share meaningful experiences in their lives. Blending unique travel adventures mixed with “wow” moments. I tested this concept with some trusted friends, starting with a few of my favorite destinations and then slowly adding more to the mix.
My business began to grow through word-of-mouth, peppered with a little social media. I didn’t come from a travel background, but the adventures I planned with family and friends got noticed and gave me the boost I needed create something truly unique.
If you ask me today, I’d say we’re in the Experience Creation business. Rapid growth over the past 8 years has included new travel partners around the world accommodating all types of travelers, from couples and families, to businesses looking for bold ways to break through with “wow” moments for their customers. I’m proud to say we enjoy a high customer return rate because of both the personal care we take in listening to our client’s needs combined with ability to truly unlock the magic of each destination.
Now more than ever, people are relying on us to fulfill their travel adventures and bucket list trips.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! As you know, the entire travel industry took a major hit in 2020. It forced us all to adapt, requiring extra creativity to create safe and exciting experiences. Because we traveled with the people we quarantined with when the world started opening up, it forced me to rethink our business model and focus more on experiences for couples, families and even corporations looking to provide unique experiences close to home. It really gave me the permission I needed to take this step.
We’ve always taken an unconventional approach to things, and the entrepreneurial side of me thrives on this. But with that comes risk. We continue to figure things out and adapt. But I’m figuring it out with a slew of incredible, trusted partners around the globe who catch my clients when they land and bring a lot of creativity to very localized experiences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mojo Active Adventures?
What truly sets MOJO Active Adventures apart is the degree to which we customize each client’s experience. If trips could be captured in a thumbprint, that’s what each of ours would have. From the destination, to the adventures and the “wow’ moments – no two trips are alike. Because no two people are. It’s what keeps our loyal tribe coming back, telling their friends and is the reason for our organic growth. We are different than a traditional travel agency, and this video helps explain why — https://www.mojoactiveadventures.com/2021/10/21/how-does-mojo-differ-from-a-traditional-travel-agency/.
For example, we have one client who has been with us from the start. She was introduced through a fellow traveler, has gone on several girls trips to destinations including Iceland, Puerto Rico and Oregon. Then during the pandemic, we planned an intimate trip for her and her husband with the same personalized care she had become accustomed to in previous travels. You can read her story here — https://www.mojoactiveadventures.com/2021/07/09/one-clients-journey-with-mojo-adventures/.
What we are most known for is our “wow” moments, which are usually a surprise to our clients. For example, together with our partners in Iceland, we take groups to a beautiful destination for a hike and what they don’t realize is that dinner is being prepared in a nearby, remote cave complete with candlelight and musicians. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience and a memory that people will carry with them their whole lives.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely! The travel industry was heavily affected and a lot of agencies, resorts, and restaurants went out of business. When my phone rang with clients looking for safe ways to travel, they were relying on me. Staying on top of ever-changing travel restrictions and guidelines took center stage. But what I was reminded of most, was the importance of MOJO’s deep-rooted relationships with our travel partners. We really weathered the storm together and transformed our businesses in lock-step.
Even if it meant doing things differently and bringing the experience to our clients. Take a multi-day, milestone birthday celebration we planned close to a client’s home. We designed a highly-curated 1970s retro experience that included transforming a modern-day roller rink into a blast from the past and artfully sprinkling in iconic cultural, culinary and musical references of the era throughout the festivities.
Family travel also became a priority during the pandemic, and still is today as we recognize the importance of making memories while we are all able. For families, we create experiences that multi-generations can all enjoy. We planned high school graduation trips and private sailing adventures to destinations where we knew could offer experiences that didn’t compromise our custom way of travel. You can read more about these family adventures here — https://www.mojoactiveadventures.com/2021/08/15/planning-family-travel-becomes-a-priority/.
Contact Info:
- Email: molly@mojoactiveadventures.com
- Website: www.mojoactiveadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojoactiveadventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mojoactiveadventures/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mojoactiveadv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mojo+active+adventures
Image Credits
CatMax Photography
Wes Johnson
