Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Ron Louis.
Hi La’Ron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had my sights on the world outside of his small town of Palatka, Florida. I got my sense of advantageous wanderlust from my mother who would often get inspired, jump in the car and follow the wind. She would make lifelong friends and leave traces of her warm spirits as she traveled.
It wasn’t until a 9-year-old when I took his first cross country trip, to attend a relative wedding in San Francisco, as an unaccompanied minor that he felt what my mother would so frequently describe in the tale of her travels. It was the magic that happens when your senses are aroused by an exotic flavor. It’s the warm sensation that welcomes you when you step onto an unfamiliar land. This had a profound effect on my journey and my experiences with travel.
In 2018, I became an Independent Travel Advisor and founded LL Adventures, where I tailor itineraries for strangers, friends, and family. I started my business as a means to show others the world and to aid them in the process. I often highlight my travel experience with others in hopes that they remove their fear of the unknown and take a flight one day to see what the world has to offer.
Starting a business at 33 years old was tough, but my willingness and determination have allowed me to provide travel services to over 200 clients. My travel experience and culture span the world including London, Paris, Rome, Cairo, Egypt, Amsterdam, and over 30 states in the USA. Now, I have a team of 8 independent travel specialists who assist would-be world travelers with their passion for new experiences and lasting memories.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some struggles along with way has been the support of those family and friends that I just assumed would be the first ones to support and benefit from my business. In addition to the lack of support was the lack of knowledge when it came to business funding and other financial obligations. After about two years of my entrepreneur journey, I learned how to build business credit, I found ways to continue to finance my business and came to understand insurance obligations and other important factors that would help aid in the success of my business. Letting go of the idea that family and friends would be the first ones to support was key as well. I would often time get upset when I see them take vacation or cruise, or even solicit advice for travel from and turn around to book with someone else or one of those internet vendors. Strangers have been the biggest supporters of my business. Seven years later I am thriving and producing some great experiences, travel plans, and even wedding accommodations! I’m not where I want to be, but I am on the right path!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Program Manager for Infoblox, one of the leading companies in cybersecurity software. Over 72% of Fortune 500 companies utilize our product to keep their everyday business practice secure in the tech space. My responsibility includes creating diverse programming and events that is inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. In addition, I forge meaningful partnerships with global organizations that can help build the brand of the company, allows for the growth of our Employee Resource Group chairs and members, as well as, bridging the gap to help our employees learn and develop from others outside of the organization. I am most proud of my ability to bring others together for a common goal. I am often looked at as the glue that holds my friends and family together. Although tough at times, I somehow continue to be the one that serves the greater good of everyone around me. One thing that sets me apart from others, would be my resiliency to PUSH through. After the passing of my mother and grandmother, nearly 72 days apart in 2016, my outlook on life changed drastically. Everything I do today is for them! I know without their guidance and support throughout my life I wouldn’t be half the man I am today.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a spoiled, mamas boy, no lie! I was the baby of three kids, I was the last one left in the house, and oftentimes, I got what I wanted. I got the best mother a kid could ask for. One that worked tirelessly to make ends meet, to see that I had a smile on my face, and food on the table and she was my biggest cheerleader! You couldn’t tell me no at all. I think my charisma helped me in a lot of situations with my mother, my teachers, and my friends. Turn on the charm and let it flow, there was no stopping La’Ron. In school, I was the chunky kid, I got called names by bullies but somehow that never really affected me! I didn’t let them get inside of my head, I found ways to fight back. I bullied my way back by being smarter than them, I got better grades, and I was recognized by my teachers and principals. I would say that I was well-liked by others, the girls loved me, and the fellas loved being around me because the girls were always with me! I caught on to them by high school, they were using me to get to the ladies. Nonetheless, I was that kid who had all the parties that everyone had to attend. I was outgoing, always seeking out the next best thing in life and I thank my mother for allowing me to do so! This allowed me to connect with so many different people, and understand how others thought about things outside of my household. My heart is big and I have a lot of compassion and try to practice empathy towards others.
Pricing:
- $35.00 Travel Research Consultation
- $65.00 3-5 Day Itinerary
- $100 5-7 Day Itinerary
- $2500- 60 Minute Virtual Speaking Engagement Fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lladventurescompany.com/startadventure
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lltraveladventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLTravelAdventures
- Other: @LLTravelAdventures tiktok
