Today we’d like to introduce you to Henriette Ostrzega.
Hi Henriette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 1986, I arrived in the United States with curiosity, determination, and the spark of possibility. My earliest days were spent at my cousin’s travel agency, where I absorbed the art of crafting journeys and witnessed how travel could open hearts and minds. Those formative experiences planted a seed: the belief that travel is more than movement—it’s connection, discovery, and transformation.
Driven by ambition, I built a career in the corporate hospitality industry, mastering the intricacies of luxury service and client care. For over 25 years, I thrived in environments where excellence was the standard, learning how to anticipate needs and create seamless experiences that left lasting impressions.
Parallel to this, I became a Realtor, serving clients for more than two decades. Real estate gave me another lens into people’s lives—their hopes, their investments, their dreams of home. It taught me that every decision is deeply personal, and that trust and authenticity are the foundation of meaningful relationships.
Then, life shifted dramatically. A violent car accident forced me to pause, reflect, and reimagine my path. Out of that moment of reckoning came clarity: I wanted to dedicate myself to creating journeys that weren’t just luxurious, but deeply transformative.
That vision became Amara Voyages—a boutique travel consultancy born from resilience, passion, and purpose. Today, Amara Voyages designs culturally rich, bespoke itineraries that awaken curiosity, foster connection, and honor the uniqueness of every traveler. It is the culmination of my immigrant beginnings, my corporate expertise, my Realtor’s intuition, and the life-changing reminder that every day is a gift to be lived fully.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth—and that’s what makes the story meaningful.
Immigrating to the U.S. in 1986 meant starting from scratch, learning to navigate a new culture, and building a life without a safety net. Those early days at my cousin’s travel agency were filled with curiosity but also uncertainty, as I tried to find my place in a new country.
In the corporate hospitality world, the challenges were different: long hours, high expectations, and the constant demand to deliver flawless experiences. It was a competitive environment that tested my endurance and sharpened my skills.
As a Realtor for over 20 years, I faced the ups and downs of shifting markets, economic cycles, and the emotional weight of guiding clients through life-changing decisions. It required patience, empathy, and the ability to adapt.
The most defining struggle came after a violent car accident—a moment that forced me to stop, reevaluate, and rebuild. Recovery was not just physical but emotional, and it became the turning point that inspired me to create Amara Voyages. Out of hardship came clarity: I wanted to dedicate myself to designing journeys that weren’t just luxurious, but transformative.
The struggles became the foundation of resilience. Each challenge—immigration, corporate pressure, market volatility, and personal trauma—shaped the vision and values behind Amara Voyages. They taught me that life’s detours often lead to the most meaningful destinations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I design journeys that go far beyond travel. As the founder of Amara Voyages, I specialize in creating **bespoke, culturally rich itineraries** that awaken curiosity, foster connection, and transform the way people experience the world. Every trip is tailored to reflect the uniqueness of each traveler, blending insider access, elevated hospitality, and curated escapes that make every moment unforgettable.
My background spans 25+ years in corporate hospitality and special events, where I mastered the art of luxury service and seamless client care. As a Realtor for over two decades, I learned to deeply understand people’s motivations, dreams, and emotional needs—skills that now shape the way I craft journeys with empathy and precision.
I’m most proud of turning a life-altering car accident into a source of clarity and purpose. That moment inspired me to create Amara Voyages, a brand built on resilience, authenticity, and the belief that travel should transform you.
What sets me apart is the **fusion of expertise and heart**:
– A corporate foundation in luxury service.
– A Realtor’s intuition for understanding people.
– An immigrant’s perspective on discovery and reinvention.
– A survivor’s commitment to making every journey meaningful.
At Amara Voyages, I don’t just plan trips—I help clients design experiences that reflect their values, dreams, and desire for connection.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor isn’t about chasing titles—it’s about seeking people whose values, experience, and approach resonate with you. The best mentors are often those already within reach.
What’s worked well for me:
• Leaning into my host agency community: Other agents have been invaluable sounding boards. They understand the same challenges and opportunities, and those peer-to-peer conversations often evolve into mentorship relationships naturally.
• Showing up at networking events: It’s not just about collecting business cards—it’s about listening, asking thoughtful questions, and following up with genuine interest. The strongest connections I’ve made came from being curious about others rather than trying to “sell” myself.
• Building relationships over time: Mentorship isn’t always formal. Sometimes it’s a trusted colleague you can call for advice, or someone you admire who becomes a guide through consistent interaction.
• Offering value first: Whether it’s sharing insights, making introductions, or simply being supportive, giving before asking has opened doors to deeper, reciprocal relationships.
Mentorship and networking thrive on authenticity. When you approach people with genuine curiosity and respect, you’ll find not only mentors but also collaborators, advocates, and lifelong allies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AmaraVoyages.com
- Instagram: @AmaraVoyagesbyHO
- Facebook: AmaraVoyagesbyHO
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietteostrzega/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amara-voyages
