"Creativity and trying new things takes guts" with Lisa Wright

Lisa Wright is the wife portion of the husband and wife duo, Hola Weddings. They created a destination wedding travel agency re-inventing the way couples can plan and book their dream wedding in Mexico. With over 20 years of travel industry experience, and 14 years living in the area, her goal is to help you find your perfect destination wedding location based on your budget, group size, and vision. Lisa has been referred to as the Wikipedia for hotels and wedding locations for Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I started working in the travel industry as a call center supervisor for a major Canadian airline in my early twenties. After a few years working the corporate job, I left Canada and ‘normal’ life to explore Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Mexico as a destination manager. Having fallen in love with Mexico and the travel industry, the next step was to establish a company that would allow me to marry both (pun intended).

What inspired you to start your business?

I love helping people. When I realized how many couples were struggling to find the perfect wedding location and then to manage their group’s travel, it just made sense to use my local knowledge and travel knowledge to help plan destination weddings. So little information is available online, and wedding planning can be overwhelming, especially at a distance, so having someone that can guide you and hold your hand can change the entire experience. 

Where is your business based?

Our team is based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico but our client base is US and Canada.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

We built the website and started promoting ourselves through social media. We began to revisit the hotels in the area and make simple YouTube videos of the venues available so that our clients would be able to do a virtual visit of the locations to help with the decision making process.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Social media and word of mouth. Our social efforts have allowed us to connect with more clients, and thankfully, we have many referrals, which for us are the highest form of praise we can get! 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

I am my biggest challenge. Learning to trust my instincts, trust that what is mine will come, trust that my efforts are enough. Also, can’t mention challenges without mentioning COVID. The travel industry has taken a hit. We had many weddings cancel and many weddings move dates. We managed to survive by cutting salaries and adjusting working hours so we didn’t have to lay anyone off and could still provide quality service for our clients who will eventually travel.  

How do you stay focused?

I am a bit of a workaholic and love what I do (and love to do it well) so I mainly need help getting unfocused rather than staying focused. That said, having a to-do list helps me stay on track. Sounds simple but it maps out my time and increases effectiveness. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

The team and I live and breathe the area and know it inside and out. A lot of travel agents get to visit the properties that they sell occasionally, if at all. We have seen and stayed at the hotels that we are selling multiple times. We know the wedding venues and packages offered, have personal relationships with the on-site wedding teams, and are also able to negotiate great group rates and perks.  

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Effective SEO and the use of social media.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Creativity and trying new things takes guts. Trust your gut and forgive yourself for your failures. Use them as a pivot and move on.  

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

APP: Calm. It helps me get unfocused from work and take a breath.

BLOG: Can a podcast count? I am podcast obsessed. Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday is my fave right now.

BOOK: Anything Dr. Seuss and I loved reading Wonder to my son.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Two-way tie. Freshdesk is the CRM that we use, it is simple and effective. Canva allows me to get creative and is a fabulous resource for content creation.  

Who is your business role model? Why?

Sir Richard Branson. His leadership reflects adaptability, humanity, and contribution over the competition.

How do you balance work and life?

This is still very much a work in progress. Check back in 5 years. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Massage or anything spa related. Also, taking a walk in nature always helps me to see the bigger picture. 

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I have a new baby so balancing work and mommy life. We are also working on a YouTube series of videos for couples that are thinking of planning destination weddings. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Please feel free to follow on Instagram, our Youtube channel, or email me at lisa@holaweddings.com.