Imagery courtesy of Deya Palmero
Every experience is preparing you for the opportunity that is to come.
–Deya Palmero
What was the defining moment in your past that set you on the career path you ended up following?
I had many defining moments but they all lead back to one word, “Yes.” When I say “yes,” I make choices outside of my comfort zone, where the real growth happens. It started when I was 8 years old when I said “yes” to raking my neighbor’s leaves for 50 cents a bag, or selling pickles and popsicles to make a modest profit. And I said “yes” to my seven positions in the banking industry that I was in for 13 years. And I said “yes” to learning logistics for a global food manufacturing company. In Spanish. In the metric system. In a new industry. And I said “yes” to taking the leap and starting my own business, The Stargaze Travel, to help people travel to places they’ve always wanted to visit. I didn’t know exactly how it would all work but due to my past experiences, mistakes, triumphs, the people I worked with along the way and my friends, family and husband–it has all led me to this opportunity. No matter how big or small an opportunity, there is always something new to learn.
Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
What makes you unique in your industry?
For more than 15 years, I have established myself as a strategic advisor building trust and long-lasting relationships. I began my career in banking and financial services before moving into food manufacturing and logistics. Even though I’ve jumped into different industries, there are common threads that tie it all together. We are always building skills that can be transferred into our next opportunity. Regardless of the industry, there are key lessons that can be applied to your next opportunity. My work life has had many amazing highs and lows, which have helped me figure out who I am. We are so focused on these glorious Instagrammable moments but it is during the struggles when our fortitude is forged.
My passion for cultivating relationships, offering superb service, and extensive travel has allowed me to add value to my clients’ travels. The skills of developing new business, growing my portfolio, and finding creative solutions that I developed in the corporate world have been vital to my travel business. I’ve always loved traveling and helping people plan amazing trips. Now I get to mix my passions with my corporate skills for the benefit of my clients. The best part of my job is helping people check the boxes on their bucket lists. I tie my clients’ travel ideas together with their unique travel style to plan a bespoke trip for them.
Duro River in Porto, Portugal
What is one way you hope to impact your community in the future, either personally or professionally?
I recognize that when I help people travel across the world, it brings cultures together. When someone goes to another country, they interact with people not like them. It helps make the world a smaller place and, in the long term, a better place. It builds empathy across cultures and I know that helps us create a more peaceful and loving world. We make assumptions about things in life but traveling plays a really important part in breaking down those assumptions. Travel helps open our eyes and live outside of our bubbles.
Veuve Clicquot in Reims, France
If you could sit down with any woman in the world–either from history or who is currently living–who would that be and what would you discuss with her?
I would sit with Brene Brown. She has changed and is still changing my life every time I hear her speak or read one of her books. She has taught me that, “vulnerability is the most accurate way to measure up courage.” Living a vulnerable life can feel scary but it’s not as scary as getting to the end of your life and wondering, “Did I live my most authentic life?” She says, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” Remember: we have one life to live, why not live your best version of you?
Connect with Deya Palmero on Facebook and on Instagram @TheStargazeTravel.
This profile was (Em)powered by The Stargaze Travel.
Edited from an interview by Eleanora Morrison.