After 20 years as a fashion buyer for Ralph Lauren, managing teams across London and Geneva, Sejal Devlia decided to leave the corporate world behind and invest in a franchise that would allow her to combine her love of travel with being her own boss.
Today, as a home-based travel consultant with The Travel Franchise, she creates bespoke holidays for her clients, works on her own terms, and enjoys a growing business that provides plenty of opportunities to explore the world.
A bold career change
“I loved what I did, but my life was just spent working and traveling for business,” says Devlia. “I was waking up every day feeling anxious and spent the whole week looking forward to finishing on a Friday. I still loved the brand, I just wasn’t enjoying corporate life anymore.”
The stress of the corporate lifestyle led her to seek an alternative path, and The Travel Franchise proved to be the perfect fit.
“Travel has always been something I’m deeply passionate about,” she explains. “I craved the freedom to run my own business while still having the support I needed.”
Devlia dived right in, swapping tailored suits for the opportunity to create tailor-made dream holidays for her clients. “Now, as a consultant, I don’t know what day of the week it is anymore because I feel the same every morning. I literally jump out of bed every day because I’m excited about work.”
From fashion to travel in five days
Despite having no previous experience in the travel industry, Devlia quickly adapted to her new role, thanks to the training and support offered by The Travel Franchise.
“The initial five-day virtual training was intense but incredibly comprehensive,” she recalls. “It provided me with all the tools I needed to start booking clients and earning right away.”
The training didn’t end there. She was paired with a dedicated business development manager who continues to guide her as her business grows.
“I also make it a point to attend supplier webinars regularly, which helps me stay up-to-date on new destinations, hotels, and industry trends. I love the travel industry – everyone’s so friendly!”
The money-back challenge
One of the unique incentives that drew her to The Travel Franchise was its Money-Back Challenge, part of the Elite franchise package she purchased. The challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to recoup their £14,995 franchise fee if they reach a specific commission target within their first year. Determined to succeed, she exceeded the target in November, earning a refund of her franchise fee and cementing her status as one of the company’s top performers.
“Networking has been key to my success,” she explains. “I made it a priority to connect with high-net-worth individuals and professionals from luxury industries. I regularly attend Business Networking International (BNI) events and hold one-on-one meetings with referral partners like wedding planners, photographers, and financial advisors. On social media, Instagram has been my most successful platform, helping me grow my audience organically by 5-10% each month.
Support that makes a difference
Devlia credits much of her success to the support system put in place by The Travel Franchise. From supplier webinars and mentorship retreats to exclusive travel opportunities, the franchise offers an array of resources to help its consultants thrive.
A standout experience for her was the Platinum Cruise with Virgin Voyages, an exclusive trip for top performers.
“It was a fantastic experience. Not only did we visit incredible destinations like Rome and Ibiza, but I also got to meet some amazing people and build valuable connections. By the end of the trip, I had formed lasting friendships and professional relationships that continue to support my business.”
The Travel Franchise’s strong relationships with major suppliers also give consultants access to unique deals and opportunities.
“They’ve recently launched several new initiatives to help us attract more customers, including an incredible quote tool that helps present professional quotes to clients complete with images and videos,” she adds.
Creating dream holidays
The most rewarding part of the job is helping clients create lasting memories she says.
“Holidays are so special,” she explains. “It’s especially rewarding when clients send me photos or messages during their trips to let me know how seamless and enjoyable everything was, particularly when their itinerary was complex. Knowing that I’ve made their holiday experience stress-free is the ultimate satisfaction.”
A focus on sustainable travel
Looking to the future, Devlia is committed to integrating sustainability into her business.
“A major focus for me in the coming years will be sustainable travel. I’m committed to recommending hotels and tour operators with strong sustainability credentials, such as Audley Travel. Additionally, I want to offer experiences that support local communities, like arranging immersive cultural tours led by local guides or promoting products from local artisans.”
Her commitment aligns with The Travel Franchise’s Positive Impact Programme, an initiative designed to integrate responsible tourism practices across the company. As one of seven consultants selected to help implement the programme, Devlia is excited about shaping the future of her business and the industry.
Advice for aspiring franchisees
For those considering a leap into the travel industry, she has this advice: “Do your research and attend a Discovery event where you can meet the co-founder and hear firsthand from other franchisees. Watching the Discovery videos and speaking to current consultants is also a great way to get a feel for the business.”
Ultimately, she believes the key to success is passion and a willingness to learn.
“The Travel Franchise offers everything you need to succeed – marketing, admin, training, and a network of experienced professionals. You just need to find your customers and deliver outstanding service.”
A thriving future
As her business continues to grow, Devlia plans to hire additional support in 2025 to manage increasing demand. But her heart remains in the flexibility and freedom her current setup provides.
“I’m happy to work remotely and continue to travel while taking bookings from anywhere.”
From corporate fashion to tailor-making dream holidays, Sejal Devlia’s own journey exemplifies the potential for reinvention and success when passion meets opportunity.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says.
And with her sights set on sustainability and growth, the business is taking her further than she ever thought.
