Look Who's Travelling: Stacey's Passion to Side Hustle

Women who chase their passions and build new paths on their own terms? We love to see it!  Stacey Lyons is doing just that, and smashing it too. From dreaming of far-off places to turning a side hustle into a thriving travel business, Stacey shows us what’s possible when you combine passion, grit, and a little leap of faith. Here’s her story in her own words.

I’ve always had a love affair with travel. Even when I wasn’t going anywhere, I spent hours planning trips in my free time, searching for the best spots, dreaming up itineraries, and imagining new adventures. So when I discovered I could actually earn commission booking holidays as an independent travel agent, it just made total sense.

Being an independent travel agent means I work for myself, helping clients book personalised trips tailored to exactly what they want, without being tied to one company. It’s like being a holiday matchmaker and I get to do it all with the freedom to choose how and when I work.

I joined an online travel platform, and started learning how to book holidays, earn commission, and build my own brand. What began as a side hustle alongside my full-time job soon grew into my own business. Today, I book travel for clients and help others start their own travel businesses too, which is incredibly rewarding.

I’ve been on lots of amazing holidays now, and honestly, I love planning more… what can I say, it’s a perk of the job! I even successfully got the girls’ holiday out of the group chat, Bali girlies! And it was the best time!!

Starting a business while still working full time has been a huge learning curve. Managing my time and staying motivated after a long day’s work wasn’t always easy. Some nights, I felt drained and wondered if I could keep it up. But I kept reminding myself why I started and pushed through.

Building my confidence online was another challenge. I had to show up on social media and in videos, even when I felt unsure and self-conscious. Those moments were uncomfortable, but I learned that sometimes you just have to jump in and keep going. The results have been worth every awkward moment.

I never planned to build a team. My focus was simply on being a great travel advisor. But one day, someone asked me how I was managing it all, and we met for coffee so I could share everything I’d learned. That conversation sparked the beginning of a team, and suddenly, I found myself mentoring, supporting, and growing alongside an amazing group of like-minded women.

Sharing this opportunity with others has been one of the best parts of my business. Making genuine friendships and watching my team love what they do as much as I do gives me so much joy and pride.

Recently, we had our first in-person summer social, and I finally met one of my team members face to face. It was incredible! After months of virtual support came alive in one afternoon of laughter and connection. We’re already planning our next meet-up: a co-working and fun girly weekend in the Cotswolds, combining work, play, and plenty of girl power.

What I love most about this job is the freedom and flexibility it gives me. I can build my business around my full-time job and personal life, which means no one-size-fits-all schedule. Plus, I’m getting paid to do something I truly enjoy: planning trips, sharing travel content, and connecting with people who share my passion.

This journey has brought together so many things I love: travel, creativity, connection, and personal growth. I never felt like working a 9 to 5 until retirement was enough for me. Now, I’m so grateful to have found a path that feels authentic and exciting.

I’m beyond excited for the day my team and I hit our goals and can all live life on our own terms working when, where, and how we want.

If you’re wondering if you can start a business like this alongside your job, I’m here to tell you: absolutely! It’s not always easy, but consistent effort really does add up. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” You learn by doing.

There’s so much support available when you start out, from training to step-by-step guides, and the community around this business is incredible. Being yourself and building real connections makes all the difference.

My best advice? Back yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary. It’s so worth it.

Looking ahead, I want to keep growing my travel business and help even more people start theirs. I plan to work full time for myself and have the freedom to travel whenever I want. Exploring new places and making personal recommendations to clients is a big part of the fun for me.

I’m also excited to collaborate with hotels, wellness brands, and tourism companies, and explore content creation and partnerships, new doors that are already opening thanks to this business.

Most of all, I want to see my team succeed and build something meaningful together, while continuing to create a life full of freedom, flexibility, and fun.

Stacey’s story is a brilliant reminder that following your passion, even when it’s challenging, can lead to incredible growth, connection, and freedom. She shows us that success is not about perfection but about persistence, authenticity, and community. Whether you’re just starting or dreaming about your next step, Stacey’s journey proves that with heart and hard work, you can build a life and business you love. At Level Up, we’re proud to share her story and encourage you to take that next leap toward your own adventure.