I was raised in Houston, Texas and moved to Kauai from Amarillo, Texas in 2003, though, it was not my first trip here….that dates back to 1990. I remember sunset the second day of that first trip and knew Kauai was where I was meant to be…..indeed, the island speaks to you if you listen. It took more than a few years and a few trips to get me permanently here, but that’s also part of growing up, living and learning. The trip that impacted me most was in November 1992, just 2 months after Hurricane Iniki. The island was devastated and looked like a fire storm had burned away all the lush green flora and obliterated buildings and homes. The spirit of the people and the island were not crushed, though. It was clear that even though times were tough, the Spirit of Aloha, human kindness and the community were strong.
In 2003, I arrived in Kauai with 2 suitcases and a few boxes of mementos unable to part with after selling 20 years of living on the mainland. Fortunately, I stayed the first few months with a friend and dove straight into work. Cleaning vacation rentals is difficult but rewarding in many ways. Eventually, I branched off and started my own cleaning company and slowly got into property management and booking guest reservations. When my family visited I was here to greet them, stock the fridge and direct them to the best deals and places to go. Our vacationing guests are rather out here on their own. It was always in the back of my head that there was a final, yet important link missing…..we needed a connector to help guests feel at home on an island far away from everyday life in a house or condo they most probably have only seen pictures of on the internet. Vacations should be about fun and relaxation and not having to stand in line at a grocery store.
With a lot of internet searching and brainstorming, Kauai Vacation Concierge Services was born. Never before had I entered the world of building web sites, marketing material or business plans, but it was all soon upon me! The most fun has been trying to think outside the box and come up with ideas which are both meaningful to guests and useful to clients and other management companies. I can’t possibly take credit for all the great ideas, as many came from talking story with friends and business associates. Every day something new comes along that challenges me to think and be creative.
When making arrangements with a guest, I find myself getting as excited as they are and look forward to their stay almost as much as they do. It is that excitement and enthusiasm I bring to the business, phone and road every day. Each guest, client and vacation is different and I hope to have a small part in creating something exceptional for others while challenging myself to continue to come up with new and creative ideas. As with life, this is an ever growing and changing effort and it is where I want to be.
It's not all about work, though. After meeting a great guy, he has introduced me to spear fishing. Not being a huge hunter, he gets the fish, I shoot pictures. Of course we stay and fish on shore as well, but it is great fun to suit up and get out in the water. I have also always enjoyed photography and take every opportunity to wander around looking for interesting things to picture. Some turn out good, other's - not so much.
A hui hou,
Carol
Note from a friend:
Prior to moving to Kauai, Carol was in property management (apartments), accounting, bookkeeping, job costing, budget analysis and restaurant management. Very, very far back she worked at a fabric store as well as a movie theater. Her parents and immediate family are all in Texas.
Most often people say that she is an odd combination of ambitious and laid back, serious and a jokester, driven yet easy to deal with but mostly a much more grounded person after moving to Kauai. With a long history of number crunching and customer service, this is a tailor made business for her to be in. With the ability to see to the details, anticipate guests and clients needs and enthusiasm she will no doubt succeed wherever her journey takes her.
In 2003, I arrived in Kauai with 2 suitcases and a few boxes of mementos unable to part with after selling 20 years of living on the mainland. Fortunately, I stayed the first few months with a friend and dove straight into work. Cleaning vacation rentals is difficult but rewarding in many ways. Eventually, I branched off and started my own cleaning company and slowly got into property management and booking guest reservations. When my family visited I was here to greet them, stock the fridge and direct them to the best deals and places to go. Our vacationing guests are rather out here on their own. It was always in the back of my head that there was a final, yet important link missing…..we needed a connector to help guests feel at home on an island far away from everyday life in a house or condo they most probably have only seen pictures of on the internet. Vacations should be about fun and relaxation and not having to stand in line at a grocery store.