The Ebbs and Flow of my Life & How I found myself Seaduced

"So, how did you get here? How did you end up setting up your own luxury yacht business?" — it's a question that comes up a lot, and it's one I always struggle to answer because it certainly wasn't a direct path that led me here. I've always been the kind of woman to blaze her own trail. A self-learner, a DIYer.

Up until recently, I never quite understood how to apply my Bachelor's degree in Business to real life. It just didn't make sense to me, it didn't convert. The true teachers in my life have been my two buddies trial and error; doing and experiencing things ultimately brought me on the path I am on today. Though I must give some credit to my folks, whose teachings built the foundation of what I still stand by and believe in today.

My parents were pioneers of the vegan/vegetarian diet and believed in exercise as a form of healthcare way back in the 70s. This lifestyle has stuck with me since my childhood. I suppose it's no wonder that upon completing my education, I always found myself working in the field of healthcare. In my late twenties, I worked as a manager in a gym, which then led me to become a personal trainer in the same environment.

A Holistic Approach to Health & Wellness

When my eldest son was born, I needed more stability hence, a higher wage. I landed a job at a heart clinic where I assisted doctors with daily testing and monitoring patients' meds. Over time, this caused me to grow weary of Western medicine — I just couldn't fathom the amount of drugs that were prescribed when there are so many natural solutions to mental and physical health problems - a good diet, meditation and a good attitude, to name but a few.

To me, a good doctor is one who believes in a proactive approach to health. It was at this point that I decided to go back to my own upbringing and my love for holistic approaches to mind, body and soul care. Yoga and the yogic lifestyle were a perfect fit, which lead me to do my yoga teacher training in Costa Rica in 2008. Perhaps it's no coincidence that I ended up teaching a specific form of yoga, namely Vinyasa.

Vinyasa yoga mimics the ebbs and flows of everything in the universe from the seasons to the oceans - a time of activity and growth that is then balanced out by moments of rest and quiet. It has enriched my life in many ways but most importantly, it has made me take comfort in this type of flow in life and business. Knowing that there are times when I will work very hard and times when it all slows down and I can perhaps focus on other aspects of my life.

I think sailing and this yogic theory on life are complementary because let's face it — people generally lack the peace, rest and quiet in their lives. This type of vacation, being out on the ocean, completely connected to nature, being taken care of in the smallest of ways, is so beneficial for one's mental health. It has the ability to reset the mind to a place of tranquility.

Natural Evolution: from SUP Yoga Instructor to Salty Sailor to Yacht Broker

I didn't get to where I am today full throttle; I kind of paddled my way to the British Virgin Islands in 2013. Quite literally. After successfully running my own yoga studio in the States, I partnered with a paddle board company and began teaching SUP yoga. I met an array of different people here and, as BVI is known as the Caribbean's sailing capitol, it wasn't long until I was invited on board to soak it all in for myself.

From that moment on, I was besotted with the sea and any activity that allowed me to spend my time in it or on it. I was hooked — I spent my days paddling from island to island with the SUP company, and my weekends sailing with a bunch of salty sailors. Sailing is one of the most peaceful activities I have ever practiced. When the motor is cut and the sails are raised — the soft fluttering of the sails is like meditation in itself. It truly is something I wish every person could experience for themselves.

When I was asked to take over and build a luxury crewed charter sector for a company with a fleet of 75 boats, it felt like a natural next step for me to take in my life and work. The luxury crewed portion was a separate concept this particular company wanted me to take over and grow. As per usual, I took it upon myself to learn everything I could about the sector. Self-led and hands-on, is how I would describe my training - I attended boat shows, established a network of other brokers and got my education via the Caribbean Yacht Charter Association's (CYBA) new broker's course.

What Does a Yacht Broker Do?

Fortunately, being in the BVI, I had all the resources for me to be successful at hand. Within a year of launching that company's luxury crewed departments, it almost reached a million dollars in sales. I became a Top 10 broker during my first year in the industry. This told me I had made the right choice in taking on this challenge and, soon, I felt limited working under someone else. Hence, in 2019, I made another big move in my life: I opened my own brokerage. With the knowledge I've gained and the lessons — both good and bad — I've learned over the years, I have what it takes to make Seaduction a success. Even in these COVID times.

To think Seaduction Yacht Charters was in its infancy just two years ago is surreal — the growth in new business has been pretty extraordinary considering I started a travel business in the midst of a global pandemic! And while, I guess my official title is yacht charter broker, I consider myself a business owner first. My day to day involves working on outreach, marketing, social media and a LOT of communication with (potential) clients, before and after getting a contract out and a booking secured.

So, what does a yacht broker do? Well, I attend annual boat shows to ensure the crews and yachts are up to par and I can confidently recommend both. I am also on the CYBA's Ethics Committee, which is very rewarding. It allows me to help others navigate what may be questionable actions and how to correct these going forward. It's a wonderful part of CYBA’s approach to ethics — it’s not just a slap on the wrist, it’s also educational for the offender. Business ethics can be severely lacking in all fields and industries. In my opinion, it should play a crucial role in all areas.

Let Us Seaduce You

It’s funny — I don’t consider this my job, per say.  It’s more an extension of myself and who I am: business minded with a love for the Ocean, sailing and luxurious escapades. Being able to provide clients an experience of a lifetime in the form of a vacation in the Caribbean is pretty cool! The Seaduction yachts come with all the amenities you can dream of and, a holiday that allows you to be mobile rather than land locked, presents so many exciting possibilities.

You can see many different islands, inlets and cays in any given destination; you can even travel to more than one destination — just take Seaduction's St. Vincent - Grenada itinerary, for example - pure adventure in an all-inclusive, luxury setting. Not only are all of your meals, beverages and bar included, they are prepared to your exact preferences. With a professional chef at your disposal and your personal tour-guide in a captain's hat, willing to take you off the beaten path if you so desire, you will feel like the King or Queen of your yacht for the duration of your holiday.

So, I guess you could say it is my job as a yacht broker is to make people happy. And that’s very fulfilling on many levels.