EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 49 MIN
From Teacher to Travel Guru: Kacie Darden & Blue Pineapple Travel (Ep. 103)
from My Great Pivot · host The Female Founders Project
Kacie Darden shares her inspiring pivot from middle school science teacher to owner of her own thriving travel agency, Blue Pineapple Travel. Less than two years after setting a cycling world record, Kacie landed in the ICU, nearly dead from complications during the birth of her twins. Resulting health issues forced her to leave the teaching job she loved, so she decided it was time for a professional pivot - and found motivation in her love of exotic travel.So just how do you launch a travel agency? Kacie tells all, from kick-starting her new career by getting in with a host agency to acquiring other agencies to fuel Blue Pineapple's growth. She shares how Blue Pineapple's focus on providing exceptional customer service helps her agency stand out in an industry dominated by digital tools. And lest you think the travel agency is all sunshine and rainbows, she recalls the dark days when COVID travel bans nearly bankrupted her agency - and how they made it through.This episode is a testament to Kacie's indomitable spirit and knack for seizing opportunities in the face of adversity.My Great Pivot is a production of The Female Founders Project. Find out more at www.mygreatpivot.com00:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business00:40 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:41 Kacie Darden's Early Life and Career05:34 Transition from Teaching to Travel Agency09:27 Starting Blue Pineapple Travel15:30 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges23:30 The Diverse World of Travel Planning24:08 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Travel Industry26:55 The Importance of Support and Partnership28:34 Lessons Learned and Business Growth33:20 The Role of Communication and Education40:37 Future Plans and Industry Insights45:57 Favorite Travel Destinations47:43 Conclusion and Contact Information#femalefounders #entrepreneurship #femaleentrepreneurs #startuplife #startups #womenentrepreneurs #travelindustry #traveladvisor #smallbusiness #careerpivots
What this episode covers
Kacie Darden shares her inspiring pivot from middle school science teacher to owner of her own thriving travel agency, Blue Pineapple Travel. Less than two years after setting a cycling world record, Kacie landed in the ICU, nearly dead from complications during the birth of her twins. Resulting health issues forced her to leave the teaching job she loved, so she decided it was time for a professional pivot - and found motivation in her love of exotic travel.So just how do you launch a travel agency? Kacie tells all, from kick-starting her new career by getting in with a host agency to acquiring other agencies to fuel Blue Pineapple's growth. She shares how Blue Pineapple's focus on providing exceptional customer service helps her agency stand out in an industry dominated by digital tools. And lest you think the travel agency is all sunshine and rainbows, she recalls the dark days when COVID travel bans nearly bankrupted her agency - and how they made it through.This episode is a testament to Kacie's indomitable spirit and knack for seizing opportunities in the face of adversity.My Great Pivot is a production of The Female Founders Project. Find out more at www.mygreatpivot.com00:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business00:40 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:41 Kacie Darden's Early Life and Career05:34 Transition from Teaching to Travel Agency09:27 Starting Blue Pineapple Travel15:30 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges23:30 The Diverse World of Travel Planning24:08 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Travel Industry26:55 The Importance of Support and Partnership28:34 Lessons Learned and Business Growth33:20 The Role of Communication and Education40:37 Future Plans and Industry Insights45:57 Favorite Travel Destinations47:43 Conclusion and Contact Information#femalefounders #entrepreneurship #femaleentrepreneurs #startuplife #startups #womenentrepreneurs #travelindustry #traveladvisor #smallbusiness #careerpivots
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From Teacher to Travel Guru: Kacie Darden & Blue Pineapple Travel (Ep. 103)
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