We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mallory Duncan. Check out our conversation below.
Mallory, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A common misconception with travel agents is that they should work for commission only. The truth is, travel agents don’t get paid until after a client travels. That means any work that is done in preparation for the trip isn’t paid until the client returns. If the client has to cancel, commission is not paid. That is why I, and other agents, charge a planning fee. These planning fees pay us for the work we’ve done in the research for a quote and any work we will do in the planning process. These planning fees also make sure we are paid for any work we’ve done if the client has to cancel. After working with a travel agent for a personal trip in 2021, I knew I wanted to offer a more personalized experience with a stronger connection. These planning fees allow me to take on fewer clients and give them more time, planning calls, and more! As much as I love my job, I want and deserve to get paid for it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Duncan – a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations and Universal Studios Theme Parks. But more importantly, I’m a busy mom who helps other busy moms create magical memories in their family stories! Being a mom is tough. Between working 40+ hours a week, making dinner, and taking kids to practice, there’s not much time left in the day. Disney destinations and theme park travel can take over 38 hours to plan successfully! With 20+ hotel options, different ticket options, dining plans, and cruising itineraries, it’s hard to figure out what would be the right fit for a family. I take that added time and stress off the plate of a busy mom and do that research for her! I’m passionate about moms making memories, being in the photos, and creating those family stories that will be told for years to come!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My children have helped me see myself in a new light. I used to be so hard on myself for personality traits and physical appearance, and then my kids came along. They look like me and have some of the best (and worst) personality traits of mine. They showed me that I could be loved for everything I am and how I look. I do my best to show them what it looks like to be confident and go after their dreams. They have seen me transform over the past few years since becoming a travel agent. They see me speak in public, create content, be silly, and be in front of the camera. I am extremely proud of how they ask about my job, if I booked any clients that day, if I got new YouTube subscribers, and sometimes they want to help me with it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
If I’m being honest, there are always some times when I think this may not be for me. It can be if I don’t hit a sales goal, don’t gain any new followers on social media, or I start playing the comparison game. The last time was at the end of 2024 when I felt like I just wasn’t good enough. The stress of the holidays, not hitting sales goals, and feeling burnt out almost led me to give up on it. After reflection and setting some boundaries, I was able to readjust and come up with a new plan for 2025! These small changes helped me to excel in 2025 and hit my sales goal each month. I’ve also been able to support my agency in different capacities and have new experiences because I didn’t give up!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Authenticity to me is important, and I like to think of myself as an extroverted introvert. The public version is the real version of me, but I do take some time to recharge my social battery. It is not uncommon to see me talking in my stories and connecting with my audience, and then take a few days where I just show photos. Being authentic is important to me because I want clients to know exactly who they are working with. I often create content with music I enjoy, talk about the struggles of being a mom, and show my values through social media. I always say, I’m not the travel agent for everyone, and that is true. The biggest compliment is when a client reaches out and shares that they reached out to me because they liked what I was about on social media.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I think about my family again and I hope they say I was fun, loving, and always lived. I’ve started wearing the swimsuit, going down the slide, and singing karaoke. I hope my kids can look back and tell all of these stories of trips and memories we’ve taken years from now. I hope they show their kids the photos and talk about how I was a fun mom who shared experiences with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friendlikeduncan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendlikeduncan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendlikeduncan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friendlikeduncan
