“Live life to the fullest and enjoy what you do.”
A Sociologist by training, Carole Medcalf of Wandering Women is passionate about understanding people’s differences through travel. To her, travel opens a door into others’ lives and experiences.
It wasn’t until she was in her sixties that Carole decided to transform her passion into a business. Since then, she hasn’t looked back.
Now at Wandering Women, Carole provides women 45+, without a travel partner, with escorted small-group tours. Her hope is for the women to not only explore fabulous destinations together, but also create lasting friendships and memories.
And although COVID has made international travel difficult, Carole still has big dreams for the future of her business. She looks forward to booking more tours with repeat clients and accompanying the women on their trips.
With travel being such an important part of her life, it is no surprise that Carole spends her free time going to the beach, swimming, kayaking and taking walks in the beautiful surrounding nature. She also campaigns for climate change measures, social justice and fair play.
Since joining the HerBusiness Network, Carole says that she has already learned so much. She is truly appreciative of the support she has received so far, through both tangible resources and personal connections.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Suzi Dafnis – love the support HerBusiness provides, the contacts I have made and the information and resources she provides.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I was winding up a job with another employer and thought about what I wanted to do with the rest of my working life. This idea had been percolating for some time so I decided my sixties was going to be about working with my passions. Great idea and I have loved doing it – except for Covid. Looking forward to more travel opportunities once we get all this sorted.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love seeing other women get enthusiastic about things/places I love and I love sharing them. I also like making people’s travel experiences materialise.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Pay attention to people who understand social media and follow their advice instead of thinking – when I have time.
- Don’t be frightened to give a great idea a go – it’s worth the effort.
- Live life to the fullest and enjoy what you do.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
If you have a great idea – back yourself and do it if you have a passion for it.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Processes for your business and for keeping in touch with clients. Must not let them go untended.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
Five tours a year fully booked in advance, repeat clients who have become friends (with each other and with me), international tours again and maybe two new additional tours per year with me being fit and healthy enough to take them all and maybe work with my sister in law as well.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I get access to a great wealth of resources and if I have a problem i can put it to the Network and usually get it resolved quickly – that’s gold!
