Meet Marcia Barrett | Owner & Travel Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcia Barrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcia, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Whoosah! This was something that I asked myself since this market year began in October 2019. As most of my business stems from in person sales done at Farmers markets, I am fair weather dependent. However this market season was anything but. With cold, windy days and rainy weather and then Covid 19, this year has made me question my business and its future. Yet, with encouragement of my family, the support of my fellow vendors and love from my Stush family ( our customers) has helped to make the decision to keep going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My business and brand are constantly evolving. What I started four years ago had morphed into something else. I was puzzled at first in how to continue when I saw that shift, However, my fellow business colleagues and family offered insights and encouragement in how to work through that evolution. To pivot is something that a lot of business are having to do to keep afloat and stay relevant. Yet, I think how we pivot depends on the kind of business we are in relation to the times we are in. We are 8 months into 2020 and we are facing a pandemic, local and national elections, and civil rights unrest. All of this made me consider if my product/service is of utmost importance right now. Initially the answer was no. Instead I began to focus on family, and my mental and physical health. As time went on, I realized that an escape is probably what we all need. My brand focuses on a travel lifestyle and that also involves an escapism aspect. The business had to redefine its story.  It reminded me why I moved to Florida 5 years ago from New York. I loved that I had access to the beach and lots to choose from. I could travel 2 or even 3 hours from my home and feel as if I am on vacation. Now I realize that I could go even 10 minutes away and I could feel the same. I have even made my home my solace, hence a staycation. Now I don’t feel the need to escape from it but rather I can enjoy whereever I am. Travel Stush is a carefree feeling and a way of enjoying life in the moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spot is no other than my new neighborhood, Lake Worth Beach.  I love the energy of the location, people and stores found there so much that I moved here from West Palm Beach over a year ago. A week in the life of living and visiting me in Lake Worth Beach would look like this:

Day 1: Breakfast at Pelican’s cafe ( traditional American breakfast or you can choose delicious Indian fare), then head across the bridge to Lake Worth beach (10 S. Ocean Blvd)
Day 2: Clothes shopping at Magnolia Boutique (@magbstyle) with owner Phyllis, then stop for coffee and conversation with Todd at the Book Cellar next door.
Day 3. Lunch at Lilos for tacos and beer. Choose sidewalk seating so you can people watch because the locals are one the best parts of Lake Worth Beach.
Day 4: Beach at Lake Worth beach and order Fish and Chips from Bennys on the Beach. The best!
Day 5: Beach then dinner at Victoria’s Pisco Lounge on Lake Avenue with live music.
Day 6: To get the best souvenirs and small items to bring back home, shopping at the Bali Importers is a must do. From jewelry, to scarves and wall hangings, they have it all. We would end the day at the Back of the Shak/Rhum Shak for drinks and appetizers. Lake Worth Beach is considered the Key West of North Florida. The eclectic locals and amazing vibes made me want to live here and I look forward to showing it off when friends and family come to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my mom Cindy! You see, this business was born when she moved to Florida 4 years ago to begin her retirement.  Soon after settling in, I shared that I would love to start a business, and she was on board. Now four years later, she has not wavered. She is the cashier, the weather forecaster, the shoulder to lean on, the model, the stylist, the chauffeur, the chef, the therapist and so much more. Our customers love her zest for life and enthusiasm. I love that I am related to her. I know that Travel Stush would not be here today if it were not for my mom.

Website: travelstush.com
Instagram: @travelstush
Facebook: Travel Stush
Youtube: Travel Stush

Image Credits
@difotoshoppe