Title: Owner and Safari Specialist
Company: Travels with Sara
Location: Warwick, New York, United States
Sara deMaine Kearns, Owner and Safari Specialist at Travels with Sara, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the Travel Industry.
Ms. Kearns has established a distinguished career marked by versatility, expertise and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections. Since 2009, she has excelled as the owner and safari specialist at Travels With Sara (TWS), where she has leveraged her extensive knowledge of African safaris and culinary arts to curate unique travel experiences. Her role involves not only guiding clients through the intricacies of safari travel but also sharing her passion for food, a skill honed over decades of professional and personal exploration. Ms. Kearns is recognized for her ability to help individuals restore their social skills, encouraging travelers to engage fully with their surroundings rather than remain preoccupied with digital devices. This dedication to enhancing interpersonal engagement stands as one of her most notable achievements.
Before launching her own company, Ms. Kearns was the lead flight attendant and private chef to the president at Leucadia National Corporation from 1996 to 2007. For over a decade, she was responsible for ensuring the comfort and well-being of high-profile passengers aboard a Gulfstream jet. Ms. Kearns’s culinary expertise was previously demonstrated as she trained individuals in Denver for similar roles, preparing them for the demands of private aviation service over the course of more than five years.
Ms. Kearns began her aviation career as a flight attendant with British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1966. This early experience provided her with invaluable insights into international travel and hospitality, laying the groundwork for her later ventures in both the culinary and tourism industries.
In addition to her work in aviation and travel, Ms. Kearns launched an interior design business in 1973, introducing her talents to the U.S. market. This entrepreneurial endeavor showcased her adaptability and creative vision, attributes that have continued to define her professional journey.
Ms. Kearns’s academic background included earning a high school diploma from Charlton Park Convent in Cheltenham, United Kingdom, in 1958. She subsequently completed coursework at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Apart from her education, Ms. Kearns is an active member of the Africa Tourism Association, reflecting her ongoing commitment to industry advancement and professional development.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Kearns has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and mentorship. In 2012, she contributed as a leopard research assistant with Ingwe Leopard Research, supporting wildlife conservation efforts. She has also mentored local high school students and taught basic cooking classes to young learners, sharing her expertise and helping to foster new generations of talent. Furthermore, Ms. Kearns is an accomplished author, having written two books that reflect her wide-ranging interests and experiences.
Ms. Kearns credits her educational foundation and the influence of her father, whose inquisitive nature inspired a lifelong love of learning and shaped her approach to life and work. She also acknowledges the pivotal role played by her mother, who operated a restaurant for five decades and instilled in Ms. Kearns a passion for cooking that would become central to her career. Growing up in diverse locations such as Hong Kong, Paris, the Philippines and Sydney further enriched her appreciation for global cuisine and culture. As she looks toward the future, Ms. Kearns intends to continue pursuing her professional passions while expanding opportunities for others to discover the joys of guided travel and cultural exploration through networking within the industry.
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