Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Rodriguez.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We started as a pop up at Bayside Marketplace in 2013. At the time my father had a souvenir store in the same shopping center. One day representatives reached out to ask if he would be interested in opening a luggage store pop-up for a few months in a bad location.
I was there when my dad received the call and he clearly had no interest in doing that. To me it sounded great and I thought it would be a great learning experience.
At the end of the first few months, they moved me. Then again and again. The first year at Bayside I moved 4 different times until it made sense to sign a long term contract. Over the next few years Ecommerce sales wrecked Shopping Malls across the country. This meant that spaces in high volume malls became available and I was the only person crazy enough to open stores in that environment. At one point we had 6 stores.
Over time we transitioned more of our sales operations online with less stores. As of today we have been in business for 12 years and still growing strong.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not sure many businesses can say its ever been a smooth road. What looks smooth and presentable on the outside to people is often very challenging behind the scenes.
Covid was probably the biggest struggle. Certain types of competition, depending on the severity, was always difficult to deal with.
More than anything as an entrepreneur, your journey is a roller coaster. One minute you are on top of the world and the next minute everything can feel like it’s falling apart. The most difficult thing is staying strong and continuing to fight when things are going wrong. You must maintain that mental fortitude because if not things can get bad fast.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VOYAGE?
Voyage Luggage is a specialized travel-gear and luggage retailer committed to elevating the traveler’s experience. Our mission is simple: to provide access to high-quality luggage, travel accessories, and exceptional service—so our customers can focus on the journey, not the baggage.
We carry a carefully curated selection of premium luggage and travel gear from leading global brands such as Samsonite, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Delsey, along with boutique lines that combine function, style, and durability. Our product range includes carry-ons, checked bags, underseat luggage, softside and hardside shells, garment bags, duffels, laptop backpacks, travel accessories, and more. We offer convenient services for local customers, including fast delivery in Florida (with 2-hour delivery available in Miami), free personalization on select items, and full support for returns. We also maintain a customer-friendly 60-day return policy to ensure confidence in every purchase.
What sets us apart is our focus on quality and experience.
We don’t try to carry every luggage brand on the market; instead, we focus on trusted, proven lines and innovative designs that meet our performance standards, so travelers never have to question reliability.
While we maintain a robust e-commerce platform at voyageluggage.com, we also serve our local community with physical retail stores. This combination allows us to pair online reach with local service, including repairs, personalization, and product demos.
For customers in Miami and across Florida, we provide same-day or 2-hour delivery and free in-store personalization—details that make travel preparation easier and more enjoyable.
We’re committed to transparency in our policies, ensuring every shopper feels secure purchasing premium luggage online.
Our selective partnerships with top-tier brands allow us to offer authentic products, warranty support, and access to exclusive or limited-edition collections.
We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built as a trusted destination for travel gear in Coral Gables and Miami.
Our credibility comes from consistently delivering quality and reliability, both online and in-store.
We take pride in exceptional service—helping customers choose the perfect case, providing guidance after the sale, and ensuring smooth support for any need.
We’ve successfully balanced the convenience of online shopping with the personalized attention of local retail, giving customers the best of both worlds.
Above all, we’ve built customer confidence through honesty, care, and follow-through—turning first-time shoppers into loyal travelers who trust Voyage Luggage for every journey.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I wouldn’t say there is any one single quality that is most important. I’d say it is the sum of many traits which can lead to success. The most important thing is to keep pushing and never let a bad day set you back. Making small progress every day always leads to great results over time.
Pricing:
- We price match.
- We offer every level of pricing, from inexpensive to premium prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.voyageluggage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyagetravelmia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voyagetravelmia
Image Credits
Taken by our team!
