Today we’d like to introduce you to Ina Lee.
Ina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Connecticut on the day my father arrived home from WWll and had a wonderful upbringing during a time when our country was at peace. I went to school in Boston and when I moved to New York, I became the youngest managing editor of a national magazine in the country at the age of 20. Magazines were in their heyday and I worked with some of the best in the industry. But I worked seven days a week and it impacted my health. After moving to California to work on a magazine, I had a minor car accident but it was a catalyst for me. I quit my job, moved out to the beach and became a flower child and hippie during the late 60s. I discovered meditation and thus began my life long spiritual journey, studying with the best meditation teachers in the world. I moved back to New York and then out to Southampton, where my husband and I taught meditation. After my children were born, I became a childbirth educator and nursing mothers counselor. I lived on food stamps and know what it is like to stand in a line for welfare.
After moving to Florida in a Volkswagen van, a 4 and 7-year-old, a dog and two cats, my husband and I divorced and I became the sole support for my children. I answered an ad as the editor of TravelHost of Miami to support my family but when I reentered the workforce I vowed to bring balance to my life and not work evenings or weekends. In 1980, TravelHost of Fort Lauderdale was launched and I became its editor, then publisher and finally bought it in 1982. It is now the most successful TravelHost in the country and it allowed me to support my children and myself. I began to get involved in the community–first as one of the founders of Winterfest and then taking on the redevelopment of Fort Lauderdale Beach from its spring break image to a world-class destination. I devote much of my time to expanding tourism and enhancing our community, serving on many boards. I was honored as Citizen of the Year by the City of Fort Lauderdale and then later, I was inducted into the Walk of Fame with my own star on Fort Lauderdale Beach as Tourism Icon. My recent efforts have centered on sea level rise and resiliency. Parallel to my community involvement is my spiritual journey. I teach a free meditation class weekly and have traveled around the world. In the 80s, I participated in the Landmark Forum, which transformed my life and then, was trained to lead Landmark senior seminars which I did for 12 years pro bono to thousands of people. My life is dedicated to making a difference–wherever I am and whatever I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
Raising children while working full time to support them was challenging. I know what it is like to stand in a food stamp line and get our clothes from the Salvation Army. However, women are very powerful and need to own that power. Women need to speak out, fight for what they want and not give up. The support of other women is essential. Create a vision for your life that inspires you and then take action. Action is the only thing that produces results. Also, we need to take care of ourselves–our bodies, our well being. Carve out time to bring balance to your life–whatever that looks like for you.
We’d love to hear more about your publication.
TravelHost is the nation’s largest and oldest visitor publication, celebrating its 52 years. I own the Fort Lauderdale edition, which is now in its 39th year. We are by far the oldest and best TravelHost in the country out of 52 other markets. TravelHost is the premier destination resource, placed in the guest rooms of most major upscale hotels. We tell people where to go–in a nice way! We have evolved into a fully integrated media company with extensive social media platforms and a national website. Our targeted in-room hotel distribution combined with our digital network reaches millions of people annually. My sister Sharon has worked by my side for 31 years, and we have never had an argument! Most of my staff have been with me for over 15 years and they are true professionals. We have fun but get the job done. My community involvement not only enhances our reputation but also supports our vision–TravelHost Makes a Difference.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Do something you love. Work with integrity–do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it! If not, clean it up. Be count-on-able.
Contact Info:
- Website: travelhostftl.com
- Phone: 954 463-4733
- Email: ina@travelhostftl.com
- Instagram: Travelhostftl
- Facebook: Travelhostftl.
- Other: Instagram Travelhostftl
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