We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mary Alys Foutz. Check out our conversation below.
Mary Alys, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What battle are you avoiding?
Like many mommas, I struggle with balancing time with kids, time for work, and time for chores. The battle I am currently avoiding is tackling all the mini-projects in my home. You know the ones– the pantry that needs to be straightened (again), the piles of junk in my office that get thrown there when people are coming over, the stacks of clothes on my closet floor because I have no more room to put them away. The struggle is real! I know that I need to do these things, but it is so hard to find dedicated time to focus on them… especially when all of the other daily tasks call your name.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mary Alys, a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels. Since 2019, I’ve had the absolute joy of helping families plan their dream vacations and create memories that last a lifetime. Travel has always been such a big part of my life — I grew up traveling a lot as a kid, and now I love experiencing new places with my own children (who are somehow already teenagers!).
Before becoming a travel agent, I spent over a decade teaching. Finding this second career has been such a gift — it gives me the flexibility to be more present with my family while still doing something I’m passionate about. I truly don’t take that for granted.
Now, with six years of experience under my belt, I’m so excited to be launching my first-ever hosted group trip! It’s a completely new adventure for me, and I can’t wait to travel with a new group of people, share in the excitement, and create something really special together.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Funny enough, as a kid I didn’t really care “what” I did when I grew up — as long as I was famous. I’m not sure why that mattered so much to me back then, but I was convinced I’d be an actress or a pop star. I took drama classes, performed in local productions, and even performed “concerts” on my front porch, singing Destiny’s Child to an imaginary crowd.
I can still remember asking my dad when I was about eight if he thought I should be an actress. But when he couldn’t exactly promise I’d be famous, I wasn’t so sure anymore!
Most of my family worked in education, and at first I fought that path because I wanted to do something different. But as I got older and started thinking seriously about my future, I realized I wanted a career that would make me happy and allow me to make a difference. That’s when teaching felt like the right fit — especially the idea of working with kindergarteners and helping them build that strong early foundation.
No, I didn’t become the next big star, but I did learn something more important: success isn’t about fame. It’s about doing what you love and giving your best to it — and that’s something I still carry with me today.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The biggest defining wound in my life actually began with the biggest career success of my life. In 2022, I was named Travel Agent of the Year for Marvelous Mouse Travels — an incredible honor that meant so much to me because it was voted on by my peers. But within twenty-four hours of receiving it, I started to feel this huge weight on my shoulders. That’s when a serious case of imposter syndrome set in, one that lead to unbearable anxiety, and stress-induced depression.
I remember asking myself over and over, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this? What if everyone finds out I’m not really that good? If they knew the real me, they wouldn’t have voted for me.” It was such a painful season — one that completely shook me to my core.
About a year later, I was undoubtedly at my lowest point. I was keeping up with work on the surface, and thanks to working from home I was able to hide my true struggles. That is until I was on a work trip, where all of my anxiety and depression was on full display. That moment became my turning point and was the catalyst for me to get help.
At the time, I was ashamed of who I’d become and ashamed to ask for help. I began seeing a therapist and began taking medication to help me heal and retrain my thought patterns. It wasn’t easy — it took time, grace, and a lot of honesty with myself. But little by little, I found my way back.
Today, I can genuinely say I’ve healed. I no longer battle imposter syndrome or depression, though anxiety still visits from time to time — and that’s okay. What’s changed is how I care for myself. Prioritizing my mental health has become non-negotiable, and I share my story now because I know there are others who might still be in that dark place. If my journey reminds even one person that they’re not alone, then it’s worth sharing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the travel industry, I think there are two big things that a lot of agents chase: sales numbers and social media followers. And I’ll be honest — I’ve definitely been guilty of wanting both! But over time, I’ve realized they’re not nearly as important as people make them out to be.
Do I want strong sales? Of course — this is a commission-based business, after all! But as long as I’m able to support my family and enjoy the flexibility this career gives me, I don’t need to hit six figures to feel successful.
And when it comes to social media, sure, having a big following looks nice. But I’d much rather have a smaller, more genuine community of people who truly connect with me and my content than a huge audience full of bots or trolls. Quality over quantity — in business and in life — always wins.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
It’s hard to think about the idea of legacy — how people will remember you once you’re gone. But if I had to sum it up, I hope people say that I was authentic and stayed true to myself, no matter what life threw my way.
Being genuine and real has always been very important to me. The older I get, the more I see how every challenge I’ve faced has helped me connect with others on a deeper level. If sharing my experiences or struggles can help someone else feel a little more seen, then that means everything to me.
More than anything, I just hope people remember me for my authenticity — that I showed up as me, always.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maryalysmmt.blog/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryalysmmt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-alys-foutz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryalysmmt
