VVIP's Twelve Days of Christmas

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TWELVE DAYS, TWELVE STORIES, TWELVE VVIP’S AND THEIR JOURNEY IN CORPORATE AVIATION

12. JAZZMINE DOUGHERTY

“The investment is life changing. The experiences are priceless. It has changed my life and given me the financial freedom to buy my first home this year. In a pandemic!  ”
— Jazzmine Dougherty

Wow this is truly a special time of the year for me because around this time a couple years ago I had my very first flight through VVIP International. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach and the sweat dripping down my face. I was so nervous. It was extra special because the CEO Lauren Pires went above and beyond that day to ensure I was prepared and took me under her wing. 

Rewind to a few months prior: I was working three plus jobs at that time to make ends meet, exhausted, in debt and not knowing where to turn. I had a bachelors degree in Interior Design but I had lost my passion. In my spare time and any extra dimes I had, I backpacked around the world, volunteering, joining tour groups and anything I could to travel outside my backyard. It was expensive and I was always forced back to the 9-5 rat race.I researched and heard about private aviation but never got the answers I needed. Finally my path crossed with the CEO Lauren. She was the only one who took time out of her day to speak about a career as a CFA and embraced diversity. I’ll never forget the way I felt after our first initial phone call. I took a leap! The training was intense and challenging, but the training truly has set my skills apart from the rest and groomed me to be successful in this industry. The “tricks of the trade,” the knowledge of safety, VIP white glove service techniques and how to execute tasks efficiently and properly are unsurpassed. Honestly, my journey has been jagged, but I never gave up! As VVIP would say, “One Flight at a time.” I hold that saying close, especially with the struggles of this past year. 

The investment is life changing. The experiences are priceless. It has changed my life and given me the financial freedom to buy my first home this year. In a pandemic!  

Happy Flying and good luck future VVIPs! - Jazzmine Dougherty

11. LATOYA PARKER

“I ran the race and stayed the course with the great support of my VVIP team-family and friends and in 2018 I became your “Corporate VVIP Flight Attendant”.”
— LaToya Parker

Happy Holidays!

It’s my Private Aviation Anniversary Month. Celebrate your accomplishments, you’ve earned them! Two years ago I was blessed & challenged with one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I ran the race and stayed the course with the great support of my VVIP team-family and friends and in 2018 I became your “Corporate VVIP Flight Attendant”.

Servicing the upper echelons while mastering the art of operating the fastest $70 Million Private Jet. Traveling with well known Multi-Billionaire across the country and more. I’ve created long lasting sisterhoods with some of my fellow Flight Attendants while conquering a lifelong fear. Yup, and got paid to travel with perks. To be in a room filled with successors motivates success.

There are multiple layers to this Brooklyn girl from  New York. Through stride and struggle I continue to PUSH.

Keep going, whatever your heart desires shall manifest in your life. #2021️ #G650certified

10. EMILY HUNT

“I am beyond grateful for the amazing women that dedicate their skills and talents to teach me to be the best I can be in my new position as a private flight attendant. ”
— Emily Hunt

I have been serving as a waitress and bartender in fine dining since I was 16 years old. I have always been looking to advance my career in service and hospitality. When I met my friend Valene, she told me about her career in aviation. I had thought about flying, but I thought it would be really hard to dive into that industry. I was so wrong! VVIP has helped me every single step of the way and made my transition effortless. I am beyond grateful for the amazing women that dedicate their skills and talents to teach me to be the best I can be in my new position as a private flight attendant. I encourage every girl who has the drive and personality to pursue their goals and try something new and exciting! Thank you to Lauren, my VVIP sister, for helping me make my dreams come true! --Emily Hunt

9. JASON PIEDRA

“Lauren & Lynne were instrumental in helping me get my feet wet & I got to experience first hand the FA lifestyle.”
— Jason Piedra

VVIP International is a great company that can help propel you into the right direction for a career as a cabin/flight attendant. Lauren & Lynne were instrumental in helping me get my feet wet & I got to experience first hand the FA lifestyle. Another key component that I love from VVIP is the access to job opportunities via the FB group which the most determined take advantage of. If anyone has any questions, find me on Instagram "Jversity" and I will be happy to chat and answer them for you.

Happy Holidays & Positives Vibes to all 

-Jason J. Piedra

8. MEGAN KOCKX

“I was faced with lots of negativity saying how I would never succeed in Corporate Aviation since I had a commercial background. VVIP built up my confidence and gave me my wings back (pun intended)! ”
— Megan Kockx

After I lost my job in Commercial Aviation due to COVID-19, VVIP was there to help me continue in the industry I love. I was faced with lots of negativity saying how I would never succeed in Corporate Aviation since I had a commercial background. VVIP built up my confidence and gave me my wings back (pun intended)! They truly have built a family and I’ve never felt more supported in my career than I have with VVIP. They truly care about each and every student!

7. ELIZABETH DIAZ

“What I love about VVIP is the professionalism & the fact that they guide you to help you out from point A to point Z on your first trip. ”
— Elizabeth Diaz

What I love about VVIP is the professionalism & the fact that they guide you to help you out from point A to point Z on your first trip. This helped me a lot in the beginning of my career because I was super nervous about flying as a CFA for the first time, but with VVIP there for me throughout the duration of the flight, I was more tranquil. Their guidance has helped me a lot in my career. They are not just a training school but, they also put you on the right path and directed me towards my best future. VVIP made me feel as they’re not just a training school but more like a staffing agency that has all the VVIP Sisters and Brothers’ backs. They make me feel like family, like every VVIP Sister/Brother should. Thank you VVIP International now that I completed my recurring training, I AM READY to fly high again!!! - Elizabeth Diaz

6. KEYSHA SINGH

“With a lot of hard work, self development, and my formal training with VVIP International, I had all the tools I needed to travel the world and get paid to do it. ”
— Keysha Singh

Growing up I always had big dreams. The kind of dreams that were so big that others always tried to recommend “more realistic dreams.” So at 22 years old I moved to South Florida and dabbled in the idea of flight training, and after my discovery flight I immediately fell in love with aviation! My vision however would prove a medical challenge so I did the next best thing- I became a Corporate Flight Attendant! With a lot of hard work, self development, and my formal training with VVIP International, I had all the tools I needed to travel the world and get paid to do it. With every flight you are humbled and there isn’t a moment where I am not grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon me. - Keysha Singh

5. SIMONE CARTER

“Lets just say, VVIP made that dream come true! I have been flying for a few years now and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for VVIP’s help and effort, PERIOD! ”
— Simone Carter

I was always interested in becoming a flight attendant for private jets for a long time, I just didn't know where to start. After a few years going from one job to another, I finally took the time to research on how I could make my dream a reality. Lets just say, VVIP made that dream come true! I have been flying for a few years now and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for VVIP's help and effort, PERIOD!

VVIP's vision is beyond what any other training company is doing and there is NO COMPARISON. I admire and respect their passion and determination to help each and every student. The amount of experience I have gained by becoming a part of VVIP corporate flight attendants is something you can't put a price on. I will forever be grateful for everything VVIP has done for me!

4. JAKE WESTON

“It’s not just the best service and multi cultural training it is a family that will stay with you, side by side through thick and thin. ”
— Jake Weston

VVIP helped me start my career and since then has never stopped helping me. VVIP prepares you to walk on board and know what your guests want before they even ask. They help you get started and hitting the skies! As a male it was challenging but the amazing VVIP family, Lauren and Lynne helped me every step of the way and they still do. It's not just the best service and multi cultural training it is a family that will stay with you, side by side through thick and thin. When I worked my first flight I was so scared and just hearing from VVIP calmed me down and had me in place and ready to fly. Lauren and her team have amazing skills to share with new CFA’s, current CFA’s, and commercial conversion CFA’s. I would not be the CFA I am today and have the amazing opportunities I’ve had if it wasn’t for VVIP, but especially Lauren and Lynne. My VVIP family have stepped up and helped me along in my career. In my opinion they are the top of the line training with top of the line instructors. If you want to work in this challenging field VVIP International is the place to start!

3. ANAKAY ATLAND

“I started flying a little over a month from a connection I made through VVIP. I applied myself and I got the results that I put in.”
— Anakay Atland

I initially never really thought of being in the aviation industry, but people kept telling me they thought I’d be a good fit. I had 10 years of hospitality experience and I was looking to get out of the nightclub and bar scene. A former coworker of mine mentioned training with VVIP and I looked into the company. I decided that if she would give up bartending at a high volume nightclub and invest in a new career then it must be worth it. I am a mom, so making that kind of investment was a little risky for me at the time. Instead, I decided to do Commercial flying first just to see if I actually liked it and to get my feet wet.

I tried flying Commercial for about six months until I decided that it was time for me to invest in myself. My only regret is that I didn’t just jump into corporate aviation and that I went into commercial first, because VVIP made it way more easier than I thought it would be for me to get into the industry. The training was not as hard for me because I already had certain experience, but the teachers did a really good job at explaining everything. All the questions I had were answered, they were very open and accepting of critique, questions and advice as well. I started flying a little over a month from a connection I made through VVIP. I applied myself and I got the results that I put in. Overall, Lauren and her team have been very attentive to me and I appreciate them because I know they don’t have to go out of their way for me as much as they have. So if you’re thinking about taking a leap I would say invest in yourself because you get what you put in. ~ Anakay Atland

2. MIRIAM DESROCHES

“Fast forward 3 months after my VVIP training, and I’m a full time CFA at a great company, and am learning new things every single day. ”
— Miriam Desroches

I received my BA of Science in Interior Design, May 2020, and was ready to start my career in airport design when I quickly realized that even though I had maintained desk jobs throughout school, I didn't want to do it the rest of my life. I fortunately had no school debt and no ties holding me to any place in particular, so I decided to take the first steps towards a new beginning. After researching careers in aviation, I found VVIP International's website and set up a phone consolation. Within 4 months I found myself meeting other women who were also new to the industry, in the same classroom, all learning about what it meant to be a corporate flight attendant. Fast forward 3 months after my VVIP training, and I'm a full time CFA at a great company, and am learning new things every single day. I am beyond blessed to find myself where I am today and I am so happy that I took that scary, first step with VVIP International. Put in the effort and the rewards will be great! - Miriam Desroches

CHRISTMAS DAY

“I have gone to a few trainings but the VVIP course helped me soar even higher with the skills, etiquette training and network they provided. ”
— Jazmin Marrero

I have always had an interest in being a flight attendant growing up with a dad that had a career in building planes and jets. I have gone to a few trainings but the VVIP course helped me soar even higher with the skills, etiquette training and network they provided. Lauren‘s authenticity and transparency made me feel like I have an older sister always guiding me each step of the way in my career. I can’t thank her enough for her guidance, help applying for jobs, and advice during my trips. I’ve inspired so many of my friends and followers and seen them also soaring through the skies after training. There is no competition in this and I always love to help others. This is why I would recommend VVIP to anyone interested in becoming a corporate flight attendant. You would not get this treatment from any other CFA training, trust me I have taken others too, I know. I have always gotten feedback from my friends and followers thanking me for inspiring them to be a part of this sisterhood in aviation. Forever Grateful on how much VVIP has helped me to soar into this career as a Corporate Flight Attendant! ~Jazmin Marrero

Some Call It Work, I Call It Fun! Valene Pires, Chronicles of A Corporate Flight Attendant.

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It’s been 10 years since I started my adventure as a Corporate Flight Attendant in Business and Private Aviation. I can remember attending my first training like it was yesterday. How eager I was to try something new and exciting, but inside how truly afraid. I chose to attend one of the big name schools for my initial training and I thought that was the way to go, and that it would certainly prepare me to hop on board and take off. Well, the training did lay it all out there for me and after passing their requirements I was by their standards ready to fly, but inside I didn’t feel confident and knew I was nowhere near ready to set out on my own.

If there was one thing I knew I was certain about it was that I wanted to travel the world as a Corporate Flight Attendant. Several months had gone by since I completed my training and I still had not taken a job. While I was intent on not letting go of my dream and my goal it took time before I gained the confidence I needed to take my first flight. Even though I met the criteria and had the knowledge to fulfill the role of a CFA I was lacking in encouragement and support.

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Of course nothing in life is without obstacles. It took some time for me to build up my confidence but I finally did. I got my first job opportunity, took my first flight, and officially earned my wings!

Getting over the first flight is always the hardest. Having first day jitters and being gracious and hospitable under pressure without breaking a sweat is next to impossible, but I did it. I’ll never forget how scary the galley kitchen was and how overwhelmed I felt. It’s absolutely nothing like working your kitchen stove, definitely something that takes some knowhow and a little experience, and something they only briefly discussed in the training I attended. Needless to say, thanks to inflight catering I made it happen and I made it through.

It wasn’t before long that I began finding more opportunities to work and fly. During my first year I flew mainly within the United States. Most of the jobs I took were in LA, Within no time I was beginning to travel to all the amazing Las Vegas and New York, but after that I was traveling the globe. I was traveling to places I had only thought and dreamt about. My first exotic destination was… and it was everything I wanted it to be and way more! For me the ability to travel was a gift, but if the ability to travel wasn’t enough the perks sure were! I’ve been compensated with 5 star exclusive accommodations in various locations and I’ve also had the pleasure of bringing family on vacation using travel points I earned from certain jobs too. As I traveled and worked I not only enjoyed myself, but I networked. Working in Private Aviation I was introduced to affluent and important people and met with many career opportunities outside and within Private Aviation. It was like the doors were opening to a whole new world!

Of course nothing in life is without obstacles. It took some time for me to build up my confidence but I finally did. I got my first job opportunity, took my first flight, and officially earned my wings!

Getting over the first flight is always the hardest. Having first day jitters and being gracious and hospitable under pressure without breaking a sweat is next to impossible, but I did it. I’ll never forget how scary the galley kitchen was and how overwhelmed I felt. It’s absolutely nothing like working your kitchen stove, definitely something that takes some knowhow and a little experience, and something they only briefly discussed in the training I attended. Needless to say, thanks to inflight catering I made it happen and I made it through.

It wasn’t before long that I began finding more opportunities to work and fly. During my first year I flew mainly within the United States. Most of the jobs I took were in LA, Within no time I was beginning to travel to all the amazing Las Vegas and New York, but after that I was traveling the globe. I was traveling to places I had only thought and dreamt about. My first exotic destination was… and it was everything I wanted it to be and way more! For me the ability to travel was a gift, but if the ability to travel wasn’t enough the perks sure were! I’ve been compensated with 5 star exclusive accommodations in various locations and I’ve also had the pleasure of bringing family on vacation using travel points I earned from certain jobs too. As I traveled and worked I not only enjoyed myself, but I networked. Working in Private Aviation I was introduced to affluent and important people and met with many career opportunities outside and within Private Aviation. It was like the doors were opening to a whole new world!

Some would say I was lucky, but I say I was blessed! I truly have been blessed in many ways working in this industry. The traveling, the people and definitely the perks, are all remarkable and worthwhile. I have worked with people who have given me great confidence and believed in me, I’ve had bosses who have become friends, and some clientele who became like family. That was the unexpected yet fulfilling pleasure of it all.

Nothing thus far has given my life so much meaning and satisfaction, but I do remember how difficult it was to get started and I recognize how hard others trying to get into this industry have had it as well. I’ll never forget my friend, who completed CFA training with me but never ended up flying. She wasted the money for training because she never felt she learned enough, and she wasn’t given enough support to be successful in the industry. Today that friend is my inspiration.

If there is one thing I saw a lot over my 10 years in the industry is scared CFA’s who aren’t ready, and who are scared to fly alone. It doesn’t need to be this way. If I can take what I’ve learned and make it better for someone else that’s what I want to do. Now my goal is to help and encourage other prospective CFA’s who are just breaking into the industry.

People won’t always be as helpful, so I believe it is imperative to find a school that will give you every single detail of what this job entails and every bit of knowledge possible to set you up for success.  If there is one thing I like about VVIP International Corporate Flight Attendant Training is that they offer 24/7 support to their trainees, and if there is one thing they need it’s that! VVIP not only gives you the tools but they guide you and are available for you to answer any questions any time you need help. VVIP is like a family. If you keep in touch they keep in touch too. It’s up to each individual person to push forward their own success, but VVIP is there to facilitate.

VVIP has an online forum to connect VVIP community members to job openings, they offer exit consultations, resume services, practice interviews, and they even help with submitting applications. At VVIP you’re not just another number. When calls come in requesting a CFA VVIP begins pushing trainees from their roster. The VVIP CEO and her staff are aware of every student, their base location, where they’re looking for work, and whether or not they’re looking for contract and/or salary positions. I really give VVIP a lot of credit! While many have foretold that the Business and Private Aviation Industry would be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic VVIP continues to make it work and  continue to remain optimistic. In fact, despite the negative rumors they continue to find work for their trainees.

Working as a Corporate Flight Attendant is the best career to experience the world and meet people you would normally not come across. You’re experiencing life to the fullest while getting paid and you’re able to put a smile on someone else’s face while you’re doing it, but feeling confident is key. If you’re looking for a career that will change your life this is it, and you won’t be sorry! This career opens your eyes to so much and gives you the experience the world has to offer.

Quality Mentors Make Mentorships Worthwhile And Increase Your Chance At Success, But be Careful How You Pick One!

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You may have heard of mentorship programs and mentoring opportunities, but did you ever ask yourself what they're all about and whether or not there is any benefit to having a mentor? Let’s start with what a mentor is. A mentor is a person who has expert skills in their trade or career path. They provide guidance for a novice or trainee, and they are a source for beneficial information and support that can assist you to achieve your overall job goals. Mentors act as role models and can play an intricate role in helping you achieve success. A good mentor is a positive role model who helps you network in your field and helps you develop a support system.

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Read this short article on Forbes, “What Makes A Great Mentor, And The Importance Of Having One” and see what a great mentor is and what others say about mentoring.

Forbes Article Link

If mentors are experts in their field just imagine all that could be learned from them. That is the idea and purpose of mentorships. To provide trainees with a positive mentor that is motivated and motivates them. The idea is that this person is a professional with a profound amount of experience in their field. This is a person who has a variety of contacts and connections that they are willing to utilize in order to assist their mentee and help facilitate their success. Many refer to mentors as trusted advisors. That means they are available to their mentee throughout a period of time known as the mentorship period, or until their mentee is confident enough to begin on their own using the skills and tools they’ve learned.

So what does a mentor do?

➔    They provide information about their own career path and work history

➔    They are trusted advisors whom you can count on whenever you need them

➔    They are role models

➔    They provide emotional support

➔    They help you explore your career options and set goals

➔    They help you make connections, network, and find career opportunities

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

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Now that you understand more about what mentors are and the role they play in helping you achieve your career goals let’s talk more about choosing a good mentor and what that means to your success. One thing that is for certain is that you want a mentor who is dedicated and willing. You don’t want someone who is only mentoring because they have a personal agenda. Of course it is great when everyone can benefit from a business deal, but when you’re searching for a mentor you want one who isn’t doing it as an obligation. The kind of mentor you’re looking for wants to help others progress and see them succeed.

Read this short article from Lifehack about the 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Mentor

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There are numerous resources, like Lifehack, who agree that a mentor should be someone of similar or equal values as you, and have the same values you aim to possess in your profession. You don’t want someone who has mentored many others and has a habit of being negative and putting people down, unless those are the traits you want to carry forward in your own professional career. Who you affiliate yourself with is very important! Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are. Useful advice you probably heard as a child that is every bit as relevant as an adult in business and career. Look for a mentor that is respected in their business community, but not because they have a huge social media fan base, but because they are knowledgeable in their field and have many years of real hands on experience. If their reputation follows them, let it be because they’ve made many friends and connections that could be valuable to you in the future and not because they’ve rubbed people the wrong way and no one wants to work with them.

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Finally, you want a mentor who is there working hard right alongside you, who shows you how to get it done. When you choose a mentor it’s okay to have expectations. In fact, lay them out and discuss them ahead of time. Make it clear what you are expecting to learn or gain from their mentoring, and furthermore discuss what they’re expecting from you. You want a mentor that challenges you too, don’t look for the easy way out!

If you’re a CFA looking to advance in private aviation perhaps a mentor is exactly what you need. At VVIP International we found that mentors have been very beneficial to new Corporate Flight Attendants looking to begin their careers. Through our training program CFA trainees are given mentors because we truly believe it helps our CFA’s advance further faster! Our CFA’s have had proven success with our mentors and the community of support that we’ve built for them is unlike any other. VVIP mentors are available 24/7 so that trainees always have someone to call when they’re in question. This is what a CFA needs to build themselves in the private aviation industry and see their careers take off sky high!