Jennifer (“Jenni”) Watson has a love for travel and is a detailed “planner”.  My first experiences in the travel/hospitality industry was working the front desk of a large hotel while in college at Middle Tennessee State University.  After about 1 year I was promoted to night manager and oversaw the entire hotel from guest check-ins to large multi-event functions on a regular basis.  After college I moved back home to Illinois where I once again found myself working in a hotel setting.  This time I was the Catering Director for the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign, IL. I absolutely LOVED this position and all of the details that went into planning events/travel for my clients!  In 2006 I married my husband Aaron and in 2008 we welcomed our first daughter.  It was at this time that I knew I wanted to find a way to continue my love for detail planning while being able to stay home to raise our daughter.  Through my work at the Hilton Garden Inn I had met Jennifer Wayland, owner of Island Bridal, Inc and began learning the travel agent side of planning.  During my time at Island Travel Group I learned SO much from Jennifer and her wonderful team.  In 2019 my husband and our family (of now 3 girls) decided to relocate to our “happy place”…the Coastal area of South Carolina (just outside of Charleston).  Since relocating it was on my heart to open my own Travel Agency and in 2020; amidst a global pandemic that has slowed the travel industry almost to a halt, I decided to open Our Sweet Tea Life Travel. I look forward to working with clients to help them plan the details of their travel journey’s and to find their “happy place”!

Courtney McLearin has a love for exploring new places, finding great deals, and taking care of all the details (in everything, not just travel). She began her career as a commercial artist and communications professional. She soon recognized her love for planning and details and began seeking out ways to explore those talents. Small events like company parties and training sessions turned into larger events like multi-day conferences and alumni weekends. Eventually, she made the decision to move into full-time event management at a major university. Through her work at the university, she met Jennifer Watson while planning conferences. Jennifer’s exceptional attention to detail and service created a mutual respect and a great working relationship. Fast forward a few years, after returning home from a family vacation to Universal Orlando, she began mulling over the idea of becoming a travel agent. Our Sweet Tea Life Travel was looking to expand and once again, Jennifer and Courtney found themselves working together. Whether it’s the landscape of the Scottish Highlands or the immersive fantasy of Diagon Alley, Courtney love’s exploring, experiencing the magic of somewhere new and, most of all, creating memories. She’s excited to help others realize their travel and vacation dreams and make the journey a smooth one.

Hi! My name is Melanie Carpenter and I am excited to take on a new adventure with Our Sweet Tea Life Travel. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Cell and Structural Biology from the University of Illinois and it didn’t take me long to realize that wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. After planning endless trips for friends and family a light turned on (with help from an old friend). I wanted to put the smiles on others’ faces that I helped put on our faces when we travel and experience new and exciting things! Whether it be a weekend road trip or an exotic destination I would love to help you find your smile.

Bio Coming Soon

Specialties: Disney Destination Specialist, Florida Parks Specialist (Sea World, Aquatica, Busch Gardens & Discovery Cove) and Universal Studios Specialist.