business profile
Susan Iseman Cramond: Double Agent Woman WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST
HELPING PEOPLE IS what she does. Whether it’s settling clients into a new house or sending them off on the get-away of a lifetime, Susan Iseman Cramond has the connections to make their dreams come true at home and far away. Susan is both a real estate agent with K2 Realty and the owner of her own travel agency, Create a Trip, LLC. “The common denominators are personal service and knowledge of the industries,” says the well-travelled Pennsylvania native. “K2 isn’t a big box realtor, we’re a boutique agency with so many local connections. And on the travel side, I’m right here for the local clients I assist - a person with real experience they can see and talk to.” Susan moved to Louisiana 18 years ago and landed a job in travel due to her proficiency on the computer. Her sister worked for Delta so the love of travel ran in the family. Susan has been all over the world including Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, the Caribbean and more. For clients who want a getaway but don’t have a particular destination in mind she suggests a cruise. “It’s all there for you on a cruise so you can just relax and enjoy. An Alaska cruise is my favorite. I’m always ready to go back for the scenery and the wildlife. European river cruises are also very popular. You can be in a different city every day and see three to four countries.” With the growing popularity of internet booking sites, Susan is often asked if travel agents are a thing of the past. “Not at all – we’re coming back. Many people call because the web is so overwhelming, and we have the experience to sort it out for them. Also, it’s hard to know what you’re actually getting. What’s represented on the internet isn’t always the reality once you get there. I specialize in destination weddings, honeymoons and family reunions and many people need the help of an experienced professional in order to bring those big, all-important events together perfectly.” What are the most sought-after destinations? Susan says Sandals continues to be a hot ticket. “And Hawaii is less expensive than you’d think. As an agent, I can use wholesalers to keep flight and accommodation prices down.” Along with her successful travel business, Susan speaks fondly of her 20-year marriage to husband Gary and their two teenaged daughters, Abby and Sophie. Home life also includes artistic passions. Susan has painted for decades favoring realistic, fun and whimsical New Orleans themes. And her clothing designs range from practical to charitable. Susan designed Create A Trip Fun Fashions which features palazzo-style pants that don’t wrinkle, so they are great for traveling. And as the Dress a Girl Around the World Louisiana Ambassador, she shares her creative gifts with those less fortunate by crafting homemade dresses that are distributed in other countries through mission trips. 34 Sophisticated Woman | May 2019