The outgoing 34-year-old opened Jubilee Tours and Travel Ltd. in 1993, shortly after graduating from the University of B.C. and thanks to a marketing niche, has grown the company to 30 staff.

Revenues have jumped from $2 million in 1996 to more than ten times that amount in 2004.

Most travel agencies advertise in newspapers, but Newell set her company apart by focusing on television advertising. She has become a household name as the official travel consultant for Global Television.

"A lot has happened in the travel industry in the last four years," said Newell. "It's been a business where you either have to have found your niche, you've gone under or you've merged."

Ninety-eight per cent of the company's bookings are done over the phone after people have seen the number on TV or checked out Jubilee's website.

"I like to say we have the clicks and the bricks," she said, noting customers can call in, book online or visit its only office in Burnaby.

Keeping the business under one roof results in economies of scale that allow Jubilee to skip the booking fees, resulting in more corporate business.

Newell planned to go into law school when a chance meeting with a successful hotel wholesaler steered her into the travel industry.

Newell is also spinning her passion into charitable work. In January Newell started the Angel Flight Project, which works with Canuck Place to help kids living with serious illnesses and their families visit relatives or dream destinations on trips they could otherwise not afford.

Profession you would like to try: Creative writing

Where do you feel most comfortable? With my family at home

Favourite movie: Grease

Currently ready: The Da Vinci Code

Toughest decision: When to have kids

Car: 2004 E320 4-matic Mercedes

Would most like to meet: Richard Branson

Born: Edinburgh, Scotland

Last CD bought: The Best of Shania

Education: UBC

What's left to do: Expand across Canada and into the U.S.