Break the Ice Media. Inc. d/b/a Travel Alliance Partnership

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A consultancy helping tourism and hospitality organizations attract what they need to grow and thrive. Offering strategic marketing services, collaborative membership programs, education and events.

Number of Years in Business: 16

Female Company Head: Nicole Mahoney, CEO

What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?

In my opinion being a woman-owned business isn’t different from any small business. Growing up in a small locally owned business, I saw how they are the fabric of a community. When I launched, I had a mission to empower small businesses by leveraging the power of PR and social media. That has led to the company we are today, a consultancy whose work centers on the belief that community collaboration and partnerships are essential for growth and prosperity in the travel and tourism industry.

What challenges have you faced as a women-owned business?

In the beginning, finding the right partners to support my vision and journey was challenging. Access to financial resources has been a challenge as we’ve grown. Over 16 years, I’ve worked with three banks, yet few took the time to truly understand my vision. Building meaningful banking partnerships has been difficult as a small business. Early on, finding the right peer networks was also hard — many weren’t a fit. Once I found the right circles, those relationships became key to our success.

How do you support women in your business and community?

As a mother of four daughters and the oldest of four sisters, supporting women has always been part of who I am. I have been active with many organizations that serve women, girls and families. I belong to women-focused peer groups where we support and lift each other up. With my team, I practice heart-centered leadership fostering a safe, growth-oriented environment that values work-life harmony and supports them through every stage of life — whether it’s a new baby, big move or new challenge.

What goals do you have for your business for the coming year?

Our company runs on the EOS system outlined in Traction, with clear annual and quarterly goals. Next year, we’re focused on expanding our collaborative marketing programs, growing our client base beyond New York State, and bringing the Haunted History Trail marketing program to Michigan. It’s all about building partnerships that extend our impact and reach.

What recent accomplishments are you most proud of?

This year we launched a series of community conversations and virtual workshops designed to help our community navigate the rapid changes happening in the industry. From how to use AI to strategic lanning to hosting panels of industry leaders to talk on a current topic. These virtual events brought together professionals from all over the US and Canada to discuss our most challenging topics including Cross-Border Tourism, Welcoming all 2.0, and Collaboration and Partnership.

This profile is part of our Best Women-Owned Businesses for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.