As a business owner it’s easy to feel like your work is never done – because no matter how much you do, there is always more that could theoretically be done. Many business owners we’ve spoken with also feel that they have a responsibility to be available to their team and that if they step away they are putting an undue burden on their team. So, we wanted to hear from a broad range of business owners on whether they take vacations and we’ve shared some of their responses below.

Bailey Campbell

I think taking vacations is so important to the success of a business. For me, traveling and having the ability to take time for myself was one of the driving factors of becoming self-employed. I was able to travel for six weeks this spring, for pleasure and to obtain my Yoga Teacher Training certification. Leading up to my trip, I spent months mentally and finanically preparing myself and my business so that I could travel and be worry free. Communication and careful planning are the backbones of ensuring success and having the ability to travel and take vacations. I see vacations as a way to recalibrate and recharge in order to ensure success in my business. Read more>>

Elyssa Thompson

Taking vacations from your business is absolutely necessary! Owning a business IS work, and lots of times you have other responsibilities in life. Aside from owning Simone Sweets, I work a full time job and currently am pursuing my masters degree, so owning a business on top of that is a heavy load. Burnout is real, and it is a shame to see people no longer interested in something they were once so passionate about because they worked so hard and did not give themselves any type of break. Read more>>

Samantha Phelps

Having JUST (as in yesterday) come off a vacation, this one seems the most relevant! Since purchasing our business in late 2021, I haven’t taken a true, clock-out vacation since my honeymoon in January 2022. Little weekends here and there, but never totally disconnected and not checking in. Read more>>

Annie Forrest

Definitely – vacation is an important part of my values as well as my creative process. This is the time I feel most free, curious and creative. Whether it’s taking time ‘off’ just to relax and have some downtime, spending time in nature or going on an adventure I think it’s critical to break the routine and top up your energy in whichever area is depleted. Read more>>