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.

Julia & Pierre-Axel Levy & Coulibeuf

Pierre & Julia: With summer approaching, this question feels very relevant. Especially since we just returned from our first real vacation in 4 years: a trip to Italy. 
As designers, travel isn’t just a break, it nurtures our creativity. Being European, it’s important for us to reconnect with our roots. Experiencing the architecture, materials, and craftsmanship abroad gives us fresh inspiration that that we’re excited to bring into our projects. Read more>>

Lindsey Gardner

I do! I love to travel and hope to someday incorporate that into my business. It’s a bit easier for me to travel as I have a really relaxed (not full-time office work) job. I do have a busy season in which I probably shouldn’t travel but I still do. I just make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I do. But honestly, EVERY TIME I leave, I have a client email/call me with what to them feels like an urgent matter. It’s ok. I get it! I help them and go on with my relaxation. Or if I want to just not pick up phone, I let my upcoming couples know I will be out of town and everyone seems to be quite understanding. My advice would be to just do it. Read more>>

Ethan Craik

Running Below the Sierra has taught me some rather valuable lessons in balancing work and personal life. While I do take vacations, keeping operations running smoothly always remains a priority. Operating as a small business, I’ve adopted a minimal approach, which gives me the flexibility to manage my business from anywhere. Being a one-man show, I handle everything from accounting to client correspondence and being on-site. For me, simplicity is key to avoiding stress and staying agile. Read more>>

Julian

I absolutely do. I even try to treat some of my trips for exhibitions as semi-vacations, adding an extra day for visiting museums or seeing friends, or just enjoying my AirBnB in my pj pants. I spent many years pouring everything not just into my work, but into taking care of people who were in my life at the time, usually to my detriment. I have learned that self-care is paramount. I consider time off to be essential for success. Read more>>

Bridget INgram

Absolutely—I prioritize taking vacations and schedule at least two each year. As a strong advocate for self-care, I believe stepping away from your business, even briefly, is essential for maintaining clarity, creativity, and overall well-being. Read more>>

Nikki Whitmire

Absolutely, I take vacations! Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed or burned out, the best cure is hiking in the beautiful red rocks out West or enjoying a luxurious beach day in the tropics.

Stepping away helps me relax and clear my mind, but if inspiration strikes, I let the ideas flow and jot them down in a notepad for later. I’ve learned that rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for longevity, creativity, and clarity. Read more>>

Fernando Guerrero

Yes, taking a vacation is a must. Big Sur is my favorite place to visit. I enjoy being able to reset and be fully in nature. There’s no cell service, so it’s perfect, but of course, I bring my camera. A vacation in nature for a few days or a week can do wonders. Feeling overwhelmed, go for a hike. It’s a reminder to take a breath and refocus. My advice is to take a break, see everything from afar, schedule accordingly, realizing your body can only handle so much. A vacation can sound expensive, but nature is free. Read more>>