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.

McKenna Sanderson

Absolutely — I believe vacations are essential, not just for rest, but also for reflection and creative renewal. As a designer, stepping out of my bubble and experiencing new environments almost always inspires fresh ideas and informs my creative practice in unexpected ways. I often find myself traveling to other states for music. My husband, friends and I love to make longer vacations surrounding a concert we all want to attend, or we’ll make our entire vacation a music festival. These are great spaces to free oneself from outside pressures and get inspired. I recently had the privilege of going to Japan for two weeks, and it was a really refreshing, brand new experience for me. I hope to continue visiting other countries in the future—it’s not something I’ve really been able to do before, so I’m excited about the possibility. Read more>>

Omaira Mahan

As a business owner, taking vacation/time off for myself is one of the hardest things about what I do. I used to have the mindset that I need to be in “grind” mode all the time in order to succeed, but I learned very quickly that it’s not sustainable-or healthy. Now, I make it a priority to take a few short vacations each year to rest and recharge to come back into my work stronger. I strongly encourage my fellow business owners to take some time off and prioritize their health. You don’t have to go for a month-long vacation, even going away for a weekend goes a long way. Trust your team and build strong systems so you are able to confidently step away and relax. Read more>>

LEFTI

Definitely, it’s necessary! Read more>>

Kevin Dera

As an artist, vacations come as you want them to. As enticing as that may sound, I find my friends and fellow artists in the realm of art making either never taking a break, or knowing exactly how to. I found my vacations to be ones that allow me to connect to my senses properly again, be it at a residency or on a walk in the neighborhood, a vacation can have so many opportunities to present itself. Read more>>

Vanessa Collazos

I take breaks. I go on vacations. I log off — or at least, I try to. But here’s the truth no one tells you when you run your own business or live that freelance life: there are no real days off.

Even on my so-called breaks, I’m checking emails. I’m making sure the scheduled posts went out. I’m double-checking analytics, answering DMs, or scanning my inbox to make sure the world isn’t burning down while I sip a coconut somewhere. It’s not that I don’t want to unplug — it’s that I can’t completely afford to. Read more>>

Yasmin Amiri

Absolutely—I take vacations and fully believe in them. Over time, I realized I can’t pour from an empty cup.

I prioritize systems, delegation, and communication. I’ve learned to empower my team and trust them to keep things running smoothly while I’m away. And funny enough, the world doesn’t end when I’m away for a few days. My team often surprises me with how well they manage. Read more>>

Folami Ankoanda-Thompson

In fact, the entire reason I started my company, 1921 Virtual Associates, was rooted in the belief that we, as business owners, creatives, parents, and community leaders, deserve and need to prioritize rest.

When I launched 1921 VA’s, my vision wasn’t just about providing virtual support services. It was about creating a movement, one where people, especially my friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs, could take the power of a holiday or vacation seriously. I wanted to show that taking a break isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Read more>>

Gia Dragoi

Yes, absolutely. Everyone needs vacations, time to spend with family and friends. Recharge and then go back to work. Read more>>