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.

Cheyenne Brown

Yes! And frequently. I think it is so important and necessary to take time for yourself and explore the world. I travel at least once a month. It doesn’t even have to be anything crazy like a trip overseas. It can be a quick little getaway trip a few hours from home. My schedule is always packed with projects, traveling keeps me sane. I very rarely say no to a trip! Some of my best memories have been made out of town with my best friends. Read more>>

Shelton Foreman

I take like 6-7 vacations a year. Some may say that is too many, but, I vacation for mental health and clarity. Life is short, and I still handle business when I am away. I love seeing the world, and sometimes I visit the same places. I feel like we all have addictions, and vacationing is one of my adult addictions. Read more>>

Alfield Reeves

Yes I do. I think it is vital to change your environment every so often. Taking a vacation doesn’t only allow for one to not to work, if they are intentional about that but it is also and opportunity to just exist and rest and have fun. As a creative entrepreneur I try and take as many short or long vacations as I can. I love going to New York so I will usually go there because not do I get to visit family but I also get to connect with other creative and photographer like myself. Read more>>

Taylor Henderson

I think taking time off/taking vacations away from whatever anyone is doing is vital for overall growth. Things become stagnant. Especially for creatives. New experiences are everything. And I think it’s easy for me, personally, to get burnt out. I have experienced that so much in the last year. So much I have really taken a step back to process what my next move will be. I don’t know where Flavors Creative Group will go from here, but I have appreciated the time I have had off to clear my mind and figure It out. Read more>>

Matthew Samuels

Between the pandemic and its economic fallout, it may be hard to fathom taking a vacation this year. But the research is clear: Vacations lead to improved productivity, lower stress and better overall mental health. It also spurs greater creativity. Vacations are also great opportunities to create lasting, positive memories. Several studies show that recalling happy memories can head off stress, anxiety, and depression — something that is much needed in our busy lives and even more so in current times. Read more>>

Natyana Gonzalez

I love taking vacations! Going on vacay and finding different things to do or try is something I always enjoy doing. Whether it’s a staycation or a vacation, I always want to try something new. Traveling around to at least 10 different Florida cities and about 8 out of states, my vacations are just getting started! Being on vacation is super fun and it’s most definitely great to try something new anywhere that you go! Read more>>

Mariposa

There was a time when I would have vacation left over and sell it back to the company for the money. Now, I always consume all my available vacation days or PTO (paid time off for those in corporate) to take vacations and time away. Here in the U.S. we are admittedly workaholics, while in other places around the world people greatly value their ‘holiday’ and down time. For me, due to my affiliations with those in academia, from a young age I was aware of sabbaticals some professors would take. Read more>>

Monica Pollard

Absolutely! Part of my passion for photography is rooted in vacation, travel, and capturing the moments I wanted to remember. I always want to photograph both the big and small things from a trip, much to my travel buddy’s dismay at times. That desire has transitioned very easily into the work I do through MTP Photography. Many of my clients have reached out wanting photos taken during their family vacations. Read more>>