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.

Margaret Phiri.

I intentionally started taking vacations in 2019. I never took vacations for 10+ years because I felt I had the freedom to get away for a weekend if I wanted to. However, I never would actually do it. So in 2019 after a short trip with friends, I put it on my calendar twice a year to take a week’s vacation. Now, do I take my laptop, yes I do. I have not graduated to leave it at home yet so I can truly disconnect but I limit the amount of time allow myself to check on projects while on vacation. Read more>>

Fiona Strathern

My favourite location is Spain. Denia to be more precise as it’s close to my heart. My family always took vacations there since I was a little girl and now I have a villa there and take my own daughter. Denia is a beautiful town on the coast and a mix of rustic and modern vibes. The selection of places to eat amazes me and I love being able to walk the sandy beaches with my daughter. Read more>>

Shanavia Bates

When I first started my business during the pandemic, I believed that the pandemic was my vacation and that I didn’t have any more time to waste once the world open back up. I got burned out quickly towards the end of the first year. I took a small vacation, came back refreshed, and burned out again. I realize then that multiple breaks throughout the year was necessary, and I needed more than just a weekend off from working. I always tell people that the work will be there when you get back, so make sure you take care of yourself first. Read more>>

Jhy Coulter

Yes! Travel is vital. I can’t focus at all without seeing something new every once in while. I will intentionally save money for travel and frequently get antsy staying home too long. Sometimes even taking a trip for a business conference or something that still keeps me learning and growing is a great excuse for me to go explore somewhere else and check out the local vibe and food scene. I believe we were not meant to stay in one place forever. Read more>>

Anetra Watkins

Yes, my recent vacations have been to visit family and friends. I’ve been to New York to visit my aunt Anita who my dad named me after. It was a pleasure to spend time with her along with going back home to St. Louis. My family are my reason and my why. Without them I’m nothing. I love Florida as well so I’ll be there sooner than later. Read more>>

Tiffany Thompson

Yes I love to vacation. It has been a little while due to the pandemic but I love to travel, especially out of the country. I enjoy experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, and documentation through my photography. Read more>>

Lisa Pleasant.

When I first started my company, I would have answered, “What is this ‘vacation’ of which you speak?” I used to take my work everywhere with me. On family vacations I would work half the day then join for the other half, though I did still feel very fortunate to be able to get up and go without asking permission or for PTO. Even when I was with my family, I would still check my phone every hour and answer emails or text messages as they came in. Read more>>

Chris Reed

As I get older, I have come to value and find vacation time with my wife or with our kids as one of the most important things to make happen. Earlier in my career I felt I didn’t have the funds to take many trips. I could have used credit cards of course, but as a musician and business owner, I never knew how much income I would have from year to year so I have spent the last 20 years doing my best to keep my debt minimal. Read more>>

Sabrina Uranga.

I think traveling is one of the most critical keys to a successful artist. It’s important to take a pause from the studio and take in the natural beauty of the world. Traveling to a new destination stimulates our brain by exploring new terrains and cultures. These elements naturally create curiosity and creativity. My own body of work has been inspired and shaped by my travels. Most of my work has been inspired from my time on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Sharp, jagged cliffs, smooth sands, and colorful sunsets have all been captured from my travels and brought back into the studio. Read more>>