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.

ARUNITA GHOSH

Makeup is an form of art and I am a creative artist. I believe you cannot pour from an empty cup , and my idea of refilling my cup is vacation. “Relax, Recharge and Reflect” that’s my mantra . Recreational travel may increase creativity by relieving workers from stress, providing diversifying experiences and increasing positive emotions. Consequently, vacations may boost creativity, apparent in a greater variety (flexibility) and originality of ideas after work resumption. Read more>>

Gabe Freitas-Elysee

Yes, I absolutely take vacations and I am happy to do so! I recently got back from visiting family for the holidays & it was especially great to see them, since we all don’t live near each other. We had a great time catching up and reminiscing about the crazy adventures we have had in the past. Read more>>

MELISSA VELAZQUEZ

Yes! I come from the work hard, play harder generation. I’ve been working since I was 14 years old. I didn’t get on a plane until I was 21. Travel became my passion. When I became a mother I began viewing the choices I made differently. When I had a decision to make, I began asking myself if I would be okay with my child making the decision I was leaning towards. If the answer was no, then I had to second guess why I was making it because she was watching me. Read more>>

Ashley Reynolds

You take vacations when you earn them. Especially in the beginning, if you are genuinely focused on creating a long-standing, sustainable business, your focus should be the business. I believe if you are diligent in building your business, it will leave little room for vacations. I now reward myself with holidays where I can take whole days off or workcations where I can work remotely while out of town. Both would have been distractions for me had I taken those opportunities early on. Read more>>

Natasha Aladin

Yes! I absolutely take vacations! But it wasn’t always the case. When you’re first trying to establish your business, it’s tough to get away. You always want to be present and make sure everything is going well. As an entrepreneur, you’re always thinking of ways to grow your business and take it to the next level. If you’re not careful, that can begin to wear on you. While you might feel uncomfortable or guilty, taking time off is essential so you can come back focused and rejuvenated. Read more>>

Heather Donis

I do take vacations. I think they are a necessary part of life. They help you to step out of your everyday routine and explore some new part of the world. Vacations keep you fresh and help to gain a different perspective, to see the world with new eyes. I love meeting people while I’m not “on” for work. The conversations are richer and time is slow. I can savor what I am intaking. There is always something to learn. Even though I’m on vacation I am working but in a relaxed way always collecting new ideas and seeing so much beauty I want to convey. Read more>>

Isabel Apaez

Growing up, a vacation was always just a “dream”, something we would talk about, and maybe plan.. but mostly wouldn’t happen. I was raised by a hardworking single mama, who allowed me, and encouraged me to dream out loud. My vacation dreams required about several thousand dollars and flights across the Atlantic Ocean lol.. So the downtown River Walk would have to do!lol .. However! Once a year or so we would go on a weekend getaways to the wonderful green ocean of Corpus Chirsti, Texas! About a 2hr-2.5hr drive from San Antonio going South, so if your a S.A. Read more>>

Shanaetta and Kristenna Julien

Yes, as many as possible! Our vacation destinations are linked to our product names as well. One of our main goals for J.I. Scents is to bring awareness to Caribbean luxury; as that is what we are. Many people will only travel to a select few Caribbean countries when there are 25 beautiful countries and over 700 islands to explore. All of which possess luxurious attractions. Not just for the rich and famous! Read more>>

 Jennifer Cheek

I try to plan at least one vacation each year. I like to discover places that work for my son and his sensory needs. Over the years, we have noticed that he prefers most vacations to be a simple house on a beach somewhere. He doesn’t enjoy going out to dinner or having a full day of activities planned. He will let me schedule a couple of fun activities during our trip but most of the time he just wants to swim and relax. I would love to encourage more families to find the best fitting vacation that suits their child’s sensory needs and not be afraid to travel! Read more>>