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.

Brianne Garcia

It had taken me many years to feel comfortable about taking vacations! Yes, I now schedule vacations for me & my family. It has become a priority! For many years I use to fear taking time away & not being available for clients. After working in this industry for 18 years, I need to be able to enjoy life as well. Recharge, disconnect & give myself the self-care & family bonding time. Relationships are just as important as work! Read more>>

Yvette Shoemaker

Absolutely! I love taking vacations and love planning them even more. I try to travel at least once a month, sometimes for leisure and sometimes for work. Traveling helps me help my clients find the best vacation for their needs. I believe everyone can travel regardless of their budget and I enjoy vacations with my family and friends, especially my grandkids. Read more>>

Claudia Granger

I certainly do! And it is no coincidence that you are asking me this question when it just became a topic with my clientele. I believe taking vacations is a part of work/life balance and contributes to health and well-being so that you are more productive in what you do. Today, however, I see that many of my clients don’t take vacations and from that issues arise. Burnt-out syndrome is just one of them. Another factor is dehumanization. If you don’t have time to think or be creative, you become functional like a machine, and in the end destructive to your inner self. Read more>>

Cassie Jacobs

I take vacations – who doesn’t love a good break? My fam and I, we’re a little squad of 5, make it a priority to go on vacay together at least once a year. And then my hubby and I also take our own getaway. But I admit, it’s not always easy when you’re running two businesses. It can feel like a lot to handle and sometimes intimidating to take that time off. To help keep things in control we try to plan ahead, get ahead of our work before we leave and then bring our laptops so we can do a bit of work each day to stay on top of things. Read more>>

Misty Black

Running a business is like riding a roller coaster – you chase your passion, leave your 9-5 job for more “flexibility,” and end up working 24/7. As a solo business owner with a couple of part-time assistants, most of the workload falls on my shoulders. Clients, projects, deadlines – they all demand my attention. It’s a whirlwind, but hey, who needs sleep anyway? Read more>>

Heather Bunkelman

Yes! I think it is very important to take time away from work to rest and reset. My husband and I love to rustic camp. No cell phones, emails, just walks and nature. It heals the soul. And when I come back to work I am refreshed and inspired! Read more>>

Alasha “Layy” Wilson

Yes, all the time! 90% of the time it’s business vacations but that’s fine for me because I honestly believe the best vacation is one you are making profit on. Each year, I travel to 10 random locations and teach classes to lash lovers all around the US! Soon, I’ll take vacations “for free” lol but for now, this balance is working perfectly fine for me. The dream location for me is Santorini, Greece. So I’ll keep applying pressure so I can make that happen for myself. Read more>>

Kai Fujimoto

I do! I need to. I’ve been doing hair for 16 years, starting in my hometown of Tokyo, Japan. There, I learned to put my work before my personal life. I told what and whom I was supposed to love in my life and not, making me feel like a robot; I lost the joy of living. For the first time, my partner and I went to the Maldives for a 10-day vacation this year. It’s something I wasn’t accustomed to with my own business of 5 years, to allow myself to let go and be away for so long. However, I finally started seeing the balance I needed between my work life and personal life. Read more>>