We recently connected with Erica Collins and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission for EC3TRAVEL services are to provide direct access to the world’s greatest classroom: domestic and international travels. Traveling this world has turned into one of my most valuable educational resources and I see the value it affords others. I strive to provide curated travel experiences to private clients in a safe, structured, and customized manner. I get to share my expertise of having traveled to 22 countries and 37 United States. Every time I get the pleasure of traveling to a new destination, I am keen to know the customs, culture, food, and day-to-day lives of the locals. There is a way to do this in style or within a frugal budget, which, solely depends on my clients’ preferences. I am a utility consultant with a skillset to curate group, solo, corporate, and or couple’s trips. Everyone deserves to see what this world has to offer…

I am proud to say that since starting my LLC in April 2024, I have curated private travel plans for 39 private clients all around the world. From Tanzania and Zanzibar to the European Mediterranean, to the National Parks and lakes of the USA, my research and itinerary services have no borders. Clients come to me through word of mouth or through social media, and book a consultation to tell me all of their requirements for an ideal trip. I give their vision legs through a customized plan that allows my clients to sit back, relax, and leave the details to me. Every step along the way is an opportunity for me to earn their trust through researching the best time of year to travel and what to pack, to booking their accommodations, excursions, and transportation.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Vibes Curator and Modern-Day Renaissance Woman whose personal and professional aspirations afforded me opportunities to see the world and connect with those within it. I am originally from Kansas and got my first passport in 2012 to study abroad in India. That 5-week trip changed my life and flipped everything I thought I knew on its head. In 2024, I am still chasing the travel bug that inspired me to see the world despite my fears.

With 20 years in the retail operations industry, I had a successful career including 10 years of people management at Fortune 500 companies like Amazon and Macy’s, and the 4th largest retailer in the world, Lidl International. Although my corporate experience proved plentiful, I decided to branch out into entrepreneurship and bet on myself. My passion is traveling the world and there is endless beautiful to be discovered within it. I knew that if given the opportunity, I could create unforgettable, elite experiences for others, the same way I had done for myself over 12 years. From there, EC3TRAVEL was born.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was 25, I took the biggest risk of my life by taking an international role in Germany. I signed an 18-month contract to move abroad with a work visa, learn the German language through 4 months of intensive language school, and graduate to running a district of grocery stores. In my first 4 months with the company, I completed B1 language school working from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday at the internationally renowned, Berlitz. The endurance and cognitive focus of this task was monumental and required a dedication I did not know I was capable of at the time. There were as many daily challenges and frustrations as there were triumphs and celebrations. This taught me that the dualities of life are rewarding when you set your mind to a commitment.

I soon found out that the real work was just beginning. After language school, I was transferred to northwest Germany where I received a 165-page training manual in German. I had a detailed training plan for what was expected of me every day, week, and month until completing the program. When I started this role, I had been a people manager for 4 years, but had never managed people in another language. I knew this was going to be the hardest challenge of my life. What I appreciated most about the program was that despite being hired as a District Manager, I had to earn my stripes through the ranks. I worked early mornings, late nights and holiday shifts in stores as an Associate (4 weeks), a Supervisor (6 weeks), an Assistant Manager (2 months), and a Store Manager (3 months). It was only after I completed the curriculum and could articulate the pillars of the business that I started my training as a District Manager.

I credit my family and friends back home, my fellow American expatriates, and my German mentors for being the support system I needed to get through that opportunity. I would not change any moment of it because it shaped me into the resilient woman and business owner I am today.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The way I was able to fund the start-up costs for my business came by surprise. 12 years into my career, I had climbed the corporate ladder to become a Director of Stores. Then in January of 2024 I was abruptly let go from my role and received a severance package from the company.

My original plan was to build up EC3TRAVEL on the side, maintaining the salary, insurance and 401k securities that came with my salaried role. They say when you tell God your plans, he laughs. I truly believe this as I have now lived it. The first couple of months after losing my job was difficult. I had been working since I was 14-years-old, had worked my way through college, and was one of the most successful among my family and friends. For so long, my identity was wrapped up in being “the Boss” and “Go-getter”, and now I was looking to redefine my purpose. Before losing my corporate role, I took pride in my independence and ability to bless others when they truly needed it. I felt like God blessed me and I had a responsibility to bless others along the way. My thoughts then were: I worked hard to make this money and now I can enjoy spending it with and on the ones I love most.

Through the advice of close friends and family, I gave myself grace during those first initial couple of months. Then I decided that if I wanted to bring the EC3TRAVEL vision to life, then I had to put plans in motion. By April 2024, I applied for my LLC and other business requirements using the funds from my severance. Starting this business is near and dear to my heart so I put my money where my mouth is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ec3travel.com/
• Instagram: @ec3travel, @ericarachelcollins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562721693609
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-c-5960477b
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562721693609
• Other: TikTok @ec3travel, @ericarachelcollins

Image Credits

Erica Collins