Women business owners….there is SO much I could say about this very topic. As a woman business owner myself, I’ve walked through many hardships over the years. In the early days, people not taking me seriously. Asking me if “personal shopping” meant that I buy people’s groceries. Asking me if I really make a living doing what I do. But I’ve also reveled in so many wins and incredible milestones along the way. And a lot of the wins and the successes have been shared with other incredible women…. Women entrepreneurs who are either good friends I’ve met along the way and/or mentors of some kind.
Last year during one of our Effortless Style team meetings, I asked the team their thoughts on starting to share about some of our favorite other women in business via a monthly blog post on our website. Everyone was immediately on board, and names of incredible women that we work with, refer clients to, or just know via our various communities started to be thrown out immediately amongst our group.
It has taken us a bit to refine what we wanted these posts to look like, but we are finally ready to share with you guys some other women entrepreneurs we love!
Women Entrepreneurs We Love ~ Emily Webber, We Travel Luxe
Tell us about We Travel Luxe.
My agency, We Travel Luxe, is an intimate travel agency located in Brentwood, TN. We have exclusive connections across the globe with the ability to deliver experiential travel, adventures, and unforgettable moments through thoughtful, strategic planning and a no-stone-unturned itinerary. We enable this experience for adventurers who don’t have the time to plan an in-depth experiential travel journey.
What inspired you to take this path?
I grew up in a small town in Tennessee. I could not wait to spread my wings and see the world. In college, I decided to do a semester abroad, an experience that changed my life. I became more independent and was inspired to see as much of this incredible world as possible. After college, a few friends and I backpacked across Europe for a few months, and I have been seeing the world ever since… Once you start traveling, it is very hard to slow down. When you see how people live across the world, it inherently changes who you are. I want to share that with my clients. I specialize in one of a kind experiences for my clients so they can see what is important to them.
What is your favorite part of doing what you do?
My favorite part of being a travel advisor is seeing people’s lives changed. You can’t go to Italy and spend time cooking dinner in a family home or hike through Peruvian villages without coming home changed. The stories that we have the privilege of hearing are inspiring. I love to plan family travel. When kids can see unique parts of the world at a younger age, it shows them what is beyond their community. You grow as a family with these experiences.
How do you balance work and personal life as a business owner?
It can be challenging for sure. When I started planning travel, I thought it could be a part time job. Well, turns out it is a 24/7 job! Not only do I want to plan the perfect trip for my clients, but I also want to be available to them while they are traveling. My husband travels for business as well, so we are constantly having calendar meetings to make it all work. My kids are older and are great about being flexible…. And I love that they see that both of their parents work and also make intentional efforts to have family time. Bonus?! My kids get to travel a lot!
As a travel agent, what is your favorite place you’ve traveled and where is on your bucket list to visit?
My #1 travel destination will always and forever be Italy. I love the food, people, wine, beaches, and activities. There is nothing that will feed your soul more than biking through wineries, taking a boat to the island of Capri and visiting the Blue Grotto, hiking to the top of the Amalfi Coast, and so much more. In fact, my husband and I hope to live a part of a year in Italy once our kids have spread their wings and are out on their own! Bucket list trip – definitely South Africa! I want to see Cape Town, go on safari, and see Victoria Falls. My husband has a 50th birthday coming up next year so hoping we can make the trek! Also on the bucket list: Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Ireland/Scotland, and Patagonia.
Because most of our readers who follow us are interested in fashion, what’s one thing in your closet that you cannot live without? Where is your favorite place to shop?
I can’t live without a good walking shoe. Fashion is important, but when traveling, the shoes must be able to be comfortable for long distances. I love the Eileen Fisher sandals with sundresses and the Isle Jacobsen slip on shoes for everyday wear. Katey Preston was amazing in helping me plan my daily outfits for a trip to Greece this summer. I could not have done it without her. She grabbed onto my style and helped me feel very “Greek.” Favorite place to shop…. like so many others, my go-to favorite place to shop is Nordstrom.
What is one thing your followers might not know about you?
I grew up as a small town preacher’s daughter, and I like to say that the story of Footloose is the story of my life. I am the youngest of 4 kids. My brothers and sisters are 15, 18, and 20 years older than me. Having this family dynamic has always defined who I was growing up. I am the youngest, spoiled, strong willed, adventurous, and free spirited member of the family. I guess that is what happens when you are the baby!
Be sure to check out We Travel Luxe’s website, as well as their social media handles:
Instagram: @emilyrwebber
Facebook: We Travel Luxe
LinkedIn: Emily Webber
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