Today, I want you to meet another good friend in my inner circle, Brenda Johnson.  We met through a mutual friend and share a love of theatre as we attend plays together at our favorite place – The Ensemble Theatre.   We also attend Sunday Brunch with a group of other friends but lately it has been difficult to catch up with Brenda because she is SOOOOOOOOOO busy “doing her own thing”!

A few years ago, after retiring from her corporate job, Brenda combined those corporate skills with a love of travel and started her own business.   Now, she is always on a plane, a ship, a tour bus, or any mode of transportation that gets you to a new place.   If she has not already placed her feet on every continent, then she will probably soon mark that off her bucket list.

Here are her words about her journey to Explosive Travels:

Please describe your business.

Explosive Travels (http://www.explosivetravels.com) is a full service travel agency specializing in travel, tour and cruise vacations. We will custom design the vacation you desire at a price you can afford.

What motivated you to “do your own thing” and start your own business?

My daughter was the person who motivated me into starting my own agency after I retired from Southwestern Bell with over 30 years of service.  She felt since I was the one who always put my family and friend’s vacations and trips together this would be a perfect business for me.

Is your business a result of a formal education or self-taught genius?

My business is a combination of both self taught and formal training.

What is the one thing you enjoy about your type of business?

The one thing I enjoy the most about my business is when a client returns from their trip and tell me how I made it their most memorable vacation.  When I can turn someone’s vacation dream into a reality it gives me great pride and pleasure.

What would you say encouraging to other women who may have a business idea but are reluctant to pursue it?

I was reluctant at first to start my own business, but my daughter kept pushing me.  I will tell anyone if you are passionate about something, pursue it.  You will never know if you are a success unless you try.

Brenda is the travel coordinator for the first Sister-Girlfriend Meetup in St. Lucia.  I am looking forward to that retreat to relax and to have a great time with the other attendees.