Even though Carmen majored in Economics and International Business, she discovered her passion for organizing travel agendas when she needed to earn some extra money, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Exotik Traveler specialises in arranging custom luxury trips to some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations across the globe. Every one of their packages are tailor-made and created according to their clients’ unique preferences and interests.
We spoke to Carmen about her entrepreneurial journey to date as well as her plans for the future.
Tell us about your work. What inspired you to start your business? Where did you start and where are you now?
I majored in Economics and International Business, however, while at school I started organizing travel agendas for important people in Madrid to earn some money, and I really liked the job. Also, I have always been very passionate about traveling and organizing, so I decided that the smartest thing was to start my own travel agency where I would work as a travel consultant for my clients. I still organize some travel agendas, but my business has grown a lot and I have achieved a very good reputation for planning luxury journeys. Today I run a successful business and have over 80K followers on Instagram (@exotiktraveler).
What did you eat for breakfast?
My usual breakfast is a big Caffe Latte and toast with olive oil.
What’s your workout?
I wake up, have breakfast, and do a 30 minute exercise routine that includes sit-ups, push-ups, and abs.
What gets in YOUR WAY? What’s the one thing you’d like other female founders to know about overcoming that.
I always say that you are the only thing that can get in your way. You have to know what you want and go for it. The easiest way to be your own boss is knowing who you are, what you want and where you are going. As long as you are clear on this, you can overcome anything!
What’s your favorite tech tool today–a must have app, platform or software that helps you run the firm.
I am MAC addicted and would not be able to run my firm without my MAC Book Air – it’s very light for traveling. And my iPhone 8. I have many apps but the one I use the most is Instagram. It has become part of my life and I use it to promote my personal travels as well as news, tips and luxury hotels I love. I also use it to connect with potential clients and bloggers. I also cant live without Uber and I love reading Conde Nast as well as hotel reviews on TripAdvisor from my tablet and phone.
What would you say is your “entrepreneurial superpower?”
I think I am very demanding of myself and a hard worker. I consider myself to be very efficient and never leave a task for tomorrow if I can get it done today.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire most right now? Why does s/he inspire you?
I admire successful women like Arianna Huffington. She has created a huge empire and I can relate to some of her speeches from the beginning of her career and now thirteen years later, she has a multi-million dollar business.
What do you see for your future?
Exotik Traveler is growing very quickly and I would like to continue sourcing valuable travel contacts so that this growth can continue.
What the best advice you ever got and from whom?
The best advice was from my father: Success in the long term is to start fulfilling today.
