Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Ferrera, owner of Iconic Journeys LLC., located in Naples, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

IKON is a boutique experiential travel company based in Naples that prides itself in working closely with our distinguished clients to create a vision for their personal journey and subsequently deliver on this vision with unbridled passion. Specializing in Spain, Portugal, Eastern and Western Africa, IKON´s fully customized itineraries will make your trip a one to remember. Whether for couples, families, friends, or theme trips, we make sure to deliver the right trip for you. IKON is the epitome of luxury experiential travel where attention to detail, authenticity, and a white glover service will make your vision become the trip of a lifetime.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in the beautiful Canary Island, Spain, surrounded by the incredible beauty and a bounty of incredible food. My travels have taken me to many different corners of the world. My experience as an exacting traveler, combined with my love of well-designed itineraries and enjoying life´s finer pleasures, were the driving factors to start IKON. My work experience has helped enhance my skills as a precise communicator and an excellent planner, particularly where attention to minute detail is paramount. I have always been passionate about discovering new cultures, people, and their lifestyles and how much wealth of knowledge and wisdom that cultural exchange can bring into your life. I believe that your vacation is a time to enjoy, discover and grow and that should be done flawlessly and effortlessly. With my consultative approach, I make sure to deliver on your vision with minute precision. It is important to know your client, preferences, and requests before they travel beyond what is standard.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I started in this company being the manager of Marketing and Clients relations. Three years later, with COVID, the founding partners retrieving from the business, and a baby boy on the way, I decided to take charge of the business and add some new services linked to the culinary and wine affair. I reinvented myself to keep alive what I believe is a unique way of travel, the best way to discover a destination, and an unparalleled way to make memories with your beloved ones. Each destination should be discovered in its own way, and as such, I like to provide insider scoop knowledge to take my clients to the authentic and unique of each place. Luxury is to be in the right place at the right time, and I believe we can do that with seamless and exacting planning.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

In my industry, there are many fronts you cannot control, like pandemics, air space closures, wars, etc... that will take away your product and how you deliver it for you do not know how long. Having to put on hold your employees, postpone people´s dreams, and stop what I enjoy has been the hardest thing for me.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. If it is your passion, give it a go.
  2. Take any opportunity for networking, reach out to the organization and put your voice out there in any way it can be attractive to people.
  3. Make a realistic business plan and manage your expectations at every stage. Short and long-term goals.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner, running your own company, and taking care of every detail, from marketing to client relations, is worth the effort, the hassle, and the stress. Many rewards come your way in multiple ways, and if you truly believe in what you do, it will work out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ikonjourneys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IKONJourneys/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaikon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ikonjourneys
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaferrera/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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