Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Louise Blazik, Founder of Travel College Canada, located in Toronto, ON, CA.

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

Travel College Canada, a boutique college, specializes in training for one of the world's most exciting, rewarding, and fastest-growing industries - travel and tourism. To work and travel is a dream profession in which one may train and obtain a diploma in less than one year. The need for professionally trained individuals for the travel industry is at a critical shortage. Airlines, cruise lines, travel agencies (and home-based travel advisors), and tour operators are desperately trying to fill numerous positions as the travel industry has soared, particularly after the pandemic. Stop dreaming, and start training for a new and exciting career in the travel industry.

Tell us about yourself

After working for a year with Air Canada, I started one of the first private career colleges in Canada in the early '80s as I began to see and experience the need for professionally trained graduates to fill positions with airlines, cruise lines, travel agencies, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators among others. I just knew a rewarding and exciting career in travel could change their lives and allow them to work and enjoy the travel benefits around the world, whether with family, friends, solo, or co-workers - just like my family and I did. I love, appreciate, and learn so much from the vast diversity of our students, including Canadian and International Students, so it is an amazing cultural experience. Our student groups' different personality and temperament types ensure every day is different yet somewhat the same. I have learned to expect the unexpected, which is both a challenge and fun - there has never been a dull moment in my career and life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My passion is working with and supporting individuals/students who dedicate their time and positive energy to change their lot in life by training for a career/job they have a passion for, and this enhances our life - financial rewards follow. My personal motto is "Choose a career you have passion for; success comes from doing the things we enjoy." I am most proud of the success of our graduates. Our employment rate is consistently in the mid-'90s. This is the result of quality students, quality training, and employment support.

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

"The buck stops here." One of the hardest things as a business owner is having to know/learn a little (actually a lot!) about all aspects of the business from government registrations, legal, accounting, HR, marketing, and sales, and the list is endless. Also, at the end of a day/shift, employees/staff can go home and enjoy their evening, weekend, etc. As a serious and committed business owner, work as needed, maybe (not always) 24/7. Additionally, and ultimately, the owner is responsible for ensuring the needs of students, graduates, staff, etc., are met as quickly and efficiently as possible - this may be quite a challenge at times. One of the hardest things for a business owner is ensuring hiring is done right and managing staff as needs are varied and unique. Regarding the hardest, I would say releasing staff from their duties/position/job for many reasons.

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

  1. Learn all about the aspects of the business you are planning to start - the list is lengthy.
  2. Ensure the timing is right for your financial situation, lifestyle, and family, if applicable, among others.
  3. FOCUS, choose one business, grow it, develop and diversify from there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurs have a tendency (like me!) to want to do and experience EVERYTHING at the same time!!! So my words are my experience, and I am happy to share - wishing everyone much success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.travelcollege.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiiseBlazik

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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