Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in travel and tours but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sherrie Ortiz, founder of Just One Day Travel Tours, located in Belton, MO, US.

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

Just One Day Travel Tours is a single-day bus tour service. We provide a wide variety of tours such as unique museums like Evel Knievel and Glore Psychiatric Museum. Wineries and Breweries are always fun. We can curate tours for independent living communities, youth groups, business networking, or team building and conventioneers. Events can be as relaxing as a digital detox day or as exciting as ziplining.

Tours have all-inclusive pricing. The cost of your ticket will cover two guides to make sure you are well taken care of, bus service, event tickets, meals, and gratuities if it’s a full day out, snacks, and water. You will be spoiled!

Tell us about yourself

With my first business as a wedding cake designer for 18 years, I enjoyed getting to know the couples and being and being a part of what made their big day possible. Fast forward to when our children were finishing college, I found myself looking for a career change. I had considered the tour business many years ago, but like many, I kept it on the back burner for just the right time.

The more I researched about day trip tours, the more excited I became. I know it sounds funny, but logistics is my jam, and I am good at it! Also, what I learned about myself is that I truly enjoy serving people. Doing tours allows me to meet and get to know so many people.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My favorite event so far was the surprise vow renewal. It started with a surprise re-proposal on the bus, complete with flowers that ended with an intimate ceremony on the balcony at Union Station. I arranged for live music on the balcony and finished with gluten-free cupcakes. It was a super sweet ceremony, and I was truly honored to be a part of it.

I have also created a few Plaza holiday light tours. It was great to hear from guests how much they enjoyed it. Some because they no longer drive at night, and others because they were introduced to new light locations.

These personal stories are what I consider my biggest accomplishments.
I also look forward to offering philanthropy tours as fundraisers for local Kansas City charities.

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

Being a business owner does have many challenges. While I may be my own boss, my real “boss” is the customers that join our tours. There is a lot of technology in doing this kind of work. Keeping up with and making sure that ALL the guests are communicated across potentially multiple platforms can be a challenge. My biggest fear is leaving someone behind after a stop. Seriously, don’t miss the bus!

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

For anyone exploring the idea of running a business, my first tip would be to be patient. Take the time to really study all the aspects of your idea. Make sure to think through the process from beginning to end to avoid the worst mistakes.

The second would be to find mentors. Your friends may be excited for you, but if they are not IN business, they may not be able to help you along your path. Reach out to people that have more experience and learn from them. There are many free resources available in Kansas City.

My third and top tip is to set a balance from the very beginning. You can not run a business when you are exhausted every day. Take the time to be with your family and feed your soul. When your soul is happy, your business will be too.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I encourage you to join in the fun. COVID has been hard on a lot of us. Taking a single-day tour may seem like a luxury, but really it has become necessary. Taking time for our mental health for Just One Day can make all the difference in how you feel and function in your lives. You are worth the investment.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://justonedaytraveltours.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justonedaytraveltours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justonedaytours/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-ortiz-77a097197/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.