Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Peterson.
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved traveling. I didn’t start traveling internationally when I was 21 years old. I studied in Valparaiso, Chile. I loved being immersed in the culture and language with little guidance. After college, I volunteered for ten months in a rural village in Ecuador. I taught English at the local high school. This prompted me to become an ESL teacher in Minnesota. I taught in Minneapolis Public Schools for 12 years. I earned to teach abroad again, so in 2019, I decided to move to southern Sweden. I wanted quick access to other European countries. After the pandemic and feeling burnt out from teaching, I decided to try to use my love for travel for profit. I knew nothing about running or starting a business. I joined a travel company as an independent advisor. It was a lot of work with little reward. I decided to leave that company and explore other platforms to share my travel knowledge, experiences, and tips more publicly. I still teach, but adult education is splendid and more rewarding. I also have a notary business that I am working to expand and grow my client base. I am probably crazy for quitting my steady income job for two small, sometimes successful businesses. But spending time with my beloved dog and making my schedule is the biggest reward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not a smooth road at all. The biggest struggle with starting both businesses was knowing what to do daily. I had big-picture goals and ideas but needed help understanding how to achieve those goals. I had to print out planners and write lists, or I would need to remember what I was doing. I also had a limited budget, so I needed to spend money on advertising, office supplies, etc. I sometimes felt stressed about money and had to return to teaching after swearing I would never go back! I’m laughing out loud, but I chose teaching adults over returning to K-12 education. I also saw a gruesome side of social media that I had never seen before, such as having a business on specific platforms. There are many greedy and disgusting people online who do not care about anyone else. Also, at first, I think it was nice not to have co-workers. However, loneliness arises a few months later. Being a teacher, those co-workers can sometimes be very stressful and vicious. Yet, I learned to spend my energy with other co-workers who were more supportive. So, that lack of work colleagues is nice at times, yet it can be lonesome, especially when I need an answer to a question or just a break from work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a travel advisor who can help plan itineraries and provide guides and tips. I specialize in Europe, Ecuador, and the Midwest. I have visited over 28 countries, four continents, and 30 states. I chose the name Postcards because when I traveled, I always wanted a souvenir to bring back, but I always wanted something manageable, heavy, and expensive. I have been collecting postcards for many, many years now. I used to try so hard to mail them, but I gave up years ago. I write myself a message before I leave to go back home so that I can remember the fun tidbits. I want to be known for advising fellow travelers about the famous sightseeing attractions and the small, lesser-known attractions. I love to try to feel or act like a local, Which can sometimes be challenging when there’s a language barrier. I hope to give my clients advice that suits them. Some people have different travel goals and expectations. I hope readers find inspiration for their travel goals, whether it is near to home or far away.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Don’t quit your day job! Have at least a part-time job that has a steady income. It will help you feel more relaxed about money. Make a budget. Stick to that budget. Use as much free advertising as you can. Social media is massive! Also, sign up for local events, organizations, and newsletters. I have made many strong connections with others this way. Sometimes, I had to attend a dull or awkward gathering, but it paid off when I got clients and leads.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/postcards-travel/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postcardstraveler
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088415115974
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89946776/admin/feed/posts/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/postcards-travel-saint-paul
