Erika Villanueva is the owner of Viajes To Go Vacations.  She has been married to her wonderful husband and teammate, Daniel, for ten years.  Together they have a seven year old son, Gabriel, and a six year old daughter, Monika.

Tell us about your business and the service you provide:

I'm a travel consultant/advisor.  That basically means that based on my clients wishes, needs and budget, I am able to give them suggestions on where, how and when to travel.  I look for vacations that will bring the most benefit to the individual, family or group.

What kind of background or expertise do you have in  your field?

I grew up in an ethnically diverse family.  My father is from the Czech Republic and was raised in Germany.  My mother is Mexican-American.  In my home growing up it was not rare to hear four languages going on at the same time when the whole family was together.  Because of this, I have always had a love for languages, culture, and history.  In 1993 I went to travel school and before I knew it I was helping people from many different countries and backgrounds put together their vacation plans with a travel agency in Phoenix, AZ.  I now have 16 years of experience in the travel industry!  For the last four years I have been working in my own agency.

What trends do you see in your current industry?

When the internet first took off and people realized they could make their own travel arrangements online I must admit I started to think about looking for another form of work.  However, I have so many clients coming to me saying they are so frustrated with using the online systems and they do not have enough time to play with it.  They want someone to do the shopping around for them...someone with knowledge.  People are grateful for this service and seem to depart for their vacations more at peace knowing that everything has been taken care of.

What things do you find to be most demanding about your job?

Staying organized with paperwork and time.  I start working at 7am when the kids leave for school and I try to be done by 2:30 when the kids waltz back into the house.  But that doesn't always work so perfectly and I'm still working when the kids are already home.  It's not very professional to be talking to a client or supplier with kids screaming in the background (yikes!).

What do you find to be most rewarding about your job and day to day routine?

I love when clients come home from their trips and gie me their excited reports about how much fun they had and thank me for tips and suggestions that I made before hand.  I love the friendships that I've made along the way and that I continue to make with people I come across each day.

What advice would you give to someone else who is interested in starting a business like yours?

Educate yourself.  Read up on courses you can take.  This type of business is all about keeping on top of different types of travel (cruises, airlines, train, etc.), documentation to travel, destinations, etc.

What are you most proud of as a parent-preneur?

I like being able to be home when my kids come in from school.  I like being able to hug and kiss them whenever I want instead of just looking at their cute little faces in a picture frame on an office cubicle desk for eight hours.

What has been the most effective way for you to promote yourself?

Referrals from happy, loyal clients.

Finally, what does your "Milk Money" provide for you and your family?

More time to be with my family.  My son, Gabriel, has both Down Syndrome and Autism.  If I had a regular 9 to 5 job I would not be able to take him to his therapies and doctors' appointments.  I wouldn't be there to personally help him and see him progress.  Words cannot describe how rewarding that is!