Susan Knudsen, Certified Travel Agent with 22 years experience.  I have two incredible kids; a son who's 16 and a daughter who's 8. 

1. What businesses do you and/or your family run? 

Travel Savvy Inc, a customer service focused travel agency.

2. What made you decide to work from home? 

I wanted to be available when my kids needed me. When my son was younger I worked outside the house part-time. If the school called to tell me he was sick he had to wait while I distributed work as well as the drive from work to school. 


3. What kind of support have you gotten from your community? 

My neighbors have been working with me for all of their vacation travel.

The local developer has allowed me, free of charge, to use a beautiful conference room space to host events in my efforts to get new business.


4. What sort of things does being self-employed allow you to do, for example, being involved in your child's life, school projects...etc? 

Being self-employed allows me to chaperon trips; work in the classroom; keep my kids home and take care of them when they don't feel well; pick them up from school if they miss the bus and even visit the allergist three times a week for my son's allergy shots.


5. How do you feel your children see you as an entrepreneur? What things are they learning by watching you work?

They see me working at my business and learning along the way. They are proud of me. They hear me interact with clients so get firsthand knowledge of good customer service. They see all that's needed to run a business. Best of all, they see how important they are to me.


6. How is being a self-employed parent difficult? What sort of things (if any) would make your job easier? 

It's lonely and I'm a social person.  My job would be easier if travelers called me prior to wasting their valuable time searching online.  22 years at any job gives you more knowledge and connections than a person not in the business. Besides, I'm often less expensive and I know my travel suppliers. 

7. What would you most like for consumers to know about you and the businesses that you run?  

My clients come above money.  I do this work to earn a living but I always care about the person and their satisfaction.
I am excellent at matching the trip to the traveler. Many of my clients become my friend; I worry if they're sick and celebrate their happiness.


8. What are you most proud of as a parent?

My children are loving, kind, considerate and polite. 

9. Do you have any advice for other parents who are running their own businesses or want to? 

Take advantage of the many free or lowcost online resources including OMM and SCORE for mentoring by experts in their fields.

10. What was your favorite childhood toy? 

My Pebbles Flintstone doll.