From Practical Decisions to Purposeful Work
For many Black families, entrepreneurship is about more than income. It represents freedom, flexibility, and the ability to build something that lasts. For Sasha and Victor Esada, that vision took shape when they began searching for a business they could run from home while raising their children.
They explored several options, including a cleaning franchise, but quickly realized it did not align with the lifestyle they wanted. Travel, however, felt different. It offered creativity, connection, and the potential to build a business around experiences rather than transactions.
A Love for Travel Rooted in Early Experiences
Victor’s relationship with travel began long before business ownership entered the picture. Growing up in St. Thomas, his mother worked at the cruise port, and after school he spent hours watching ships arrive and depart. Those moments sparked an early fascination with travel and the freedom it represented.
When Victor later introduced Sasha to her first cruise, she was hesitant. The idea of being on a ship felt unfamiliar. But after one short trip, her perspective shifted. Travel was no longer just a vacation. It was something she could imagine building a future around.
Starting Without Industry Experience
Neither Sasha nor Victor had prior experience in the travel industry. That reality is what makes their story resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs who believe expertise must come first. Instead of relying on past knowledge, they leaned into training, structure, and support to learn the business from the ground up.
One of the most impactful lessons came through group travel. Their first group booking included eleven couples and became a defining moment. Seeing friends and clients enjoy a seamless experience and return home asking, “When is the next one?” showed them the power of curated travel experiences.
Group travel allowed them to create meaningful moments while building a sustainable and repeatable business model.
Building a Business That Works for Family Life
As their business grew, Sasha and Victor divided responsibilities based on their strengths. Victor focused on research and planning, while Sasha leaned into marketing and online visibility. That balance allowed their business to remain active and organized no matter where they were in the world.
When they purchased their franchise, their son was just one year old. Before entrepreneurship, their schedules mirrored many working families’ routines. One worked days, the other nights. Holidays required approval. Family time was limited.
Today, flexibility is built into everything they do. They work remotely, travel together, and remain present for milestones that once felt out of reach.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
For Sasha and Victor, entrepreneurship was always about ownership and legacy. They wanted to build something they could keep long-term and potentially pass down. They are already discussing bringing their daughter into the business as she prepares for college, giving her early exposure to entrepreneurship and financial independence.
That mindset resonates deeply within the Black community. Travel and business ownership have not always felt accessible, and many people assume they need years of experience before getting started. Stories like Sasha and Victor’s challenge that belief.
Today, more aspiring entrepreneurs are exploring options like a travel franchise for beginners because it offers education, tools, and guidance that make business ownership more approachable without sacrificing independence.
Redefining What Success Looks Like
For families who value flexibility, freedom, and long-term vision, travel entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for change. It offers the ability to work remotely, build community, and create meaningful experiences that go beyond profit.
Sasha and Victor did not just choose a business. They chose a lifestyle that prioritizes family, presence, and purpose. Through travel, they are giving their children exposure to the world and proof that building something of your own is possible.
They are not just planning vacations.
They are building a legacy.
