We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Essex and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Bon Vivant Travel Co was inspired by a major life transition and my enduring passions. As my son prepares for independence in a few years, I saw a chance to refocus my career. With extensive hospitality experience and a love for travel, I launched a travel-based business that I can run from anywhere.

This venture merges my professional skills with my personal interests, offering a fulfilling and flexible career path. My goal is to use my hospitality expertise to create seamless and enjoyable travel experiences for clients, aligning with my desire for a location-independent lifestyle in this new phase of life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my extensive background in the hospitality industry, starting from a young age. Working in hotels, I quickly learned the importance of discretion, especially when dealing with high-profile and celebrity clientele. This experience taught me to exceed expectations consistently and to create memorable experiences that entice all the senses. These skills are crucial in the travel industry, where personalizing and enhancing client experiences are key.

One of the aspects I am most proud of is my ability to blend professionalism with a genuine passion for travel. This combination allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, understanding their needs and desires to create bespoke travel experiences. I am excited about bringing this personal touch to my travel business, ensuring each client feels valued and receives an exceptional level of service.

My professional journey to this point has been a mix of hard work, continuous learning, and overcoming challenges. Starting in hotels, I had to quickly adapt to high-pressure environments and the diverse needs of guests. It wasn’t always easy; there were long hours, demanding situations, and the constant need to innovate and improve.

The key lessons I’ve learned along the way include the value of discretion, the power of exceeding expectations, and the importance of a customer-centric approach. Each of these lessons has shaped my professional ethos and has been integral to my success in the hospitality industry. They continue to guide me as I build and grow my travel business, ensuring I deliver unique and unforgettable experiences for my clients.

I want my clients to know that they have my support before, during and after their travels. I want to be who they come back to year after year.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting Denver for the first time we would grab brunch as LOHI, shop in RINO, take a hike in the mountains and most definitely see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My career in the hospitality industry has put me in connections with people that passionate about serving others. I’ve learned from an early age to that you can learn something from anyone and to always keep your ears and eyes open and to always exceed expectations.

Website: https://bonvivanttravelco.com

Instagram: @bonvivanttravelco @whatsjenuptoo

Image Credits
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