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

Hi Theresa, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

The single most important decision I made that has contributed to my success is believing in myself. Sure, this may sound simple, but for most it is a daily challenge. I have had some tough decisions placed in front of me (especially in 2020 when Covid took over) and I always revert back to a conversation I had with a trusted business friend. When I confided in him that I was struggling with a business decision, he asked me one simple, but powerful question. “Do you believe in yourself?” At that very moment I knew my answer. It is a decision I make over and over again… to believe in myself, my drive, and my willingness to hustle!

2020 was the toughest year of my life, due to Covid completely shutting down my industry, and I’ll add, shutting down what fills my heart and soul. Not only did I have to survive with no income as a single parent, I had to pull myself out of a deep, deep loneliness I had never felt before. I could not travel, I could not book travel… It was a new place for me. People, travel, and work all energize me. I need these to be my best self. Thank goodness that travel will always prevail! I had faith in knowing that travel is such a large part of people’s lives, that it would all be ok one day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

6 years ago I started traveling the world as a solo woman. Immediately I knew travel was meant to be a constant in my life. I bought a travel agency and never looked back. Taking a 30 year old agency and doubling its business, year after year, is something I am extremely proud of. Being fortunate enough to find a career that is more of a passion and a love story, it sometimes is hard to tell the difference between work and pleasure. That is my life! Being THAT in love with my career instantly sets me apart. I live and breathe travel. I live and breathe a dream life.  Those that I am fortunate enough to reach, I hope to inspire. I have always felt a deep desire to inspire others. My newest passion is inspiring solo parents to travel with their children. There is so much beauty in this! Travel the US, travel abroad, just get out there!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I live in a very unique area. Our community is blessed with Lake Huron as our backdrop and, the neighboring country, Canada. On a perfect day I would take my friend to brunch, watch the boats and freighters pass by, the sun on our faces, and endless mimosas. From there we would walk down to the marina, hop on a boat, and set out for the lake with a cooler full of refreshing beverages, a playlist to last for hours, and no agenda in mind. After the sun has set and the boat is docked, we would walk through downtown to some of my favorite restaurants and enjoy dinner, wine, and laugh and smile remembering the day. I have brought friends from all over the country here and every single time they are amazed at just how lovely Lake Huron is. Lake Huron is where everyone wants to be once summer hits.

Simple and sweet; Port Huron.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My shoutout, without a doubt, goes out to my children, Lola and Brock. They have instilled in me a childlike curiosity to explore the United States and beyond. They set a goal a few years back to see all 50 states. By the end of this year we will have seen 37 states and they are only 13 and 11 years old. As a solo parent, with the help of my children, we are inspiring other solo parents and families to do the same. Without their goals and dreams of exploring the United States, I would have never seen as much as I have today.

Website: www.FarawayPlacesTravel.com

Instagram: @FarawayPlacesTravel

Facebook: Faraway Places Travel

Other: Insta @Keeping_Up_With_Theresa Insta @singlemotheradventures Insta #wintersfamily50stateadventures

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.