A personal journey exploring how resilience, integrity, and authenticity have shaped a successful transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship in the travel industry, emphasizing the power of purposeful work and genuine client relationships.
Influential Woman · Travel Tourism
Candi Perdomo
Founder & Operating Manager, Simply Elite Travel & Tours
Orlando, FL 32828
8Years experience
1Article published
Her Story
About Candi
Candi Perdomo is the founder and owner of Simply Elite Travel and Tours, a full-service travel agency she launched in 2018 after a distinguished 33-year career as an executive assistant in the corporate sector. Throughout her corporate tenure, she managed both business and leisure travel arrangements, experiences that—combined with her personal travels to more than 30 countries, including a meaningful family trip to Ireland—inspired her transition into the travel industry.
A certified travel advisor, Candi specializes in a wide range of destinations and is dedicated to helping clients turn their travel dreams into reality. She completed her education through technical college and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Management. Known for her thoughtful and client-centered approach, Candi listens carefully to each traveler’s needs, offering guidance when requested while remaining flexible and authentic in her service.
Integrity is at the heart of her business, guiding every interaction and decision. She is committed to building trust through transparency, safeguarding client information, and delivering exceptional travel experiences with professionalism and care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my personality is a big part of what sets me apart. I’m naturally caring and take the time to truly listen to what my clients want and need. I respect their preferences, offering guidance when they ask for it, but never imposing my own opinions. This approach helps create a sense of trust and flexibility, allowing clients to feel understood and confident in their travel experience.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I remember someone once told me to simply continue being authentic—and that has stayed with me. They said that authenticity is something people can genuinely feel, that it allows you to shine in your own way. When you show up as your true self, it naturally resonates with others and builds meaningful connections. It’s a reminder I carry with me in how I serve and connect with my clients.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell a young woman entering this industry to stay true to herself, listen carefully, and lead with integrity. Be caring, be flexible, and always take the time to understand what your clients want before offering advice. Don’t feel the need to impose your own likes or dislikes—your ability to listen and adapt will build trust and set you apart. Most importantly, remain authentic, because people can feel when you are genuine, and that authenticity will help them connect with you and want to work with you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenge in travel is staying ahead of changing client expectations, rising costs, and the fast pace of technology. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities in creating highly personalized travel experiences, serving niche markets, and using technology to make planning more efficient while still keeping the service personal and authentic.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is my highest value. I believe trust is earned through every interaction, and I work hard to build that trust by acting with honesty, professionalism, and care. I also understand the importance of protecting client information and taking every step to ensure their data is safe. For me, integrity means doing the right thing at all times, even when no one is watching.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Candi
Resiliency in Travel
From Corporate Executive to Travel Entrepreneur: A Story of Integrity, Authenticity, and Purpose
Resiliency Through Purpose and Travel
Resiliency has been one of the defining qualities of my journey. After more than 33 years in the corporate world as an executive assistant, I made the decision to step into entrepreneurship and launch Simply Elite Travel and Tours in 2018. It was a major transition, but one that felt natural because travel had always been part of my life and work. Over the years, I handled both corporate and leisure travel arrangements, and my own experiences traveling to more than 30 countries deepened my passion for helping others explore the world.
One of the most meaningful turning points in my life was a family trip to Ireland. That experience reminded me how powerful travel can be in creating memories, strengthening connections, and opening our eyes to new cultures. It reinforced what I already believed: travel is not just about going somewhere new. It is about the experiences you have, the people you meet, and the moments that stay with you long after you return home.
Building Something from the Ground Up
Starting my own business required faith, patience, and a willingness to grow through challenges. Entrepreneurship is not always easy, and resilience becomes essential when you are building something from the ground up. There are moments that test your confidence, your discipline, and your ability to keep moving forward. Yet those moments also shape your strength. They teach you to stay focused on your purpose and trust the path you are on.
At the Heart of My Work Is Integrity
At the heart of my work is integrity. I believe trust is earned through every interaction, and I take that responsibility seriously. Protecting client information, communicating honestly, and doing the right thing—even when no one is watching—are values that guide everything I do. I want my clients to feel confident not only in the travel experiences I create for them but also in the way I care for them throughout the planning process.
My approach is also deeply personal. I am naturally caring, and I take the time to listen closely to what my clients want. I respect their preferences, offer advice when they ask for it, and never impose my own likes or dislikes. That flexibility allows me to serve people in a way that feels thoughtful, genuine, and tailored to their needs. I believe that when clients feel heard and understood, trust grows naturally.
Authenticity Matters
I have also learned that authenticity matters. Someone once encouraged me to simply continue being myself, and that advice has stayed with me. Authenticity has a way of shining through, and people can sense when your heart is in the right place. In this industry, that kind of sincerity builds lasting relationships. It is not about pretending to be someone else. It is about showing up as your true self and allowing that authenticity to speak for you.
The Strength to Evolve
Looking back, I see resiliency not just as the ability to endure, but as the strength to evolve. It has carried me through career changes, business growth, and the many responsibilities that come with serving clients well. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to do work that aligns with my values and allows me to help others experience the joy of travel.
My journey has taught me that when you lead with integrity, remain authentic, and keep moving forward with purpose, you can build something truly meaningful.
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