From Lawyer to Travel Goddess
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After spending five years in the city as a solicitor and travelling extensively for work, the next step was easy for Rena Guseynova: a travel business for what she had been. A time-poor professional.
We get the scoop on how she made the move, and what her new life is like.
Tell us how Carte Blanche come about.
It was an easy step to follow my dream and set up a luxury tour operator for clients just like myself, time poor professionals who want to experience the world but not compromise on standards of accommodation. My strong legal background was a huge bonus, and helped with various issues that came up during the set up - notably with the registration of the company, drafting memorandum and articles, the terms and conditions, agreements the ground handlers and hoteliers etc.
However, the main benefit of having been a lawyer is the attention to detail which you learn to give everything. I have visited the majority of the properties we represent, and having in-depth knowledge helps considerably when tailor-making each itinerary. Carte Blanche is able to propose a variety of holidays to suit all budgets and requests - whether it be a romantic long weekend break or an adrenalin filled two-week holiday. No one person is alike and each and every one of my clients has different interests, requests and preferences when it comes to what they are looking for from their holiday, and where they would like to stay.
Was there a deciding factor that made you finally leave your City life, and do you ever have any regrets?
I always dreamt of owning my own company, especially one that I am so passionate about. I know that starting anything new is always a risk and starting a new business even more so - especially one in a field that you have not had training in, but I believe that if you really want to achieve something, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take that risk, or you will end up wondering what may have been. I sometimes miss the comfort of working for someone else and all that it provides, however the excitement of setting up my business - even on the days when the challenges seem insurmountable - overrides any doubt about my decision.
What has changed about your day-to-day life?
To be honest, not much. When I worked as a lawyer I was working 17 hours a day. Nowadays I am still working more or less the same hours because it is my own business, a new one at that, and I want it to succeed. However one major thing which has changed is that I do not get to travel as much as I used to as my full attention is with Carte Blanche Travel which is based in London. I have huge plans for Carte Blanche, one of which is to continue to develop responsible travel options. We are currently working closely with various sustainable travel-related projects in Eastern and Southern Africa, and our clients have been very keen in getting involved too. Carte Blanche Travel also makes a per person donation to the chosen local charity for every purchase.
To plan a luxury, tailor-made trip to the Indian Ocean, Africa, India or Mexico, please contact Carte Blanche Travel.
Tell us how Carte Blanche come about.
It was an easy step to follow my dream and set up a luxury tour operator for clients just like myself, time poor professionals who want to experience the world but not compromise on standards of accommodation. My strong legal background was a huge bonus, and helped with various issues that came up during the set up - notably with the registration of the company, drafting memorandum and articles, the terms and conditions, agreements the ground handlers and hoteliers etc.
However, the main benefit of having been a lawyer is the attention to detail which you learn to give everything. I have visited the majority of the properties we represent, and having in-depth knowledge helps considerably when tailor-making each itinerary. Carte Blanche is able to propose a variety of holidays to suit all budgets and requests - whether it be a romantic long weekend break or an adrenalin filled two-week holiday. No one person is alike and each and every one of my clients has different interests, requests and preferences when it comes to what they are looking for from their holiday, and where they would like to stay.
Was there a deciding factor that made you finally leave your City life, and do you ever have any regrets?
I always dreamt of owning my own company, especially one that I am so passionate about. I know that starting anything new is always a risk and starting a new business even more so - especially one in a field that you have not had training in, but I believe that if you really want to achieve something, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take that risk, or you will end up wondering what may have been. I sometimes miss the comfort of working for someone else and all that it provides, however the excitement of setting up my business - even on the days when the challenges seem insurmountable - overrides any doubt about my decision.
What has changed about your day-to-day life?
To be honest, not much. When I worked as a lawyer I was working 17 hours a day. Nowadays I am still working more or less the same hours because it is my own business, a new one at that, and I want it to succeed. However one major thing which has changed is that I do not get to travel as much as I used to as my full attention is with Carte Blanche Travel which is based in London. I have huge plans for Carte Blanche, one of which is to continue to develop responsible travel options. We are currently working closely with various sustainable travel-related projects in Eastern and Southern Africa, and our clients have been very keen in getting involved too. Carte Blanche Travel also makes a per person donation to the chosen local charity for every purchase.
To plan a luxury, tailor-made trip to the Indian Ocean, Africa, India or Mexico, please contact Carte Blanche Travel.
