Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, where you are located, and whether you have offices in multiple locations/cities.
Ans: Tour Italy Now is a U.S.-based travel company that specializes in customized travel experiences throughout Italy. We focus on designing personalized itineraries based on each traveler’s interests, pace, and travel style, rather than pre-set packages. Our trips range from cultural and culinary journeys to family vacations and romantic getaways, all carefully planned with attention to detail.
Working closely with trusted local partners across Italy, we manage every aspect of the trip, including accommodations, transportation, and guided experiences. Our goal is to simplify the planning process while giving travelers access to thoughtful, well-organized experiences that reflect the real Italy, not just the highlights.
Kindly give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: I was born and raised in Brazil, where I initially studied law before realizing that path wasn’t aligned with who I was or what I truly wanted. I made the decision to move to the United States to study abroad, which became a turning point in my life. While completing my bachelor’s degree, I began traveling extensively, and through those experiences, my passion for travel grew stronger—especially for Italy.
What started as a personal passion eventually became my professional focus. I transitioned fully into the travel industry, building a business centered on helping others experience Italy in a meaningful and well-planned way. Today, I co-run a travel company specializing in customized travel to Italy, serving clients across the U.S. One of my major achievements has been turning a personal passion into a sustainable business that allows location flexibility, long-term growth, and the freedom to work from anywhere while delivering high-quality travel experiences.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans: The idea for Tour Italy Now came from firsthand experience. I saw how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip to Italy, especially for travelers who want more than a generic package. Many people either overpay or miss out on incredible experiences simply because they don’t know where to start. I wanted to create a company that simplifies the process while still offering flexibility, local insight, and honest recommendations. The goal was never volume, but quality and long-term relationships with travelers.
What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: Build a business that’s truly aligned with your passion, because that’s what keeps you going long-term. Be persistent and patient—growth takes time and consistency. And never stop learning or evolving; the market changes, and you need to grow with it.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Strong marketing and sales skills, the ability to stay humble and teachable, and persistence—showing up consistently even when things don’t move as fast as you expect.
How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: On average, I work 8-10 hours a day, though that varies depending on travel seasons and ongoing projects.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Consistency and attention to detail. I focus on long-term growth rather than quick wins, and I prioritize trust with both clients and partners.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: Our marketing is largely content-driven. SEO, educational blog content, email newsletters, and organic search have been our most successful channels. Instead of aggressive sales tactics, we focus on providing useful information that helps travelers make better decisions.
Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from, and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: Tour Italy Now was self-funded. We grew the company organically by reinvesting revenue. We did not rely on outside investors, which allowed us to maintain full control over our vision and growth pace.
What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Long-term success comes from building credibility, staying financially disciplined, and being willing to evolve as customer needs change.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: In five to ten years, I see our business as one of the leading providers of travel experiences to Italy and around Europe for the U.S. market. I also see it growing in a way that supports freedom—location flexibility, long-term stability, and the ability to work from anywhere while building something meaningful and sustainable.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: I admire companies that prioritize craftsmanship and long-term value over rapid expansion, particularly family-owned Italian hospitality businesses that have lasted generations.
Recommended Questions
How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Good employees and partners are essential. Our success depends heavily on reliable local guides, operators, and collaborators who share our standards.
How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: I evaluate ideas based on data and feedback. If something isn’t working, I adjust rather than abandon it too quickly.
What motivates you?
Ans: What motivates me is freedom—the ability to choose where and how I work, create a life with flexibility, and build something that allows both personal and financial independence while doing work I genuinely enjoy.
What are your ideals?
Ans: I value doing things with intention. That means being honest in our communication, delivering exactly what we promise, and respecting the people and places involved in every trip we design.
How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: By listening to customer questions, analyzing search behavior, and learning from real travel experiences.
How do you define success?
Ans: I define success as freedom—being able to manage my time, work on my own terms, live where I choose, and comfortably meet my financial responsibilities while enjoying the life I’m building.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: Transparency, clear communication, and delivering exactly what was promised.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: Having the freedom to shape the business according to my values.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: Seeing repeat clients and referrals, which confirms trust.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: Entrepreneurs are responsible for the full outcome of every decision, not just their individual role. That level of ownership changes how you think, plan, and take risks. Employees usually focus on executing within a defined scope, while entrepreneurs must constantly keep the bigger picture in mind.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone, and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans: The culture at Tour Italy Now is intentional and detail-oriented. We prioritize quality over volume and encourage open communication and responsibility at every level. That tone was set early by leading through examples rather than rigid rules.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Freedom
Optional Questions
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans: I would start my entrepreneurial journey sooner, take bigger, calculated risks, and invest more aggressively in growth early on.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans: Entrepreneurship requires balance. There are periods of intense work, but it has also given me flexibility and control over how I manage my time. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans: I prefer not to focus on fear, but when challenges come up, I manage them by staying focused, learning from the situation, and taking action instead of overthinking.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans: Our business location is really flexible—we wanted the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. The decision was guided by mobility and creating a business that isn’t tied to one place.
Do you believe there is a pattern or formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: There’s no single formula, but consistency, discipline, and the ability to adapt show up in almost every successful story.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans: I would choose Leonardo da Vinci. I’d love to understand how he developed his passion, curiosity, and persistence to keep learning and creating throughout his life.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans: I draw inspiration from people who are curious, persistent, and passionate about what they do—those who turn their vision into something real.
What book has inspired you the most?
Ans: Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza—it’s inspired me to think differently about mindset, possibilities, and personal growth.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Ans: Trying to do too many things at once instead of focusing on what truly moves the business forward.
How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Ans: By reviewing data regularly, documenting processes, and being willing to fix problems quickly.
What are your hobbies?
Ans: I’d say I’m a soccer mom, a health enthusiast, and a world traveler—I love staying active and exploring new places whenever I can.
What makes you happy?
Ans: Spending time with family and friends around the world and creating meaningful memories with them.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: I’ve made a tremendous investment of both time and money to build something sustainable and meaningful.
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
Ans: I’d ask, “What’s one lesson you’ve learned that completely changed how you approach life or business?”
Contact
Business Name
Tour Italy Now
Business Phone
1-203-803-4277
Business Email
info@touritalyniw.com
Website