The international businesswoman provides luxury travel to experienced travelers
Everyone knows the saying ‘Do what you love and never work a day in your life.’ This quote resonates well for Michele Chubalashvili, born in Georgia and moved to Russia and Israel before settling in the United States at 17. Shortly after, she married a pilot who worked for Continental Airlines. It enabled her to continue touring across the globe while having a child at 18. Since then, Michele discovered that she enjoyed traveling, and it became a part of who she was. Three years later, she turned her desire into a successful career and became one of the most sought-after travel professionals worldwide.
In 1993, Michele acquired a business and became the third owner of Vitas Travel at the tender age of 21. Her company provides exclusive and tailored itineraries that perfectly fit every client’s preference, resulting in an unforgettable experience. As a result, the agency continuously received praises which propelled the business forward and garnered more attention. This trailblazing success cemented Michele’s presence in the realm of tourism. She is an inspiring businesswoman who leads the world with curiosity into 2022 because of her determination and creativity. Her team speaks multiple languages and makes extensive trips across Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. Michele is represented by ZavoMedia PR Group headquartered in NYC. ZavoMedia strongly believes in Michele’s vision and in her abilities to disrupt the travel industry internationally. Her PR team has fostered strong relationships over the years nationally and will help position Michele’s success story globally. This interview unravels how Michele disrupted the travel industry and remained unwavering in front of adversities for nearly thirty decades.
What was the turning point in your life that made you decide that this was the career for you?
I’ve always enjoyed traveling since I was young. My love for history and visiting various destinations inspired me to work harder and improve myself, so I could keep doing it. In my early twenties, I found myself working for a travel and insurance company, which was, at that time, almost non-existent. I thought to myself, “What can I do to turn this business up?” There were no computers; everything was done manually and by phone. I turned things around with tenacity and grew the company to over 300% in one year. The hard work paid off, and it was incredible to see how the business blew up to massive proportions. I knew that I wanted to pursue this career path from that moment.
Where do you see your company in five years?
I see more bookings and private tours to exotic destinations. I specialize in providing customized tours because I wanted to make the experience more memorable. What I offer is not only limited to personalized services; I can also accompany my clients on their trips if they wish to. I’m always at their service no matter the request–that’s how much I love my job. The level of dedication I want to give to my clients is like no other, and it’ll stay that way in the future. Because at the end of the day, when you make your customers happy, they’ll keep coming back for more. Of course, there will be hardships ahead; it’s normal for any business. I’ve had my share of failures and frustrations since I started, but those didn’t stop me from nurturing my company. I had to think outside the box to bounce back after every fall. You need a goal to know where you want to go. No matter what business you pick up, always remember to have a purpose. Never give up, and don’t shy away from opportunities because it’s possible to achieve your dreams as long as you keep moving forward. Staying relevant is key to becoming a successful leader.
What are the three traits that were most instrumental to your success?
I’m a positive person, and I always look at the brighter side of things no matter the circumstances. I try to wake up feeling good to make the rest of the day easier. Staying optimistic helped me get through the difficulties in life. Second, I love socializing with people. I find ways to start a conversation with them, and most of the time, our topic leads to traveling, which is my forte. Lastly, I love what I do, which makes everything easier. It wasn’t difficult to overcome obstacles because I adapted to change. If you love doing it, then show it. You cannot hide behind a desk or a computer forever. Be upfront, forward, and ready to project that you’re the winner. People love to interact with genuine people who believe in what they do. When people see the immense energy used to hone your craft, they get hooked and become impressed with your efforts. They’d tell their family and friends about their experience and end up referring to you. By word of mouth, you’ve achieved a new level of marketing. That, to me, is already an incredible feat.
Michele’s story of chasing excellence through hard work and determination inspires others to follow in her footsteps. “Live every day to the fullest because you’ll never know what tomorrow brings,” she revealed. Armed with perseverance, creativity, and resilience, she withstood the test of time by learning from mistakes and aspiring to become better and happier every day.
