Pedestal Professionals is a weekly spotlight series on our blog that highlights Black women entrepreneurs who are forging new paths in their respective fields.
Meet this week’s Pedestal Professional, Elizabeth “Liz” Nichols, Certified Evolution Travel Agent and teacher. Liz hails from Ridgeland, MS and has a long history of a love of helping and educating others. When she’s not shaping the young minds of the next generation, she is using her expertise to give people, especially people of color, access to all of their travel dreams. We were honored to chat with Liz and learn a little more about her!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career.
I’m a teacher/travel agent. It’s hard to believe that I’m in my 9th year of teaching. I love seeing my students’ eyes light up when they “get it.” That’s super rewarding. I also love being able to not only educate them but to provide them with experiences that will last forever. I recently started using my love of travel and experiences as a business. I believe everyone should be able to travel at least once a year and would love to make that happen for anyone I can.
How did you get started?
My mom was a teacher, and I loved kids. Seemed like a perfect fit. A former coworker was a travel agent, and she mentioned the benefits of owning my own business to me. When I thought about the perks for my family, I was sold on the idea immediately. The rest just began to unfold pretty naturally.
Tell us about your educational journey.
I have my Bachelors of Science and my Masters of Education in Elementary Education. I am a certified travel agent, and I am constantly seeking to add more certifications.
What’s the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship?
The most rewarding part is definitely being able to help those who want to travel. Also being able to help those who want to work for themselves actualize that dream.
In your opinion, what is unique about being a professional Black Woman?
Being a professional Black woman allows me to infiltrate many areas. I am not limited to people of my race and gender. I am able to influence people of ALL races and genders.
What’s your business mantra?
I believe in me, even if no one else does. No two days will be the same. I may feel like a failure today, but tomorrow will bring success.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring Black women entrepreneurs?
Go for it! You’ll never know what you’re made of or capable of until you try.
How can the Pedestal Project readers learn more about you and your travel services?
By email elizabeth.t.nichols@gmail.com or by visiting my website https://evotravelagent.com/etillman
Is there anything else you would like the Pedestal Project readers to know?
I am super glad, honored, and proud to have been asked to be a part of this!
If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured in Pedestal Professionals, please complete the form in the “Connect” section or email us at pedestalprojectorg@gmail.com.
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