We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhonda Botros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, how do you define success?
I define success by asking myself, *am I doing what makes me happy?* For me, success isn’t measured by traditional standards or other people’s definitions. It’s about waking up every day knowing I’m making a positive impact in the world. Whether it’s connecting travelers to new cultures, supporting artisans, or helping people see the beauty in our shared humanity, that’s what success looks like to me. It’s not about how much I’ve achieved by external measures, but whether I’m living a life that feels meaningful and true to myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
InBliss Travel is more than just a travel agency; it’s a way to connect people to the world in meaningful, authentic ways. What sets us apart is our commitment to blending traditional travel experiences with deeper, localized adventures. Each trip I curate is designed to not only explore a destination’s popular attractions but to also immerse travelers in the local culture. We meet artisans, support their work, and truly engage with the communities we visit. That human connection is what I’m most proud of, and it’s what excites me every day. I love that we’re able to offer something unique and purposeful—both in the journeys we lead and the one-of-a-kind items we offer, crafted by artisans I’ve personally built relationships with around the globe.

The journey to building InBliss Travel wasn’t easy, and there were a lot of hurdles along the way. Starting a business is always challenging, and I faced my share of setbacks, from financial pressures to balancing growth with maintaining the personal touch that makes my business special. But passion and persistence kept me going. I overcame these challenges by staying focused on my vision and leaning on the incredible support of my community. It hasn’t been a smooth path, but it’s been rewarding.

I’ve learned many lessons along the way. One of the biggest is the value of consistency and communication. Building strong relationships is key—not only with my clients but also with the artisans and communities I work with. Another major lesson has been learning to embrace change and failure. Some of my most valuable growth has come from moments when things didn’t go as planned, teaching me to be adaptable and open to new possibilities.

Ultimately, this business is about more than just taking a trip. It’s about connection, about realizing that no matter where we go, we all share the same human needs: love, joy, community, and the basics like food, water, and clean air. Through our curated experiences and partnerships with global artisans, I want to make a positive impact on the world. I want travelers to come away with more than memories—they leave with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. That’s what my journey is all about, and that’s what I want InBliss Travel to continue to offer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Nashville, I’d make sure she had the best time ever by giving her a mix of delicious food, outdoor adventures, and some of my favorite local spots.

We’d kick things off with dinner at **Barcelona**, an incredible tapas restaurant where we could share small plates and sip on some great wine. For something a little more casual but equally delicious, we’d head to **Butcher & Bee** for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Their flavors are always on point! And, of course, no visit would be complete without grabbing a sandwich from **51st Deli**—one of my favorite hidden gems.

For outdoor fun, we’d hike at **Foster Falls**, where the waterfall and scenic trails are always worth the drive. Then, we’d spend a day hanging out on **Old Hickory Lake**, soaking up the sun, and enjoying some time by the water. Kayaking down the river would be the perfect way to unwind and get some time in nature.

During our more relaxed moments, we’d pack a cute little charcuterie board and hang out at **Centennial Park**—it’s the perfect spot for a picnic. And to wrap up the day, we’d take a stroll across the **Pedestrian Bridge**, enjoying the skyline views and catching up as we take in the energy of the city.

With Nashville being such a vibrant place, there’s no shortage of things to do, and these spots are a perfect blend of what I love about living here: great food, beautiful nature, and the kind of places where you can just relax and enjoy the moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out my best friend, Nikkita, for always supporting me and pushing me to grow. She’s been there through thick and thin, and her encouragement means the world to me. I also want to recognize my coach, Emily, who helped me break old patterns and unlock new ways of thinking. Lastly, I’m grateful for all the incredible people who have come into my life and shown me that it’s possible to do what you love and be successful. Their stories have inspired me and reminded me to always follow my passion.

Website: https://www.inblisstravel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inblisstravelco/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.