This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Erin Cohen, the REALTOR and personal chef turned Travel Designer who created and leads Personal Touch Travel Design in Washington State. Erin and I met through the National Association of Women Business Owners when she lived in Raleigh, NC, and I’ve always been inspired by her emphasis on relationships. Erin truly cares about the needs of her clients, other women business owners, her community and those feeling overwhelmed with a process, such as buying a home, creating a meal as an experience or planning a vacation. When you partner with Erin in each of these areas of expertise for her, you don’t have to worry about the details because she’s always one step ahead of your needs, planning for how to make things seamless and enjoyable every step of the way. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Erin Cohen lives in Ferndale, WA, 15 miles south of Canada and 100 miles north of Seattle. After her move to Washington State, as a life-long entrepreneur, adventurer and former REALTOR® with a flair for personal client services and building relationships, she started a travel business: Personal Touch Travel Design and enjoys sharing her passion for travel with her family, friend and clients.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Erin Cohen

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

As a Travel Designer, I curate and organize experiences for people who are ready for the next stage of their lives as well as couples, groups and multi-generational families seeking effortless and indulgent travel.

Why did you start your company?

I was a successful REALTOR® in Raleigh, NC. After moving to Washington State in November 2020, I did get my real estate license but decided that the next business I was going to start would offer me 3 things:

· I could work with anyone I know throughout the country

· I could have a laptop lifestyle, working from wherever I lived or played

· I could use my passion for travel to build a business that helped others be passionate about travel

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Helping people who have never really traveled before to see new places, experience new things and build memories one vacation at a time.

About what are you most proud?

Changing people’s lives through travel. One couple visited and toured Israel for the first time to see their son who had recently moved there. This was a life changing experience for them.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am naturally organized in my business by building systems that I can use for every client. It can get overwhelming having many clients with different trips, dates, destinations and deadlines, but the systems I have developed and the various online tools that I have available to me help me keep things straight.

Who’s the one person who changed your life, and why?

Many years ago, I had a boss who told me I would do more business at the supermarket than by sitting behind my desk. She was telling me to get out there and build relationships, and that is how I have built all of my businesses.

Erin Cohen, travel designer, traveling with her husband

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Get the help you need to learn what organizational tools work for you. Everyone’s work style is different, and, sometimes, you need someone who can figure out your work style and set you up with the systems you need.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I use some specific travel technology to help me stay organized with my clients and their needs, but I also use Evernote every day, mostly to save recipes and articles I want to find at a later date.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I live and die by my online calendar. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. I like the fact that I can access it from my computer and phone, and I color code each event so I know if it is business or personal.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am passionate about helping women business owners connect and succeed. I started a women’s networking group in Raleigh that still meets weekly (even though I moved 1 ½ years ago). Those women have a sisterhood and bond that helps them build and grow their businesses. This was especially important during the pandemic when everyone needed so much support.

Since I moved here during the pandemic, I have not had the chance to form that type of group here yet, but once I meet more women business owners, I am planning to do just that in my area.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I have a 1-year-old golden retriever who I walk about 5 miles a day. She makes me get out of the house, even during the worst weather. When I walk her alone, I get to listen to podcasts or audiobooks. When I walk her with my husband at the end of the day, it gives us time to catch up and discuss our lives. I value these walks.

What is your favorite author/book?

I love Mel Robbins and her book The 5 Second Rule changed my live.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

My new favorite quote is “What if it all works out?” We spend so much of our time thinking it won’t, but, most of the time, it does.

Erin Cohen, travel designer, traveling with her husband

What is your go-to accessory?

I have a handmade necklace and earrings that were given to me by my networking group when I moved from Raleigh. One of the members is a jeweler, and she made them for me. Whenever I wear these pieces, it reminds me of my ladies in North Carolina.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I keep it very simple: soap and moisturizer for my face, and my makeup routine takes about 5 minutes.

What is your favorite food?

I love Italian food: anything with noodles, sauce and cheese.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

1. I shop at a local bagel shop for the best bagels in our area

2. I go to a locally-owned, historic theater where I see live shows

3. There is a weekly farmer’s market where I get fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads and artwork

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I loved Italy and can’t wait to go back.

Erin Cohen, travel designer, traveling with her husband

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

Love, Actually

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Eat anything I want and never gain a pound

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Enjoy the ride because it will all work out

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

My mother, who died 17 years ago. I would love to update her on my life and the lives of my family members. She died way too young and missed out on so many good things.

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