Today we’d like to introduce you to Candi Perdomo.
Hi Candi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose
My journey began when I legally migrated to the United States with my parents and two siblings from the Dominican Republic. We arrived in New York City, where I lived for 24 years. The next 20 years were divided between a season in North Carolina and my current home here in Florida. Moving to this amazing country has been nothing short of a blessing in disguise. Every opportunity to thrive, I have embraced with determination and a sincere desire to make a difference for others. While it’s not always possible, the intention has always remained in my heart. Today, I give thanks to God and to my parents, who consistently set a strong example for us—to be good citizens and active contributors to our society.
Fast forward to the present, I’m embracing the American Dream by pursuing my passion in travel and tourism industry. This passion has been shaped by more than three decades of experience working as an Executive Assistant for major Fortune 500 companies. Throughout those years, I gained invaluable skills—organization, strategic planning, and relationship-building—that have become the foundation of how I operate my travel agency today. During my 30-year career, I have faced many challenges that shaped my strength and resilience. One of the most defining moments of my life came on 9/11, when I survived the terrorist attacks while working for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center. In the aftermath, my world fell into darkness and despair—but through it all, my steadfast faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, carried me forward. Though those painful memories remain part of my story, they no longer define me. Instead, they fuel my determination to rise above adversity and continue to thrive—soaring with purpose and strength, like an eagle.
In 2018, I took my first step into entrepreneurship, launching my agency as a part-time endeavor. This allowed me the space to learn, grow, and establish strong partnerships with trusted suppliers, while continuing to deepen my knowledge of the industry I love. That’s how Simply Elite Travel & Tours came to life. By 2023, I felt a calling to take a leap of faith. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career with caring for my elderly parents, I made the bold decision to pursue my agency full time. It was not only a career milestone, but also a personal commitment—to create a life that blended my professional dreams with the dedication I have to my daughter and family.
Today, I feel deeply grateful to be in a place where I can nurture my agency and, at the same time, support my parents’ needs. This journey has been built on resilience, passion, and purpose—and I am honored to guide others as they embark on their own adventures around the world creating memories and living their best experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from easy. I have faced many challenges, including divorce, single parent, job loss, and broken relationships—but none of them have kept me from rising up and moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Simply Elite Travel & Tours ?
We provide a full-service travel agency specializing in cruises, destination weddings, group travel, faith-based travel, corporate travel, private jets, transformational retreats, large group events, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, as well as travel packages to Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and much more.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in a family of five with both of my parents and two brothers—one older and one younger—which made me the only girl and the middle child. With my Dominican roots, I learned early on the importance of responsibility, often helping around the house from a young age. I also spent plenty of time playing “boys’ games” with my brothers, which I enjoyed, though it never changed the fact that I was very much a girl—it was just fun to play tough. By the time I was 11 years old, my mother trusted me with cooking, a responsibility I took great pride in. I also developed a true love for learning. While I didn’t always enjoy the social side of school, having a book in my hands was always a joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplyelitetravelandtours.com/about-us.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyelitetravelandtours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyelitetravelandtours
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-elite-travel-tours
Image Credits
None. All pictures taken by me.
