Lucy Butler is a dichotomy of riches – not only an accomplished actress, but also someone who has taken her extensive travel experience from a young age, and transformed it in to a thriving travel business, which she continues to do between her acting roles. One of those roles is her current one – co–starring in Michael Bay’s hit TNT series, “The Last Ship.” She plays Roberta Price, a powerful Southern Politician that she describes as a cross between Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina, with a sprinkling of former Governor of Texas Ann Richards. The show is currently airing its third season, Sunday nights at 9:00PM.
Butler’s other recent credits include roles on “NICS, Rizzoli & Isles,” “Law and Order,” “Criminal Minds,” “24” and “The Gilmore Girls.” Today she’s swinging by Lioness to talk about her company Where on Earth Travel.
LIONESS: How long have you been in business?
BUTLER: I have been in business since 1993.
LIONESS: Why have you chosen to dedicate yourself to this particular business/industry?
BUTLER: Travel is my passion. I had been around the world before I was nine years old. Literally! I am fascinated by the way different cultures think and operate. And most importantly – not all people travel alike-some want to shop, some want romance, some are culture vultures, and some need to entertain demanding teens. So every trip is completely different, and must be curated to reflect that specificity.
LIONESS: What makes business/product unique?
BUTLER: I think of myself as a travel therapist—I am interested in fulfilling your unique desires and dreams.
LIONESS: You could have worked for anyone and would have been successful, why become an entrepreneur?
BUTLER: I knew that I wanted the freedom to operate a bit “outside of the box,” and not approach travel in a traditional manner. I wanted to break the rules a bit.
LIONESS: What was your last, “why did I go into business for myself” moment?
BUTLER: OMG! When I forgot to add the tax on to a hotel bill, and the taxes were twenty percent. UGH.
LIONESS: Every female professional should have …
BUTLER: A sense of humor and really great shoes.
LIONESS: If you could steal some business mojo from another mogul, who would it be and why?
BUTLER: I love Richard Branson. Love! He is so daring and not afraid to fail. And tries, literally, for the moon.
LIONESS: What is your business motto?
BUTLER: We are not curing cancer here. Have a good time!
LIONESS: If you could give other entrepreneurs three tips, what would they be?
BUTLER:
- Work really hard.
- Be honest.
- Charge what you are worth.
LIONESS: Has there been a piece of technology or software that has been a lifesaver to you?
BUTLER: I am currently really enjoying posting on Twitter and also blogging on Tumblr.
LIONESS: What is your goal for the next year?
BUTLER: Only work with clients I love!
LIONESS: When someone is telling their friend about your business, what do you hope they say?
BUTLER: She is honest, reliable, trustworthy, and she has great taste! And of course she has been everywhere.
Catch Butler on “The Ship” on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. You can also follow her at on Facebook at @theLucyButler
Lucy helped me plan a trip to New Orleans years ago. She talked with me for about 30 minutes, I showed her my itinerary expecting her to tell me that I did a great job. She said it was all wrong told me why and I redid my trip and it is to this day one of my most favorite trips I have ever taken!