Meet Riya Kurian | CEO & Founder

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

Hi Riya, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Passion. It’s so cliché and to be honest, I never really believed it. But let me tell you, passion is a force to be reckoned with. It’s an unparalleled source of energy and motivation. I can’t explain how I managed to juggle a demanding job as a law firm associate while simultaneously growing my business, except to say that it was fueled by sheer passion. Money wasn’t the driving force, nor was it boredom. Being an attorney demands an incredible amount of time and mental energy, especially in a big law firm setting. So, the fact that I willingly dedicated my evenings and weekends to nurturing my business might seem incomprehensible to many. But it was my passion that kept me going, fueling me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

The more I worked on my business, the more I realized that this wasn’t just a side gig, this was my passion unfolding before my eyes. Travel has always been my passion, and now through my business, I found a way to share that passion with others. I’m driven by the desire to make travel accessible to everyone, to help people experience the joy and wonder of exploring new places, to foster connections and help create memories. That passion is what propels me forward, guiding every decision I make and infusing every aspect of my brand with authenticity and purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
Flâner Travels is a full-service boutique travel company. But it is not your typical travel agency. I started this company because travel, to me, is not just about visiting new places. It is about immersing oneself in the essence of a destination, embracing its culture, connecting with its people, and creating lasting memories along the way.

What distinguishes Flaner Travels from the corporate giants is my commitment to personalized service and attention to detail. One distinguishing factor about my services is that I only offer services for countries I’ve personally visited. This hands-on approach allows me to offer genuine and dependable advice, particularly for destinations that may seem intimidating to travelers. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure of a lifetime, I take the time to understand your unique preferences and craft tailor-made itineraries that exceed your expectations. I go the extra mile to make sure that every aspect of your journey as seamless and stress-free as possible. From hand-picked accommodations to restaurant recommendations to curated activities to insider tips, I’m with you every step of the way.

I’m particularly proud of the fact that my clients are not only satisfied with my work but also enthusiastic about recommending my services to others. The growing number of referrals I receive from past clients is a clear testament to this.

Like many small businesses and startups, I’ve encountered challenges and setbacks. I think any time you start something new especially a business, there are going to some challenges. I’m still navigating through them as I continue on this journey. I recently made the decision to transition into full-time entrepreneurship. As I start this new chapter, I’m grappling with how to scale the business and what its trajectory will look like in the coming years. It’s a process of learning how to grow, market, and sustain the business in a way that aligns with my individual goals and values.

I’ve read many books and listened to numerous podcasts about entrepreneurship, and while they offer invaluable insights, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t about copying someone else’s formula—it’s about making it your own. I’m grateful for the wealth of information available to aspiring entrepreneurs, but you have to adapt and tailor it to fit your unique circumstances. This process of defining what success means to me comes with its own challenges and uncertainties.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles. Building a business from the ground up is never easy, but it can be rewarding. Each setback and triumph has taught me invaluable lessons that continue to shape my path forward.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that I am not your typical travel agent; I am a fellow passionate traveler dedicated to exploring the world in a meaningful way. My brand is built on a foundation of authenticity, integrity, and a genuine love for travel. I invite you to join me on this journey and experience the world in a whole new way.

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?
This is a bit of a hard question because I think it depends on the person, but let’s consider if my best friend, whom I’ve known for years, were visiting. Imagining it’s a Saturday, I would kick off the day with brunch at Juneberry Table on the west side. Following that, we’d explore the West Side Market and take a stroll along W. 25th Street, where there’s always something happening on a summer Saturday. Afterward, we’d head over to AsiaTown for lunch, perhaps at LJ Shanghai or Ha Ahn. Next, we’d venture to The Cleveland Museum of Art to admire the exhibits and enjoy the serene surroundings, including the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. To cap off the evening, we’d indulge in dinner and drinks at Zhug or Vero on the east side. This is really just a start; there are several other restaurants, cafes and bars in Cleveland that ‘d I highly recommend.

I think if we were doing this in reverse order, I’d start at Sophie La Gourmande on Lee for breakfast and then I’d end the evening with dinner and drinks at either Amba or Cent’s Pizza. If you’re sober or sober-curious, I love Verbena in Hingetown for pre-dinner drinks. And then close out the night with a beautiful sunset at the Solstice Steps or Edgewater.

Crafting the ideal itinerary really depends a lot on the person visiting. For example, if you’re not into museums or art, I wouldn’t suggest the Cleveland Museum of Art. But if you love nature and being outdoors, then a trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park might be perfect for you. It’s all about matching the experience to what you enjoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the clients who supported me during my first year of business. Their unwavering trust in me as a startup was truly unbelievable and continues to amaze me. Their willingness to put their faith in my venture made me realize the potential of this venture. It showed me there was something valuable here, something worth pursuing. Their support and belief in me played a pivotal role in my decision to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, and for that, I am forever thankful to each and every one of them!

Website: https://flanertravels.com/

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

Image Credits
The photos with the pink blazer and pink balloons are by Stella & Fern Photography, based in Shaker Heights, OH.