Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Petrou.
Hi Athena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in upstate New York and moved to Tampa Bay to pursue a degree in Apparel Design. My career then brought me to South Florida, where I worked in the cruise industry designing uniforms and costumes. That role opened the door to the world—over 50 countries, 40 states, and more than 60 cruise ships—and gave me the chance to work alongside crew members from every corner of the globe.
Being immersed in so many cultures opened my eyes in a profound way. I saw people with very different backgrounds, circumstances, and opportunities than my own, yet they radiated joy, gratitude, and resilience. That perspective shifted me—it made me deeply appreciative of my own journey and inspired me to live with more purpose.
Through those experiences, I realized I didn’t just want to see the world—I wanted to help others experience it too. That realization gave me the courage to step out on my own and begin my entrepreneurial journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced as an entrepreneur has been mindset. Believing in yourself—truly and consistently—is often harder than building the business itself. There are days when self-doubt creeps in, and I’ve learned that maintaining confidence and resilience is the foundation of success.
Another challenge has been transitioning from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one. When you’re an employee, you can rely on structure, processes, and leadership above you. As an entrepreneur, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders—not only for your own work but also for your team. It requires constant problem-solving, decision-making, and accountability, and at times the weight can feel overwhelming. But it’s also empowering, because you realize you have the ability to shape your own path and lead others with clarity and purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about GMH Travel?
At GMH Travel, our mission is simple: to turn dreams into journeys. We specialize in luxury travel experiences, cruises for individuals and groups, couples’ getaways, bucket-list adventures, epic multi-generational trips, honeymoons, and corporate retreats. What sets us apart is not just the planning, but the experiences we create—seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.
Through partnerships with many of the world’s top luxury hotels and resorts, our clients enjoy exclusive perks such as complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and resort credits. We combine this access with our deep travel expertise and 24/7 concierge-level support, ensuring every journey is carefree and extraordinary.
I am also proud to share that GMH Travel was recently selected to join leading agencies at the prestigious Travel Agency Owners’ Conference in Antigua, recognition of the reputation and growth we’ve built.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For most of my life, I was fairly risk-averse. I liked structure, stability, and knowing what to expect. But as I grew both personally and professionally, I began to realize that the greatest opportunities in life often come from taking chances.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving behind a successful corporate career in apparel to fully invest myself in building my own travel agency. Walking away from a stable path to create something from scratch was daunting—I knew the responsibility would rest entirely on my shoulders. At the same time, I trusted that my skills, experience, and passion would guide me forward.
While I still consult for apparel brands, stepping into entrepreneurship has been the most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. It taught me that risk isn’t about being reckless—it’s about betting on yourself, pushing past fear, and opening the door to possibilities that wouldn’t exist if you stayed comfortable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gmhtravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenapetrou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmhtravel
- Other: https://www.classictravel.com/gmhtravel
