Meet Maria Priestly | CEO Empress Elite Limousine

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

Hi Maria, how do you think about risk?
Starting my limousine business was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. As a single mother fully responsible for my two daughters, leaving behind a stable, 19-year career in corporate America to focus entirely on my own business was daunting. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and without a safety net, the stakes were incredibly high. However, I was driven by my determination and commitment. I knew that with dedication and hard work, I had to make it succeed, not just for me, but for my daughters as well.

Despite facing some challenging times, I have never once looked back. I knew from the start that I didn’t have the luxury of failure—I had to make it work. The obstacles only fueled my determination, and I’m proud to say that my decision has paid off.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started my limousine business, I knew the primary goal was to offer professional, safe, and reliable transportation services. However, I also wanted to stand out among the many great companies in Atlanta. To achieve that, I focused on my community and providing a highly personalized experience for my clients—I didn’t want them to just receive a service; I wanted them to have an experience.

One of the most important lessons I learned while growing my company was the significance of training and delegating. As business owners, we often take immense pride in what we do and feel the need to handle everything ourselves. But at some point, I realized I needed to train my employees well so I could delegate tasks. This allowed me to focus on what I excel at—building relationships and managing my business.

There was a point where I was burning out, working 19-20 hours a day between my full-time job, being a mom, and building my business. It was incredibly challenging, but it was the best decision I could have made for the continued growth of my company. This isn’t something you do just once—it’s an ongoing process. But the reward of having amazing employees who truly represent your brand is a profound sense of accomplishment.

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?
First, I recommend choosing a top-notch car service that provides more than just transportation—it offers an experience. This way, you and your friends can enjoy everything Atlanta has to offer without worrying about drinking and driving. A professional chauffeur can take you to all the city’s amazing spots, making the experience hassle-free.

Atlanta is full of incredible activities and dining options. If you’re up for a day trip, Stone Mountain is a great destination. Ponce City Market is another excellent spot, featuring a variety of restaurants, and the BeltLine is perfect for a daytime walk that can lead you to Piedmont Park, surrounded by even more dining choices.

For dinner, Buckhead is known for its fantastic restaurant scene and stunning rooftops. Some of my favorite dining spots include Yeppa & Co., The Iberian Pig, Alta Toro, Hal’s Steakhouse, St. Cecilia, Chops & Lobster Bar, Bulla, Bistro Niko, Little Alley Steak, Aria, Le Colonial, Canoe, Zakia, and The Alden. If you’re a sushi lover, Fudo in Brookhaven is a must-visit. And for a fun night out, you can’t miss the legendary Johnny’s Hideaway.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Working in the limousine industry has been a privilege, especially because of the strong sense of community among competitors. Despite the competition, we’re very close-knit, and I’ve received incredible support from other limousine owners. One person who played a significant role in my early success is Trevor Sherwood. When I started the business in 2010, my phone didn’t ring much, but Trevor, who had his own limousine company, often passed along overflow jobs to me. This kept me busy until I could build my own client base.

I also want to acknowledge my two daughters, Vanessa and Melissa. For the first eight years, I had to juggle a full-time job and my business simultaneously. This meant they had to sacrifice some “mama time,” with lots of interrupted dinners and events while I managed both roles. I’m incredibly thankful for their understanding and support during those challenging years

Website: https://www.empresselitelimousine.com

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