10/11/2026
It’s time I told you the truth about who I really am and the dark secrets behind the industry I’m in.
I'm Maria Priestly Limogirl 👋
I was born in Colombia, I’m a single mom of two girls, and in 2010, in the middle of a recession, I took a leap of faith and started Empress Elite Limousine right here in Atlanta while still working a full-time corporate job.
I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for the perfect moment. I had a vision, 2 little girls to provide for, and a belief that people deserved a better standard of private transportation.
Sixteen years later, I’ve learned that this business is about so much more than beautiful vehicles and arriving in style. It’s about trust. It’s about accountability. And above all, it’s about the people who get into those vehicles and the families who trust us to get them where they need to go safely.
Because here’s something I want every customer to understand, a luxury-looking vehicle doesn’t automatically mean a professional, properly licensed, and insured transportation service.
And I believe customers deserve to know what questions to ask BEFORE they book.
🚨 Here are 5 things I want you to check before hiring a limo or private chauffeur:
1️⃣ Ask about licensing and insurance.
Don't assume a luxury vehicle automatically means the operator meets the requirements for professional transportation in your area.
2️⃣ Find out who's actually driving you.
Some companies broker trips to other operators. Ask who will provide your ride and how that operator is vetted.
3️⃣ Verify the vehicle and passenger capacity.
Make sure the vehicle you book is the one you can safely fit in and that it's appropriate for your group.
4️⃣ Read the reviews carefully.
Don't just look at five-star ratings. Read recent reviews, look for patterns, and see how the company responds when something goes wrong.
5️⃣ Get everything in writing.
Your pickup time, vehicle type, total price, deposit, cancellation terms, and any additional fees should be clear before you pay.
Because when you're booking transportation for your children, your parents, your partner, or your entire family, you shouldn't have to guess who you're putting your trust in.
I built Empress Elite Limousine from the ground up in 2010, and after 16 years in this industry, I'm ready to have the conversations that don't always happen when you're booking a ride.
On this page, I'll be sharing the truth about the limousine business, lessons I've learned as a business owner, tips to help protect yourself as a customer, behind-the-scenes stories, and your reviews, yes, I'll be reading those myself! 👀
The good, the bad, and the lessons that help us do better.
I'm not here to tell you that every company is bad. I'm here to help you become a more informed customer.
I'm Maria Priestly, founder of Empress Elite Limousine. And after 16 years in this business, I have a few things to tell you. ❤️
👇 Tell me in the comments: Have you ever booked a limo or private chauffeur and had an experience you weren't expecting?
Let's talk about it.
