Navigating the luxury travel industry as a Black woman travel agency owner is an adventure in itself, filled with both extraordinary moments and undeniable challenges. Recently, I attended an international luxury business event that was nothing short of remarkable. I had an absolutely wonderful time learning about and experiencing the hotels, travel partner offerings and the destination itself. I gained new insight into a city that I’ve always dreamed of traveling to – and because my time there was so short, I am yearning to return and both send and bring my clients so they can feel the same way. I’m already making plans! The event's elegant settings, the networking opportunities, and the insights into the latest trends in luxury travel were invaluable. And the lovely thank you gifts - STILL admiring, using and wearing them!
Yet, amidst the grandeur, there were undertones that reminded me of the barriers I still face in this industry, and in the luxury sphere specifically.
As a Black woman who has built and continues to manage my own successful travel business, I often find myself in spaces that are not always welcoming or rooting for my success. The stares, the side-eyes, the whispers, and the unspoken questions at high-end events are impossible not to notice and harder to ignore. We can’t network if you turn away or walk away when I reach out to you. It’s particularly disheartening when photographers and videographers, who are there to capture the essence of these events, purposely avoid me. I directly witnessed them lower their cameras or even turn them away when I'm in the shot. This is not okay.
Why isn't it okay? Because it continues to perpetuate a mistaken belief that a luxury travel advisor must look a certain way. What is that expectation, exactly? A better question - why is this still happening? Is it that I don't have "the look"? Is it because I’m not blonde and tall? Is it because I proudly wear my hair in beautiful, natural two-strand twists? Maybe because I’m not ostentatiously sporting designer brands from head to toe? Or is it my clothing size, which dares to have two digits? These biases overlook the purpose and fact that these events and trips are, first and foremost, business meetings, not fashion shows or vacations. I was there to expand and grow my business portfolio and destination knowledge and offerings for my travelers. My presence was not a fluke - this was no boondoggle for a free trip; I applied, qualified for, and was invited to attend this prestigious event. I came dressed and ready - notebook, ideas and questions in hand, ready to discuss how these travel partners and I will work together. I wasn't wandering the room aimlessly making unnecessary appointments, or looking to gather freebies and win a prize. I have the receipts and my own footage to prove it. They know it too. And I will continue to show up, for my travelers and for myself.
I even had a colleague who dared speak with me (no choice - there was only one open space left to sit and eat and it was next to me) say during a tense (on her part) conversation, "I didn't know Black people traveled on this end of the spectrum." WTF. Just damn. Your privilege and ignorance slips are showing, dear. UGH, at least she voiced it. Yeah, I politely and professionally schooled her. I'm here because we DO.
So, why am I sharing this with you? I want my colleagues who have experienced this to know that they’re not alone. I want you as my reader to have insight on some of the aspects of what it is to be a travel advisor, and that some of it isn’t always glamorous. I do what I do for the love of travel and my travelers. I am the founder, owner, and CEO of my agency, just like everyone else in that space. This Black-owned and operated luxury travel business is thriving and will continue to grow. My travelers LOVE my offerings and level of service and return year after year for their trips. My presence in these luxury event spaces is not just for me but also for the many travelers who entrust me with crafting their priceless travel experiences. I will keep moving forward, one quiet snapshot and video clip at a time, showing the world that luxury travel advisors come in all shades and sizes, each with a unique story and expertise you just might gain some insight from if you weren’t so busy judging. I choose to and will always reject the cups of bitter gall sent my way – no thank you.
My journey is a testament to resilience and my unwavering commitment to excellence. I am here to help break stereotypes and to ensure that every one of my travelers, regardless of their background, enjoys the very best the world has to offer. So, next time you see me at a luxury event, know that I belong there, just like everyone else.
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