Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kadarius Gardner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, KaDarius thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

First and foremost, I’m a people person and a go-getter. The idea for the Carry-On Crew began when I organized a trip to Tennessee for my friends from class, and we had the time of our lives. We had so much fun that I immediately started planning the next trip. Soon, word spread, and classmates started asking to join. Hearing such positive feedback fueled my excitement and helped me realize that I love creating memorable experiences for others—and that this could even become a business. With the support of my business partner, Zia Bradley, I was able to turn that vision into reality.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m KaDarius, and I’d say at my core, I’m a people person and someone who makes things happen. My goal is to provide unique and memorable travel experiences that bring people together, foster connections, and create lifelong memories. With the support of my business partner, Zia Bradley, we’ve turned this vision into a reality, and we work hard to make each trip special, organized, and tailored to our group’s vibe. We aim to handle everything from planning logistics to creating the right atmosphere, so our clients can focus on enjoying the adventure.

What sets Carry-On Crew apart is our commitment to cultivating experiences that go beyond the typical trip—we want people to walk away with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and the feeling that they’ve truly enjoyed a curated experience. I’m most proud of how quickly this idea gained momentum and became something that people are genuinely excited to be a part of.

If there’s one thing I want our clients and followers to know, it’s that Carry-On Crew is about more than travel; it’s about building community, connecting people, and celebrating the joy of shared experiences. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re excited to keep bringing people together in new and exciting ways.”

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

We keep in touch with our clients and foster brand loyalty by staying engaged and making each client feel like part of the Carry-On Crew community. After every trip, we send personalized follow-ups to thank them for joining us, gather feedback, and share highlights and memories from the experience. We also stay connected through social media, where we post content that keeps our community inspired and excited about future trips, from behind-the-scenes planning to sneak peeks of upcoming destinations.

In addition, we create a sense of exclusivity and belonging by giving our loyal clients first access to new trips and special offers. We believe that travel is about connection, so we prioritize making our clients feel valued and connected even after the trip ends. For us, brand loyalty is built on genuine relationships, shared experiences, and keeping that spirit of adventure alive.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Our best source of new clients has been word-of-mouth referrals. When people return from a Carry-On Crew trip, they’re often eager to share their experience with friends, family, and coworkers. Those personal recommendations carry a lot of weight because they come from people who’ve genuinely enjoyed the experience and trust what we offer. Social media also plays a big role, as clients share their trip highlights and tag us, which helps spread the word to their networks and draws in new people who resonate with our style of travel.

As we grow, our community-driven approach continues to be our strongest marketing tool. Each client who joins us and has a fantastic experience becomes an ambassador for the brand, bringing in new faces excited to join the adventure.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kadariusgardner

Image Credits

@Zia.Ave