We recently connected with Shemekia Oneal and have shared our conversation below.

Shemekia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I think asking friends and family to support your business can be a delicate balance. On one hand, they’re often your first circle of support, and it’s natural to want them to cheer you on. But I’ve learned that it’s important to approach it without pressure. Instead of expecting them to buy from me, I focus on sharing what I’m doing in a way that feels organic—like telling them about a new project I’m excited about or asking for feedback.

What’s appropriate, in my opinion, is making them aware of your business and inviting them to support if they feel inclined. What’s not is expecting them to be your biggest customers or feeling hurt if they don’t. People have their own priorities, and that’s okay.

One thing that shaped my perspective was early in my business journey, a close friend told me, ‘I might not always buy from you, but I’ll always cheer for you.’ That stuck with me because it reminded me that support can look different for everyone. Sometimes it’s a referral, a kind word, or sharing your posts, and that’s just as valuable as a sale.

For me, the line is drawn when support starts to feel like obligation. I want my business to grow authentically and attract people who genuinely want what I’m offering—not because they feel like they have to. At the end of the day, I believe in building relationships and value over everything else.

Shemekia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Shemekia, and I’m the owner of Soar with Chic Travel, a travel business that combines my passion for travel with my desire to help others explore the world. I’ve always had a deep love for travel and exploration, which inspired me to turn my passion into a business. I started in the travel industry as an agent, and over time, I’ve grown my business to include not only helping clients create memorable trips but also mentoring aspiring travel agents who want to start their own successful businesses.

I specialize in organizing all-inclusive vacations and cruises, with a focus on helping people travel on a budget while still enjoying touches of affordable luxury. My goal is to show my clients that travel doesn’t have to break the bank and that incredible experiences are within reach for everyone. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group trip, I pride myself on curating personalized travel experiences that cater to my clients’ unique needs.

As the owner of Soar with Chic Travel, I also mentor new travel agents, helping them navigate the industry, build their businesses, and develop confidence. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to get started, so I offer support and practical strategies to help them succeed.

What sets me apart is my genuine passion for making travel accessible and my ability to combine budget-conscious planning with luxury experiences. I believe in providing value—not just in the trips I organize but also in the knowledge and tools I share with my mentees.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built through my work. Helping people create lasting memories through travel and seeing new agents achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just a business—it’s about changing lives and helping others see the world in a way they never thought possible.

For anyone considering working with me or following my journey, I want you to know that I’m all about transparency, authenticity, and creating meaningful connections. My goal is to inspire others to explore, grow, and dream big—whether it’s through traveling, starting a business, or both!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been an exciting journey filled with learning experiences. It all started with a passion for sharing travel tips and my own adventures. At first, I focused on creating content that reflected my authentic experiences—showing how I travel on a budget while enjoying affordable luxury. Over time, I discovered that people connected most with my transparency and relatability, and that became the foundation of my growth.

I built my audience by being consistent and intentional. I posted regularly and tailored my content to what I knew my audience wanted—things like budget travel hacks, destination inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at my life as a travel business owner. I also engaged with my followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and sharing personal stories. It’s not just about posting; it’s about building relationships.

Another big factor was leveraging multiple platforms. I didn’t just stick to one—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have all played a role in reaching different audiences. On Facebook, I created groups like Her Travel Tribe and Soar with Chic Travel Club. These spaces are for travelers to share tips, plan trips, and connect with like-minded people. The Soar with Chic Travel Club is especially for those looking to book trips, find inspiration, and share their travel experiences, and it has been a great way to build a sense of community.

For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to focus on authenticity and consistency. Be yourself and share content that reflects your passions and expertise. Don’t be afraid to show your personality—that’s what sets you apart from everyone else.

Also, don’t worry about having everything perfect from the start. Just start posting and refine as you go. Pay attention to what your audience responds to, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content—reels, videos, photos, and stories.

Lastly, remember that engagement is key. Respond to comments, interact with your followers, and connect with other creators in your niche. Social media is about building relationships, not just broadcasting content.

Building an audience takes time, so stay patient and keep showing up. If you’re passionate about what you’re sharing, the right audience will find you! And if you’re looking to connect with other travelers or get inspired for your next trip, join us in the Soar with Chic Travel Club—we’d love to have you!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that truly illustrates my resilience happened during the early days of building my travel business, Soar with Chic Travel. Like many entrepreneurs, I was filled with excitement and big dreams but soon realized how tough the journey could be. In the first year, I faced countless challenges—learning the ins and outs of the industry, trying to grow an audience on social media, and balancing a full-time job as an HR manager with my passion for travel.

There was one particular moment that stands out. I had spent weeks planning a group trip for a client, pouring hours into every little detail to ensure everything was perfect. A week before the final booking deadline, the client canceled the trip. I was devastated—not just because of the financial loss, but because I had invested so much energy and heart into making it special. It felt like all my hard work had been for nothing.

For a moment, I questioned whether I was cut out for this. But after taking a step back, I realized that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it. Instead of giving up, I used the experience as a learning moment. I adjusted my processes, created clearer policies, and started focusing on finding clients who truly valued the services I offered.

That moment taught me resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about how you bounce back. Since then, I’ve faced other obstacles, but I’ve approached each one with a stronger mindset and determination. Now, when I look back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the community I’ve built.

Resilience is what allows me to keep going, even on the hard days. It’s why I mentor aspiring travel agents and share my journey—because I know firsthand how tough it can be, but I also know how rewarding it is to keep pushing forward. Every setback has made me stronger and more prepared for the success I’m building today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soarwithchictravel.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/id7mC2CWRKb29Yvt/?mibextid=wwXIfr