We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dere Hney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dere thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The boldest risk I’ve ever taken? Ditching fear, embracing faith, and diving headfirst into the unknown during one of the most uncertain seasons of my life. That leap of faith led me to experiences that were as challenging as they were life-changing. But the wildest part? It all started with a one-way ticket out of the U.S., just $800 to my name, and zero concrete plans for survival.

Let me paint the picture. At the time, I felt like I had hit rock bottom. I was a doctoral candidate—just three classes away from finishing—when I lost my financial assistance. That devastating blow forced me to put my degree on hold, leave my life in San Diego, move back in with my parents in Florida, and resign from my position as a Youth Director. Suddenly, I was unemployed, running two struggling businesses, and completely unsure of my next move.

But in the midst of the chaos, I made a decision: I was going to take a massive risk. I would leave the country and start fresh.

I hustled hard—delivering food with DoorDash, running grocery orders through Instacart, and working relentlessly on my businesses. I paused one of them entirely just to focus on one goal: becoming a digital nomad. I scoured the internet for budget-friendly travel hacks and unconventional opportunities. People kept asking, “How are you going to pull this off?” My answer? “I’m trusting God.” But deep down, I wasn’t even sure I believed that myself.

The first attempt to move abroad? A total flop. But that only made me more determined. Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment,” I created my own. In April 2024, I booked a one-way flight. Days later, I secured a hotel and stumbled upon Couchsurfing—a platform that connects travelers with locals for free stays. And just like that, I was off.

My first stop? Dubai, where I lived with locals for two weeks. From there, I worked at a boutique hotel in Thailand for two months, explored Sri Lanka as a content creator, got stranded in Malaysia, made unforgettable connections in Vietnam, and soaked up the magic of Japan.

Through it all, I faced impossible challenges and found even more creative solutions. I was stranded in foreign countries with no money, but I adapted. I built resilience, sharpened my business skills, and—somehow—managed to earn over $20,000 while traveling.

Was it easy? Not even close. It was an emotional and financial rollercoaster. But the rewards? Absolutely worth it. That leap of faith transformed my mindset, showed me the power of adaptability, and proved that calculated risks can lead to extraordinary rewards.

Now, I’m channeling everything I’ve learned into something even bigger. This year, I’m launching two group trips through my travel club, helping others step outside their comfort zones and experience the world in ways they never imagined. That one decision—to stop waiting and start moving—changed my life forever.

And now, I’m ready to help others take the leap.

Dere, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dere Hney—an entrepreneur, travel curator, and advisor who helps people experience the world with confidence and ease. Through my businesses, I take the stress out of travel and encourage people to take bold leaps, one trip at a time.

Alongside my sister, Angel, I run Chosen Escapes, a travel planning business dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. We handle everything from accommodations to curated itineraries and retreats, ensuring our clients can explore stress-free. I also founded The Chosen Collective, a space for travelers and digital nomads to access blogs, free guides, podcasts, and resources to navigate the world boldly. And because I believe travel is have been a monumental element in my faith journey, I’m relaunching TCO (The Chosen Ones) in summer 2025—a Christian travel and resort wear brand designed for those who move with faith and purpose.

Most recently, my sister and I are launching The Chosen Collective Travel Club, where we’re redefining group travel by creating curated experiences that foster real connections. No cookie-cutter tours—just meaningful journeys with like-minded people.

But beyond the trips, the guides, and the business, what truly drives me is faith. I know what it’s like to take a leap into the unknown. A few years ago, I set off on a six-month solo journey with just $800, no detailed plan, and a whole lot of trust in God. That experience changed everything. Now, I get to help others take their own leaps—whether that’s traveling the world, stepping into entrepreneurship, or simply embracing a new season of life.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best things happen when you stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start trusting that the path will unfold.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that my value is not defined by what I can do for others.

As a Black woman in the USA, we’re often conditioned to believe that enduring more and giving endlessly is how we express love and prove our worth. This narrative creates the expectation that we must serve everyone except ourselves. I witnessed this firsthand as I watched my mother work 12-hour shifts, going above and beyond in her job while being compensated equally to those who did far less. I also experienced it in my own life as I repeatedly abandoned my needs for the sake of others.

This cycle of people-pleasing led me to believe that if I wasn’t constantly doing or giving, I wasn’t worthy of love or value. Thankfully, through therapy and a deep renewal of my heart and mind in faith, I’ve been freed from that mindset. I’ve come to understand that I am deserving and capable of love simply by being me.

This revelation isn’t just something I’ve embraced personally—it’s a value I’ve woven into my businesses. At Chosen Escapes and The Chosen Collective, we prioritize creating experiences that truly impact people’s lives, going beyond simply providing a service. Because ultimately, it’s not about what we do—it’s about the heart and intention behind it..

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business partner when I was three years old—my sister, Angel.

However, I realized I wanted to officially partner with her in business when I noticed she took what I was doing even more seriously than I did. She was always eager to help, investing her time and money into the brands without expecting anything in return. Her creative eye is unmatched, and her dedication is truly inspiring. Partnering with her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thechosencollective.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missdere_?igsh=MW12bzd1azdqNzFheQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@missdere?si=pFS16fqhpAy0Rtnh
• Other: Chosen Escapes Website:

  https://chosenescapes.org/booknow