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

Alright, Zanaba thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

One of the things my parents did right was showing me the value of hard work and sacrifice. Something that will always stay with me is how my mom worked at the Howard University so I could attend for free. That kind of sacrifice taught me not only the importance of education, but also that sometimes the doors we walk through are opened by the people who paved the way before us. I carry that with me in everything I do—knowing that my success is not just for me, but also a reflection of the sacrifices made for me.

They also taught me to be proud of my culture. Being Jamaican, I grew up with the mindset of “we run tings, tings nuh run we.” That saying reminds me to lead with confidence, not fear—to know that I belong in every space I step into and that I can shape the narrative instead of letting it shape me.

Those two lessons—work ethic and cultural pride—have had a major impact on my journey. They’ve fueled my determination when things felt hard, grounded me in who I am, and given me the courage to show up authentically in my career and life.

Zanaba, 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?

My name is Zanaba (Zan) Hudson, and I am a travel content creator and travel host. I’m also the owner of ZanZanLifestyle LLC, a travel company where I curate and host group trips all over the world.

I first got into this space through my love of exploring new places and sharing those experiences with others. Travel started as a personal passion, but over time it grew into something bigger something I realized I could turn into a career and a platform. As I traveled, I saw how powerful it was to not only document my journeys but also to bring people along for the ride. That combination of storytelling and community is what inspired me to launch ZanZanLifestyle.

What I do is more than just hosting group trips, I solve the problem of access and experience. Many people want to travel but feel overwhelmed by the planning, or they aren’t sure where to go beyond the usual tourist spots. That’s where I come in. I choose unique destinations that people might not normally consider, and I take the stress out of planning so my clients can focus on enjoying themselves. By the time we travel, everything is taken care of, and all they have to do is show up ready to create memories.

I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve successfully hosted 8 group trips (and counting). It’s a lot of work, but nothing compares to the joy I feel seeing my clients happy, bonding with each other, and enjoying experiences that they might not have had otherwise. Those moments remind me why I do this.

What also sets me apart is that I’m not just a travel host—I’m a content creator as well. That means I’m able to capture and share these experiences in ways that inspire others, highlight the beauty of different cultures, and show people that they too can step outside their comfort zones and explore the world. I merge storytelling with travel hosting, which creates a richer, more engaging experience for both my clients and my audience online.

At the heart of it, ZanZanLifestyle is about more than travel. It’s about connection, culture, and creating unforgettable experiences. I want people to know that when they travel with me, they’re not just going on vacation—they’re becoming part of a community that celebrates adventure, discovery, and joy.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started taking content creation seriously, I made a decision to go against the grain. Instead of traveling to destinations that were already popular on TikTok, I sought out lesser-known places and created content there. That strategy helped me stand out—people were able to find me because I was showing them experiences and destinations they weren’t seeing anywhere else.

In the early days, I also challenged myself to post consistently for 90 days straight. That level of discipline not only grew my audience but also built the habit of creating and sharing content daily. To elevate my brand visually, I invested in myself early on by hiring a photographer/videographer at one of my first destinations. Those high-resolution shots helped establish my content quality and credibility.

My advice for anyone just starting is simple: stay consistent, add value, entertain, and inspire. Those are the keys to building a lasting social media presence. And above all, be authentic. Audiences can feel when you’re genuine, and that’s what creates real connection. Even three years into creating content, I still try to post every day—because growth doesn’t come from one viral video, it comes from showing up consistently and building trust over time.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before launching ZanZan Lifestyle, I was the owner of a beauty business called ZanZan Beauty. Over time, business began to slow down, and as the world started to open back up, I noticed a huge shift—people were eager to travel again and create new memories.

That’s when I decided to pivot. I started sharing my own travel experiences online, and the response was incredible. People were looking for guidance, hidden gems, and authentic experiences, and I realized I could fill that gap.

That pivot led to the birth of ZanZan Lifestyle, where I now host group trips and curate meaningful travel experiences. It taught me that sometimes slowing down in one area creates the space for something even bigger to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zanzanlifestyle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zan__zan/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zanzanlifestyle