We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anita Russell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anita below.
Anita, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I never intended to get into the travel industry the way I did. I wanted to focus on blogging (Travel Is D’New Black) and my self-published book “Adulting To Travel.” However, friends and family often told me they trusted me with their money; they trusted my travel opinions and reviews of destinations I visited. In 2018, I attended brunch with a seven-figure earner after her conference. In telling her about my travel blog, she picked up on my passion for travel and respected it. About a month later, she offered me business to plan a dope trip for her and her now-husband. I was soooo flattered.
But I turned her down because out of integrity, I told her I was not a travel agent/advisor. She was so shocked and confused because my passion for travel and helping people gave off the impression that I was a travel agent and I was not. The entire experience was so heavy on my heart that once again, the universe was telling me something. I was now ready to listen. In 2019, I launched Noire Escapes. A travel company that not only create escapes for the busy professional and entrepreneurs but provides exceptional experiences with YOU, the client in mind. By doing this in alignment with my company’s core values, TRIPS (Transparency – Relationships – Integrity Providing Renowned Service- Simplicity). I have been featured in WUSA9 D.C. and am ready to shake up the travel game by trying my best to exceed in client experiences and service.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born in Charleston, S.C. and relocated to Baltimore in 2010 after I graduated Claflin University. I am recently married to the love of my life and we have a son and an Old English Bulldog, Mr. Biggs.
I specialize in group travel. What sets me apart from the others are my core values, my love for serving the people, engaging with my audience, recognizing and letting the people know that vacations are also forms of self-care.
We cater to clients who just want to get up and go.
We cater to those who are tired of waiting on their friends to travel with them.
We cater to those who use travel as a form of self-care.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I launched my travel business in 2019 right before the pandemic. During 2020, I used that time to build my audience and stayed consistent.
I provided updates to the travel industry to my followers via email and social media. I wanted to be the first person on their minds when the pandemic was over, and it worked.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
My Instagram page was started in 2018 when I was just travel blogging. I continued to add content that was trending with the times and before I knew it, we were at 31k.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.noireescapes.com
- Instagram: @noireescapes_
- Facebook: @noireescapes
- Twitter: @noireescapes
- Blog: Www.travelisdnewblack.com
Image Credits
Phillip
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