We were lucky to catch up with Ayanna Henry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ayanna, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea?
Global Jet Girl, began in 2018 as an online handle, that I used to connect with clients and industry professionals on social media. Since then, Global Jet Girl has grown into a lifestyle travel brand and line of essentials. After leaving my management career, in 2016, I entered the intoxicating world of private aviation as a corporate flight attendant. This was a strategic move for me, as I planned to gain more knowledge and grow my business, Four Eleven Global, which specializes in opulent travel accommodations (brokering jets, yachts, rentals, etc.) for high-profile clientele.
When I began flying more regularly, I noticed a drastic change to my skin and overall wellness. Talking to other crew members overtime, I realized that this seemed to be a very common issue with frequent flyers, especially women. Immediately, my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and I started to brainstorm what the ideal travel essentials for women, who prioritize their wellness and skincare, would consists of. Within six months, I hired a lab to formulate samples and then manufactured, what would be, the first attempt of GJG Travel Essentials.
After launching in 2020, I realized I made countless errors, stemming from a lack of throughout market research. My two biggest mistakes; changing the name to ‘Global Jet Girl + Guy’, in an effort to appeal to men and using CDB (which has many benefits) in GJG Skin Essentials, thus creating a concern with many interested consumers.
These setbacks allowed me the opportunity to discover and hone in on my niche. I went back to the drawing board, where I; fine-tuned my vision, reformulated GJG Skin Essentials and identified my target market. Fast forward to 2022, the Four Eleven Global team has grown to three and Global Jet Girl Travel Essentials has officially relaunched!
GJG Travel Essentials and Four Eleven Luxury Services can be found on www.GlobalJetGirlcom
Ayanna, 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 Ayanna Henry and I am the owner of Four Elven Global – Global Jet Girl. Specializing in opulent travel accommodations and wellness essentials.
A native of Miami, Florida, 3 O 5! My goal of seeing the world lead me to begin my business. In addition, to being a travelpreneur; I am an avid volunteer, inconsistent gym junky and wellness enthusiast.
In 2016, I entered the intoxicating world of private aviation as a corporate flight attendant. This was a strategic move for me, as I planned to gain more knowledge and grow my business. When I began flying more regularly, I noticed a drastic change to my skin and overall wellness. Talking to others overtime, I realized that this seemed to be a very common issue with frequent flyers, especially women. Realizing the ongoing effects flying often can have on your well-being, I decided to create a line of travel essentials, tying into my brand, Global Jet Girl.
Global Jet Girl Travel Essentials are products designed for the girls who prioritize wellness and skincare during their journeys.
With essentials like; GJG Checked Bags Collagen Under Eye Masks and Leg Room Compression Socks – our travel themed products focus on hydration and health.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn everything I was told about myself and decide who I was and the woman I wanted to be. After my first failed business of owning a store for three years, I returned to luxury retail management. Unhappy with the company and upper management I worked for, I found myself traveling any chance I got to escape my environment.
What most would view as running away from your problems, I found was simply, self-discovery.
It took me years to build the confidence to start a business again, doing something I truly loved.
Being bossy and taking care of details for my high-profile clients solely in the travel industry.
I started Four Eleven Global in 2015 and left my career in management a year later, never looking back. True success to me, is deeply knowing yourself. Understanding your thoughts and learning how to control and display emotions. Deciding who you are, what you want out of this life and how you will live it. Continuously editing your life as you evolve and vibrating as your highest self.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My first attempt at my line of GJG Travel Essentials flopped because I thought. I could do everything myself, while still providing my services and flying regularly. No surprise that came up short in a number of areas from; target research to online marketing, Areas of opportunity were missed and exhausted myself in the process.
After my initial launch in 2020, I went back to the drawing board and fine-tuned my vision for my company and brand.
I enlisted the help of contractors and hired two individuals to assist me in organizing and relaunching my small business.
Pivoting and getting help in the areas I lacked, has definitely change how I function and operate my business for the better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GlobalJetGirl.com
- Instagram: @globaljetgirl and @globaljetgorlworld
- Linkedin: Ayanna Henry
- Twitter: @globaljetgirl
- Youtube: Global Jet Girl
- Other: Fanbase – GlobalJetGirl
Image Credits
Photographer – @deangelomcnair