We recently connected with Debra Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

HusH stands for Us in Hip Hop. The concept reflects anyone who has contributed to the culture including those who are purely entertained and support it as an art form and culture.

Debra, 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 started the company in an effort to celebrate and preserve New York City as the birthplace of Hip Hop and increase tourism to the outer boroughs. While researching the tourism industry, I was surprised that no tour like this had existed. With the over 50 million (at that time) annual visitors it was mind blowing that hip hop didn’t have a lane for the global fans to explore its roots. The concept was simple for me, provide the pioneers and respective practitioners who are all professional entertainers, an opportunity to share their stories first hand of who, what, when and why hip hop was started. The premise of the brand is to allow the fans and those who are curious about hip hop to be entertained, educated and inspired by the culture. Maintaining a Small business for over 20+ years in a Big city despite the ups and downs that comes with the territory does bring me joy. I am most proud that our audience continues to grow and unlike in the beginning where we were getting return visitors to NYC only, we are now supported by first time visitors who plan their trip around our company.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The company was born in the wake of 9/11, a time of uncertainty and resilience. Then, like so many others, we faced another major challenge during COVID-19, forcing us to temporarily close our doors. These defining moments, though daunting, have shaped our ability to rebuild and adapt in the face of adversity. The impact of these events has taught me that life is full of unplanned and unexpected challenges. I’ve learned the importance of revisiting and restructuring my goals when needed—and sometimes, simply pausing to regroup.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

At the heart of our operations is an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. We place great importance on respecting our guests’ time, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. We take pride in guiding travelers from around the world off the beaten path, offering a unique glimpse into our culture. Their enthusiasm helps us spread the word, making it essential that we prioritize both quality service and safety in every step of our journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hushtours.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hushtours/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hushtours/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debhush/

Image Credits

Hush Tours, Inc.