We recently connected with Keisha Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Keisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Black in Baja was founded in the summer of 2018 when I relocated to Baja California, Mexico. I am well-traveled nationally and internationally and noticed that whenever I traveled, I was never hosted by Black people when I participated in activities/excursions/tours. I also noticed the lack of diversity in activities aimed at wellness in Black people. Many tours offered partying, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods. One other thing I noticed was that the few Black people on the excursions were not truly being their authentic self because others did not look like them; they were also less likely to try something new because they were not fully comfortable. I have been coordinating itineraries for my family and friends for years and always include wellness activities and activities that move people out of their comfort zone. Black In Baja was Born.
Keisha, 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?
I am the product of a teen pregnancy, I have fallen from a three story building, I survived Hurricane Katrina, I evacuated to California and now am what I call a Cross Border Independent living in Mexico. My day job includes navigating the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) equity space within the public sector. It’s through my past experiences and my current rigid structured environment that my unorthodox version of resilience-building was birthed.
Black In Baja ~ Where the Bayou meets Baja
Vision: Black and Baja will create a Trauma-Informed experience that fosters resiliency in Black people that have been affected by Historical cultural trauma that continues to plague the community’s modern-day narratives.
Mission: Black in Baja will provide a safe and brave space for Black people to peel back the layers of complex trauma through immersion of vacation, relocation, life coaching, generational wealth and legacy building in Baja California including but not limited to experiences in culinary arts, adventurous excursions, mindfulness practices, romantic explorations, and wellness activities.
Slogan
Luxury Wellness Resiliency
Motto
Liberating the Black Diaspora through self-healing.
Guiding Principles/Values:
1. Tours are specifically crafted with the African Diaspora individual in mind
2. Southern Hospitality will highlight all accommodations
3. Sisterhood and Brotherhood guides each experience
4. Individuals will be gently nurtured into removing harmful colonial mental models
What Do We Offer
Hospitality Hostess · Relocation Resilience · Document Diva
HH
Package #1
Brunch, Spa, Shopping, Sightseeing (Fun Introductory visit to Mexico)
Package #2
Oceanview/Oceanfront Yoga, Mindfulness/Meditation, Vision Board, Vegan food (Retreat)
Package #3
Horseback/Camelback Riding, Parasailing, Snorkeling, Jet skiing (Adventure Options)
Package #4
Brunch/Lunch on the Beach, Ensenada Wine Tour (Romance)
RR
1. Complimentary Relocation Needs Assessment
2. Online Housing Search based on Assessment
3. Neighborhood Tour
4. Liaison with Mexico Realtor
5. Advisor and Consultant during Process
6. Referrals for FAQ’s – Utilities, Mechanic, Housekeeper, Car Wash, Beauty, etc.
7. Search for School Options (Homeschool/private school, border crossing school)
8. Free Spanish Classes
9. Crossing Regulations
10. Safety
Benefits – *Wealth Building, Business Opportunities, Resort/Retirement Style Living NOW!!!*
DD
1. Passport
2. Sentri/Global Entry
3. Visiting Visa, Temporary Resident, Permanent Resident
4. Consulate/Embassy Registration
5. Filing Taxes/Voting
6. Mail/PO Box
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Obstacles/Challenges include influencing the Black Diaspora to reject narratives that were given to them and not their own. To act and think independently is an act of rebellion and courage. When I moved to Baja, California (BC), I did not inform my family to eliminate opinions, fear, etc. I later invited everyone to my housewarming to peak their interest in “how I was living.” To my surprise, 30 people traveled to BC and was in for a treat! I almost convinced them to move here, they were delighted and at ease knowing that I had escaped and discovered and captured the African Dream; FREEDOM in mind, body, and soul! Thanks to high school and college semesters of Spanish, I was right at home. When I relocate a client here, I tell them the biggest challenge will be you comparing everything to the U.S. If you can suspend judgment, you’ll be fine. To be honest, I really don’t see any obstacles/challenges here; this decision has allowed me to become debt-free, the ability to retire early, eat fresh healthy food, radically reduce racial trauma, be financially independent, build wealth and legacy, open a business, and build a six-figure savings & investment portfolio. Now I can concentrate on ease and just being. I am at choice. To satiate my appetite for the connection to my culture, I am involved in many community endeavors in Southeast San Diego and return home to New Orleans for special occasions.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
This industry is ever so ripe for scaling of opportunity. There are still no Black woman-owned businesses here as a competitor that offers services the way I offer them. You will see lots of tours structured in a traditional way and that does not target the specific needs of my people. For now, I am doing this part-time with one to two tours a month. That makes Black in Baja exclusive! My current mission is to be a public servant in the government sector and extract the resources that my ancestors left for me. I am the Return on my Ancestors Investment. I’m able to accomplish this while reducing my exposure to racial trauma; I work from home in BC. When I first started the business, I had so many inquiries from a pilot tour and posts on Facebook. My business is run solely on word of mouth. I couldn’t handle the demand. I am a life coach, University professor, public speaker, and consultant. I am currently scouting land to build a retreat for Black in Baja! Great things on the horizon!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackinbaja/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyoshay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keisha-clark-18a0b251/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/keyoshay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzLnemIteRKY86GKlNDjmXA
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/vUqUmZUekVHIRbnFm8zBXA