Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Hill.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had the “life” that you’re supposed to have. Go to college, get a degree(s), get a ‘good’ job, meet a nice guy, marriage – you know the narrative.
However, after being diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and Depression, I decided to suffer through it silently for over a year. Every Wednesday, during my lunch break, I’d tell my manager I was taking a “long lunch” and then go sit in my therapist’s office.
Soon, I’d realize I didn’t want to lead a life of occasional anxiety attacks and seeing a therapist just to get through my work weeks.
So, I made the decision to retire from a lucrative and promising career in Corporate America at 27, to travel the world indefinitely.
It was from here, that I started RachelTravels.com as an open journal to backpacking solo through SE Asia.
Then, I would see the gap in the narrative of what it means to be a Black Traveler abroad and the lack of diversity in travel marketing and campaigns. From here, I’d create products, services, and solutions to help with these disparities.
Within three years, through creative and digital strategy, she created a travel brand with thousands of followers that influences and inspires millennials of color to push past their comfort zones and travel the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While the entrepreneurial journey has been awesome, it has not always been a smooth ride.
It can get quite lonely when you’re building an entity and facing new challenges daily.
For women just starting on this journey, I’d say make it a priority to get into spaces where you’re constantly around other like-minded entrepreneurs. People who can encourage you, challenge you, give you insights, and more.
I’d also say, if you’re still working a 9-5, don’t just quit because you’re over it.
Change your mindset and look at your job as your ‘angel investor”. Leverage your income to hire coaches, mentors, enroll in courses, and purchase the tools and software you need to allow your business to run smoothly.
What should we know about RachelTravels.com? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Travel Influencer, International Speaker, and Travel Marketing Consultant.
What sets me apart as a Travel Influencer and International Speaker, is that I focus on changing the narrative of how the travel industry views Black America travelers. I work with and speak to travel and lifestyle brands on marketing campaigns to place more POC (people of color) in unique destinations and, of course, how this can increase their ROI.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Always bet on yourself! You’ll have to continue to push yourself through challenges, adversity, and moments of defeat.
However, continue to bet on yourself, your vision, and your WHY, and everything will fall into place from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RachelTravels.com
- Email: Rachel@RachelTravels.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/racheltravels
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlackTravelInfluencers
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheltravels
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
