Today we’d like to introduce you to Danessa Claye.
Hi Danessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love for travel and exploring the wonders of the world gave birth to a business that I hold very near and dear to my heart. As a child, I was fortunate enough to be raised in a household where travel was normalized. My mother strongly believed in exposing my brother and I to different places and cultures, which shaped how we viewed the world and broadened our global perspective. This ultimately allowed me to develop an appreciation for connectivity beyond my backyard.
As I grew older, my love of travel continued to grow, and I naturally became the go-to person amongst my family and friends for all things travel. What began as something that I did out of love eventually turned into a calling. I quickly realized that travel could be both a passion and a purpose rooted in service and organic connections.
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship was nerve-wrecking at first, but I made sure I moved with intention. My formula was, and has always been Intention + Passion + Purpose = Success. Today, as a Travel Business Owner, my work focuses on elevating wanderlust while helping people travel confidently and intentionally, whether they’re taking their very first trip or expanding their global footprint. I truly believe that every traveler deserves to explore the world with clarity and ease.
My journey into becoming a Travel Business Owner is truly a full circle moment. I’m now able to create lifelong memories and experiences for others while allowing them to gain a sense of freedom, access, and possibility – all things that travel gave me growing up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d love to say that the road was smooth, but nothing in life comes easy. One of my biggest challenges was transitioning from passion to structure. My love of travel is undeniable, but I had to learn that building a sustainable, professional business requires systems, strategy and consistency. It was important for me to navigate the learning cure of entrepreneurship – investing in education, understanding the business side, building credibility in a competitive industry, developing a strong team, and trusting my expertise.
Were there moments of self-doubt? Absolutely! Especially with wearing every hat at once, or when growth felt slow. It was during those moments that I remembered my formula, and remembered my why. Every challenge forced me to sharpen my skills, and show up more intentionally. These challenges didn’t derail the joinery – they shaped it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Melanated Wanderlust is a travel agency that specializes in curating unforgettable experiences that cater to our clients. With knowledge and experience, we are able to provide our clients with top tier service by providing exclusive offers that add ease, value, and customized bonus benefits. We specialize in solo travels, group trips, baecations, and destination weddings – each curated in a way that our clients receive a unique, and personalized travel experience.
What sets us apart from other businesses? Our passion! As a business, we take pride in the fact that we don’t just book trips, we elevate wanderlust and design experiences with intention. Two main things that we strive to provide each client with are attention to detail, and open communication. From initial travel planning to client return, we believe clients should feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advise would be to start! Even when the path isn’t clear, stay committed. Don’t wait for the perfect time because realistically, what time is ever truly “perfect”? It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’re in a competitive market, but your perspective and individuality will set you apart. Focus on perfecting your individual craft, learning the necessary skills to run a successful business, building strong relationships, and moving with intention.
One thing I wish I understood when I was starting out is that passion gets you in the door, but consistency and structure keeps you there. Always remember, growth comes from showing up, not rushing the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melanatedwanderlust.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanated_wanderlust
