Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaminique Ellis
Hi Jaminique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Journeys By Jamm was born out of my love for travel and the joy I get from bringing people together to experience the world. I’m Jaminique Ellis (but you can call me Jamm), and I’ve been lucky enough to visit six continents and over 30 countries. Travel has always been my passion, and friends and family quickly noticed how much I loved planning trips—so much so that they started asking me to organize their vacations too.
In 2018, for my mom’s milestone birthday, I organized a group of 12 to celebrate with a tour of Italy, hitting Rome, Florence, and Milan. It was so amazing that I knew I had to do it again. And again. And again! That’s when the idea of Journeys By Jamm came to life. What started as a personal hobby turned into a full-fledged business. I became an independent travel agent, and we made travel an annual goal for the group.
Word spread, and before I knew it, I was planning trips not just for family, but for friends, friends of friends, and beyond. Now, Journeys By Jamm is organizing multiple getaways each year, catering to different budgets, lifestyles, and experiences. We mix in everything from bucket list adventures to cultural and educational experiences, all while making sure there’s time to just kick back and relax.
I’m no longer a travel agent—I’m proud to say I now own and operate my own group travel company. Our mission? To give people the kind of travel experiences that leave them feeling inspired and connected—without the stress of planning it all themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a business in the travel industry definitely comes with its fair share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been managing the unpredictable nature of the industry. Travel can be affected by a lot of factors—weather, politics, and even global events like the pandemic—things I can’t control. It’s been about learning to be flexible and adaptable, always having a Plan B, C, and sometimes even D.
Another challenge is finding the right balance between growth and personal time. As a business owner, I’m constantly juggling tasks—from managing clients to handling day-to-day operations. It can feel like there’s never enough time in the day to do everything I want. But I’ve learned to delegate more and trust my team (and future team) to take on the load so I can focus on what I do best—curating amazing travel experiences.
And, of course, like any entrepreneur, there’s always that battle with self-doubt. The imposter syndrome creeps in sometimes, especially when I’m stepping into new territories. But I’ve learned to remind myself that my journey is mine and that I’ve earned every success along the way. Every challenge I face only makes me stronger and more capable.
In the end, these obstacles have only made me more passionate about what I do. They keep me on my toes and motivated to keep pushing forward and growing this business in the way I’ve always envisioned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Journeys By Jamm, we create curated group travel experiences that take the stress out of vacation planning. I work with individuals who are ready to step out of their comfort zones, check off bucket list destinations, and connect with others—without worrying about the logistics. My job is to design trips that are fun, immersive, and tailored to different travel styles, from the adventurer to those looking for more leisurely, cultural getaways.
I handle everything from booking flights and hotels to organizing local experiences, excursions, and activities that let travelers experience the heart of each destination. Whether it’s a weekend escape to a beautiful city or an extended journey exploring a completely new culture, I make sure everything’s covered so my clients can just show up and enjoy.
I’m not just a trip planner—I’m a curator of unforgettable experiences. It’s all about blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion into one seamless journey. I’m there to make sure everything runs smoothly so that all my travelers have to focus on is having a great time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to just start. I know it sounds cliché, but you can’t learn and grow if you’re stuck waiting for the “perfect” moment. There’s never a “perfect” time—there’s only the time you decide to make it happen. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s the one that gets you moving.
Second, be ready to hustle. Entrepreneurship is not a 9-to-5 job. There are long nights, tough decisions, and moments when you’ll wonder if you’re on the right path. But trust your vision. Believe in yourself and your mission, and keep going even when things get rough.
Network like crazy. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, support you, and challenge you. The journey is never a solo ride—find your tribe, lean on mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
And lastly, learn from your mistakes. You’re going to mess up. It’s part of the process. The key is to take those lessons, adapt, and keep moving forward. Every misstep is an opportunity to grow and refine your business.
Just keep going, trust the process, and make sure you’re doing it for the love of it, not just the outcome. Success isn’t always instant, but it will come if you stay committed and true to your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.journeysbyjamm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeysbyjamm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeysbyjamm/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JourneysByJamm
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeysbyjamm
