Today we’d like to introduce you to Arabia Umrani.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Arabia Umrani! Traveling is my passion! I’ve traveled to over 50 countries solo, have worked for top brands in the tourism industry for over ten years, and have mastered logistics as an airline Purser. I curate small group trips with unique global experiences for solo female travelers looking to connect with local cultures.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle for me has been conquering my fears of uncertainties. As a first-time entrepreneur, there are many challenges I have faced because I didn’t have the exposure I needed. I had to get really creative to think outside the box. I had to make time to make mistakes.
My mistakes have been the best part of my growth this past year with Unwind. There isn’t a blueprint for successful companies in my industry, each company has blossomed by using unique tactics that have worked for their business model.
Please tell us about Unwind.
Over the past half decade, I have traveled around the world to over 50 countries. What I didn’t know is that while I was sharing my travels, I was unconsciously building a travel community and earning respect from my peers with my passion for travel.
Travel is interesting to me because I have always been curious about local cultures and communities in the world. I’ve been curious about festivals, breathtaking landscapes, luxury hotels, and other unique global experiences that I would see in movies or read in books. I made a promise to myself that I would prioritize discovering the world.
When I created Unwind, I decided to target women because I believe I have been put in a position to share my experiences and share the opportunities I have to travel with other women. Using my skills from navigating globe solo and my knowledge from studying the tourism industry, I have created Unwind to solve a problem with today’s travel industry. The number of solo female travelers is at an all-time high. Although they travel solo, they still want to connect with a community of women in their destination. Women want the independence of moving to their own beat, yet the support of a community abroad. This is what I have built with Unwind. I specialize in curating on-arrival itineraries for small groups of ladies who want to join in on group activities yet still have plenty of free time to explore on their own. I keep my trips under ten women to keep our experiences authentic, intimate and organic for our group.
Unwind is for all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages of brilliant women. At this point, we have completed three trips, and demand has us curating an entire 2020 calendar of trips to follow. On our small group trips, we want our community of women to decompress, learn something, connect with a new friend, give back through philanthropy, and have an unforgettable experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is going to the African Art Marketplace in Los Angeles with my family. My Dad is an artist and he would take us there several weekends in the summer to sell his art. My siblings and I were exposed to travel through art. We learned about the names of places we never even imagined. We learned about the beauty of various cultures through the way artists would create their stories. My love for travel and curiosity about the world blossomed from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.travelunwind.co
- Email: info@travelunwind.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelunwind.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelunwind.co/
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
On a trip with Unwind, (Left) Mahalia, Arabia, Simone, and Cairo strike a pose with authentic Rio carnival drum queen costumes. They just completed a samba class taught by world renowned sambas instructor Carla Compos.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
At almost 3,000 feet in the air, Arabia hang glides off the second highest cliff in Rio and cruises over São Condrado beach houses.
Tokyo, Japan
On a trip with Unwind, Kala is in-between laughs as she figures out her best pose to capture her moment at the entrance to the famously peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
On a trip with Unwind, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters, (left) Dominique, Yolanda, and Arabia, strike a pose as the winning Carnival school parades by.
Tokyo, Japan
On a trip with Unwind, the ladies gather for a group photo with other volunteers and local children. They just finished their philanthropy project with Park International for Kids, an organization that hosts local immersion activities that help Japanese children learn English.
Image Credit:
Park International Village for Kids
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