Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyla Flowers.
Hi Tyla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in the hospitality industry at my first job as a hostess at a restaurant in Kennesaw called California Dreaming. I soon worked my way to work as a server as I got older and able to serve alcohol. I have always naturally gravitated towards people with the spirit of services. This led me to Network Marketing, where I started selling products and then was presented with an opportunity to sell travel. That company afforded me trips and experiences I’m not sure I would’ve found anywhere else. Network Marketing taught me many fundamental business practices that I apply everyday in business. Although my time has passed in that industry, I still must acknowledge it as one of the most important moments in my professional career.
After Network Marketing, I found myself in Jamaica, launching a travel tech that connected travelers to local experiences. I lived in Jamaica, running a small bed and breakfast for a few years, in between the states and the island. This was the beginning of Smile Jamaica, I spent three years developing the concept and researching before bringing it to the public. Unfortunately, after giving birth to a healthy baby girl with no prior medical history, I suffered from two massive heart attacks only one week after giving birth. I was rushed to the hospital and was put on ECMO or life support, where my heart EF dropped to 2%. Though it wasn’t likely, I survived after 6+ open-heart surgeries, an artificial valve replacement and a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Today my partner Summiyah and I are moving forward to create The Smile Jamaica Experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not, learning to live with heart failure and being a mother of three, there lies the obvious struggle. Add a project of the magnitude and things are bound to get interesting. Despite this, my biggest issue was finding a partner as passionate and dedicated as I would and trust me, most people don’t even come close. Shout out to my partner Summiyah for just seeing the vision. Another struggle is the COVID struggle doing a project in tourism may seem crazy, especially seeing how it devastated the industry. But where devastation lies opportunities to rebuild and that’s what we are doing with Smile Jamaica. Rebuilding and redefining what is acceptable business practices, especially from a social sustainability standpoint.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Smile Jamaica is a boutique resort designed to give guest an authentic Jamaican experience. We offer single villas for solo travelers and have a per person rate. We use smart room technology so guests can fully customize their room and our All-Inclusive + option allows guest to experience local dining and entertainment included in their All-Inclusive package. Our goal is to embrace the local communities and to change the resort culture.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was friendly but shy… at first. In High School, I was in the drama club, always had big personality, friends with everyone and I loved to make people laugh. Growing up, I was very serious about becoming an astronaut. I still love all things space till this day, but I’ve decided to chase my dreams on Earth… for now.
Contact Info:
- Email: Tflowers@smilejaresort.com
- Website: www.smilejamaicaresort.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smiletyla
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/smilejaresort
Image Credits
Photographer: @mrjeno
