[Opinion] Travel & Destination Grief...

skyecurry
Aug 29
3 min read

Updated: Aug 30

VIP's I decided to write this with full transparency and more honest feels...

I told myself this year that I would publish blogs that would not only highlight travel, hospitality, and tourism, but also discuss how this business truly impacts human beings. Human beings who choose to trust experiences provided by hospitality and travel professionals. AND the human beings who are truly responsible for making those experiences feel like magic, comfort, and home away from home for consumers.

Yet, I couldn't shake the feels of what is happening around us everyday. The current events each day are heartbreaking, frustrating af, and goes against everything I believe in. Changes of what hospitality feels like... On one hand it's so important to keep going, but even I can admit there are days where I have my limits.

Grieving 2025 - What's truly left?

So why do I use the term "grief"? I was reminded during my last few therapy sessions (Yes, I do not know how I am surviving without my girl either)j that grief appears in many ways and for many reasons. I released on Linkedin the honest truth of starting the year and processing my layoff. And for those who are new to the blog, my role after two years at Marriott International Corporate was eliminated along with 1000+ associates this January.

Now that I have come to the decision (full announcement coming later) that I am officially going full-time with my brand and services, I can't help but to think the "luxurious feels" just haven't felt within reach these past few months. Everything from flight accidents, to an insane and very unnecessary administrational changes, government and corporate layoffs. I needed to move with intentionality and rest. I needed to truly process the feels and begin thinking about these next few months before 2026...what's left? And is there still value in this space, in my journey?

The answer is YES...Let's Keep Redefining Luxury

Indeed, the answer is Yes, there is still value in this journey and being present within the communities I serve. Yes, this brand will persist in serving with excellence, commitment, and passion. The real question isn't what's left, but rather what's next?

Building through Collaboration

This is much easier said than done. Yet, I am so fortunate to collaborate with brands, creatives, and entrepreneurs who truly align with a luxury brand. There will be continued coverage to highlight current collaborations and partnerships and opportunities to collaborate with LuxuryofSPC Hospitality.

Always Black...Extra Emphasis on the Luxury!

Yep, unapologetically black everything! LuxuryofSPC Hospitality is a black owned and woman owned brand.
Therefore, as the brand continues to grow, so will the vision and mission of this brand which includes working with black owned brands, suppliers, entrepreneurs, lodging & travel investors, hospitality experts, culinary professionals, wine and spirits owners and more. A true obligation to provide the best services for us by us (and truly execute on that promise).

Luxury Quality...More Inclusive

Traditional luxury trends would not include luxury and inclusivity within the same concept. That is why LuxuryofSPC continues to break those barriers by providing experience that includes luxury quality & making the experiences inclusive for black travelers. Luxury isn't about being pretentious, its about providing the best for the best!
Did you know that African Americans are the highest spending demographic contributing to the travel industry? Quoted by MMGY Travel Industry, African Americans have contributed over $145 billion dollars to hospitality & travel. That also includes intersectionality with the entertainment, retail, and sports industry.
However, prominent brands and corporations have made a bold and clear decision not to embrace or integrate diversity, equity, and inclusivity for both consumers and professionals.
During my professional experience in the hospitality, I have unfortunately seen brands lack the sense of urgency to align brands and experiences to African American travelers. Seeing those gaps is what fuels the work & purpose behind LuxuryofSPC Hospitality travel services and consulting services.

Please don't judge me, but even though I never fully immersed myself in Issa Rae's acclaimed show "Insecure," I recall watching numerous short clips from various episodes. I vividly remember Issa Rae's character frequently talking to herself in the mirror for various reasons. Primarily, she did this to remind herself of what is true, valuable, and often necessary to navigate different scenarios in the show. And you know what, I'm comfortable with being at a stage where I affirm value and purpose every day. Instilling that in myself and others. I'll continue to do just that each day. Thanks for listening to my TED Talk, lol. I hope you enjoy this read because there's more on the way!