Today we’d like to introduce you to ROMIRA YOUNG.
Hi ROMIRA, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Melanin Globe in my mid-twenties, but originally, it was only supposed to be a one-time experience, celebrating my 25th birthday with friends, until it went viral. The next year it grew into a vision and a deep desire to show Black women the world through a new lens. What began as a small sisterhood of women traveling together to feel safe, seen, and celebrated has now grown into a global community of travelers exploring destinations across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Until recently, I wore every hat — researching destinations, planning itineraries, creating graphics, and managing every detail by hand. Over time, I realized Melanin Globe wasn’t just a travel company; it was a movement. It became a safe space for Black women to connect, to heal, to rest, and to explore the world without counting how many passport stamps they’d had prior to, they were finally among likeminded individuals. The road hasn’t been easy — we’ve faced everything from slow seasons to pandemic shutdowns — but every challenge shaped me and the brand. Today, Melanin Globe stands as a reflection of resilience and community. We’re curating journeys that blend culture, sisterhood, and purpose, while continuing to give back through our foundation and youth programs. I’m proud of how far we’ve come — and even more excited about what’s next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all , it’s definitely been a journey with a lot of lessons in between. When I started Melanin Globe, I had no blueprint, no investors, and no mentor in the travel space. I was figuring things out as I went, learning how to price trips, negotiate with international vendors, and build trust with travelers who didn’t know me yet. There were times when business slowed down, especially after the pandemic, and I questioned everything. I’ve had trips sell out in minutes and others that struggled to get traction. I’ve dealt with cancellations, burnout, and even moments when I thought about walking away. But every time I felt like giving up, something, a message from a traveler, a successful trip, or even just a reminder of my “why”, pulled me back in. The hardest part has been balancing it all: the creative side, the logistics, the finances, and still trying to have a personal life. But those struggles shaped me. They taught me to pivot, to ask for help, and to trust that slow seasons don’t mean failure — they’re just part of the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Melanin Globe is a travel company that curates group experiences for Black women and travelers of color who want more than just a vacation — they want connection, culture, and community. We design experiences that allow our travelers to not only see the world, but to feel it. From cooking classes in Ghana, to exploring the culture in Bali, or sailing in Greece, our trips are built around creating memories that stay with you long after you’re home. What sets us apart is the energy — it’s not just about where we go, but who we go with. Melanin Globe has always been about creating a safe space for women to show up as themselves, to laugh, to heal, and to explore without judgment. Our travelers often start as strangers and end up like family. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the authenticity we’ve maintained. We’ve grown over the years, but our heart hasn’t changed — we’re still rooted in community. Every trip we plan is intentional, from the destinations we choose to the local partners we support. At the end of the day, I want readers to know that Melanin Globe is more than just a “travel group”, it’s a movement. We’re helping people reconnect with themselves, see the world through their own lens, and remember that luxury isn’t just about where you stay — it’s how you feel when you’re there.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’d say resilience, without question. In business, especially as a Black woman entrepreneur, you have to learn how to keep going even when things don’t look like they’re working out. There have been so many times I’ve had to start over, pivot, or rebuild from the ground up, but I’ve learned that consistency and faith always win in the long run. Another big one is authenticity. People can feel when something is real. From day one, I’ve made sure Melanin Globe stays true to its purpose, to create safe, meaningful experiences for us, by us. I don’t chase trends or try to mimic what other brands are doing. I stay rooted in my “why,” and that’s what continues to attract the right travelers and energy. I think success isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard, and believing that what you’re building matters. That’s what’s kept me grounded all these years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melaninglobe.com
- Instagram: @melaninglobe
- Facebook: Melanin Globe
