Every time we complete a Pretty Pro feature interview we’re always super excited and anxious for its release. This one here is exceptionally special, meet Nubia Younge!
Nubia is a Travel consultant, international events coordinator and expat coach who believes in bringing people together and building communities across the globe. Nubia is the quintessential global connector who is the CEO and founder of Black In Tulum, a community for travelers of color in Mexico.
She has been featured in Elle Magazine, VICE, FEMI and many other digital media platforms, Nubia is on a mission to inspire Gen X professionals to embody the power of manifestation. She is passionate about helping women create their own realities to do what they love, unapologetically!
Tell us about your business.
Black In Travel d.b.a Black In Tulum is the first and ONLY community for Black & Brown travelers to come together and vibe where the jungle meets the sea. As a collective of creatives, we come together to provide resources, recommendations, exclusive events, and memorable experiences for melanated travelers in Tulum!
With a community of approximately 16k members, B.I.T has made a huge positive impact on the locals and local businesses by bringing in high numbers of travelers to the area amidst the pandemic, when local businesses were closed and had no patrons.
Where is your business based?
Quintana Roo, México
What motivated or inspired you to start your own business?
My members. I started the Black In Tulum Facebook group back in July 2020. As the group continued to grow, people who were members of the group would share how they loved the group and how invaluable they felt the information provided within the group was. One of my members asked why I wasn’t charging for people to attend my events. It was then that the idea of creating a brand around the group manifested.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I first incorporated the business as a Limited Liability Company and then I asked for volunteers from members in my Facebook group.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Black In Tulum has grown 100% organically by word of mouth.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I work with the managers and owners of the establishments where I host my events and let them know of my service standards. We work together to provide the experience that I expect for my events.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My members keep me going! There have been many times when I feel like giving up, but it’s the comments, the emails, the messages and words of encouragement from my members that prove that what I have established is valued and appreciated.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Black In Tulum welcomes our guests like family. We use the term “Issa Vibe” for a reason. There is a vibe of positivity, friendship and genuine kindness that flows through our events.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“The starting place for your greatness is desire. The desire to succeed, to serve others, to keep on going no matter what…” –Assegid Habtewold
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Build a team that shares your vision and be sure to listen to your intuition. “When you’re headed for greatness, everybody can’t go.” – Nipsey H.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
WhatsApp. It’s like my life line.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Having an accountant to manage your finances is important for the growth of your business and a lawyer to help ensure that the formation of your business is ideal for where you see your business going.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am currently in the process of scaling up and building a strong team. The future for Black In Travel is bright. I don’t want to go into much detail, however just know that Tulum is just the beginning!
PRIVIandCO would like to thank Nubia once again for taking the time to share her journey with us. In closing, we highly recommend if you’re ever in Tulum, Mexico to check out one of Nubias events.
