OPENING DOORS TO INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Besides running her own business, Ashley is a Branded Content producer for Essence Magazine, a Black culture publication for news, entertainment, and lifestyle aimed at Black women. She says, “I saw how travel positively impacted me, so I decided to help regular people who love to travel experience it for themselves. How can we monetize travel in the fastest way? By using a technology app that brings together a community with stories from travel professionals and influencers. As a production journalist trained and experienced in the digital world, I understand how social media works in technology. I realized that I could touch people quicker using a platform like this compared to writing a book or hosting a podcast. Coming from my experience in the social media space and with viral content, I utilized all my skills from my career and put them into my business. And it worked.” Astonishingly, in just a short period, the travel app has greatly impacted the travel space, building an organic travel-loving community of over 49,000 people in under two years. Currently, there are more than 200 travel agents under Melanin on the Map that capitalize on business opportunities beyond booking hotels, flight deals, and vacation packages. In this travel community, professionals learn how to run and launch a lucrative business from influencing to entrepreneurship and more.” With this amazing community Ashley has built, influencers, professionals, and travelers will find many ways to connect. She addresses those who want to capitalize on their influence on social media while connecting with niche communities such as entrepreneurs who travel, parents, female travelers, male travelers, solo travelers, LGBTQ people, and more.
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