Celebrating 10 Years of Urban Chic Travelistas

Established February 4, 2016

Ten years ago, on February 4, 2016, the foundation was laid for what would eventually become Urban Chic Travelistas. While the brand you know today is rooted in curated travel experiences, the journey actually began with a different vision—and a very intentional pivot.

Where It All Started

Urban Chic Travelistas was originally created under the name Urban Chic Soirees & Destinations. The initial goal was to build a full-scale event planning business, with travel serving as an additional stream of income. Travel bookings were intended to support event guests, destination weddings, and corporate events—handling flights, hotels, and logistics tied to the events themselves.

At that point, travel was never meant to stand on its own.

Discovering the Pivot

As the business evolved, so did the passion. While event planning provided a strong foundation, I found myself enjoying travel planning more—especially the flexibility it offered and the ability to create experiences on a global scale.

What I quickly realized was that everything I had spent over a decade mastering in event planning—logistics, timelines, guest experience, vendor coordination, budgeting, and execution—translated seamlessly into group travel planning. The difference was simple but powerful: instead of planning events in one location, I was designing journeys across destinations.

That realization sparked a shift—but it wasn’t rushed.

The Intentional Transition

About 6–8 months before making the transition official, I made the decision internally to move away from event planning and focus solely on travel. During that time, I gave myself permission to slow down and do it right.

I took the time to:

• Clearly define my travel niche

• Thoughtfully develop the Urban Chic Travelistas brand name

• Educate myself deeply on the travel industry

• Learn and implement the systems and tools needed to operate professionally and efficiently

• Build a website that reflected the vision, values, and experience I wanted to deliver

That intentional behind-the-scenes work laid the foundation for a business built not just on passion—but on strategy, education, and sustainability.

From Events to Experiences

Once the transition became official, Urban Chic Soirees & Destinations evolved into Urban Chic Travelistas—a brand dedicated to curated group travel, cultural immersion, and meaningful global experiences.

The heart of event planning never left—it simply transformed. That same attention to detail now lives inside every itinerary, every hosted trip, and every traveler experience.

A Decade of Growth, Community & Impact

Over the last 10 years, Urban Chic Travelistas has grown into more than a travel company. It has become a trusted brand, a global community, and a platform for connection—especially through cultural heritage travel and immersive group experiences.

This milestone represents growth, alignment, and the courage to pivot when the path becomes clear.

Gratitude & Looking Ahead

Reaching 10 years is both humbling and empowering. I’m deeply grateful for every traveler who trusted the vision, every partner who supported the mission, and every person who believed in the evolution of this brand.

As we move into the next decade, the mission remains the same:

• Curate intentional, meaningful travel

• Honor culture and community

• Continue creating experiences that transform how we see the world—and ourselves

Thank you for being part of the Urban Chic Travelistas journey.
Here’s to 10 years—and many more unforgettable experiences ahead. ✨🌍✈️

A Note From the Founder

Urban Chic Travelistas is more than a business to me — it is a reflection of my growth, my courage,

and my willingness to trust the pivot when it no longer made sense to stay the same.

What many people don’t see are the quiet moments behind the scenes — the late nights learning systems, reworking workflows, investing in education, and questioning whether the leap would be worth it. I didn’t rush the transition. I gave myself time to learn the travel industry, define my niche, build the infrastructure, and ensure I could serve clients at the highest level.

Choosing travel wasn’t just about flexibility — it was about alignment. It allowed me to combine everything I loved: logistics, storytelling, cultural connection, and creating meaningful experiences that stay with people long after the trip ends.

Ten years later, I’m proud not just of what Urban Chic Travelistas has become, but of the woman who allowed herself to evolve alongside it. This journey has taught me that growth often requires letting go of the original plan — and trusting that what’s ahead is even better.

Thank you for being part of this chapter — and the next one.

— TaNisha