How Velvet Began: From Dreaming About Travel to Living It

If you had told 16-year-old me that one day I’d be boarding planes, exploring beautiful destinations, planning luxury getaways, creating travel content, and building a brand around it all… I probably would’ve laughed and then asked if you had the wrong person.

I didn’t grow up traveling. In fact, I grew up in a family where travel just wasn’t financially possible. Vacations, airport photos, and passport stamps felt like things that belonged to “other people.” I remember seeing beautiful destinations online and in movies and wondering what it would feel like to experience those places in real life.

Then life got even harder.

At 16, I experienced homelessness, and during that season of my life, survival was the priority — not dreaming about tropical beaches or girls trips. Travel felt impossibly far away from me, both financially and mentally. For a long time, I truly believed I’d never get to experience the cultures, places, and moments I had always dreamed about.

But life has a funny way of surprising you.

I worked hard, built a thriving career in corporate America, and slowly started creating stability for myself. Still, even as my life changed, one thing remained: I was terrified of flying. Like, gripping-the-armrest-and-questioning-all-my-life-decisions terrified.

But at 30 years old, I finally made a decision: I was no longer going to let fear stop me from living the life I wanted.

So I got on the plane.

And honestly? Once I realized the snacks and tiny dr peppers were included, there was no turning back.

That first trip changed everything for me.

Travel became more than just visiting places. It became healing. Freedom. Confidence. Perspective. Joy. It reminded me that the world was so much bigger than the difficult chapters I had survived.

Before long, I became the person everyone called to plan the girls trips, family vacations, birthday getaways, and “somebody please organize this chaos” group chats. And truthfully? I loved every second of it. I loved finding beautiful stays, unique experiences, hidden gems, and creating trips that people would remember forever.

That passion is what led me to create Velvet.

What started as a love for travel planning has now grown into something even bigger — blending my passions for travel, content creation, and curated events. I love showcasing beautiful locations, sharing recommendations, helping others create unforgettable experiences, and proving that travel can be for people who once thought it wasn’t possible for them too.

Velvet isn’t just about destinations. It’s about experiences. Confidence. Community. Creating memories. Romantic getaways, girls trips, family adventures, luxury moments, and everything in between.

Most importantly, Velvet is proof that your story doesn’t have to limit your future.

Sometimes the girl who once only dreamed about seeing the world becomes the woman helping others explore it too.

And honestly? That still feels a little surreal.

I’m so glad you’re here for the journey.