We’re looking forward to introducing you to Romira Young. Check out our conversation below.
Romira, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A day with Melanin Globe right now is all about balance—between keeping the magic of travel alive and being mindful of the reality that we’re living in a recession where every dollar counts. I usually start my morning reviewing traveler emails and messages. Because so many people are cautious with their budgets, my first task is often answering questions about payment plans, flight options, or whether they can switch to land-only packages. I’ve found that transparency about pricing and creative flexibility—like 15- to 18-month payment plans or low deposits—are what keep our travelers confident enough to book even during uncertain times.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Romira Young, founder of Melanin Globe, a travel company I launched at 25 that’s been creating community through travel for nine years. What makes Melanin Globe unique is our focus on connection over luxury—we design trips that celebrate culture and sisterhood while also making them financially accessible with budget-friendly itineraries and extended payment plans. Our travelers don’t just visit places; they create lifelong bonds—whether that’s exploring roots in Ghana, sipping wine in Napa, or sailing on a yacht in Miami. Right now, we’re preparing for our 10-year anniversary celebration in Jamaica in 2026, rolling out more duo-country trips, and expanding our domestic cultural experiences. Beyond travel, I’m also building out new ventures, one being The Cowgirl Edition, blending healing, equestrian life, and community. So, I am excited about sharing this part of my life with my travel family in 2026.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I really see the world was actually the pandemic. For years, I had built Melanin Globe on big, global experiences—and suddenly the world shut down. I watched people lose jobs, cancel trips, and put dreams on hold. At the same time, I was navigating my own life shifts as a mother and an entrepreneur. That season forced me to reimagine what travel could look like. I realized people don’t just want to see the world—they want to feel safe, seen, and connected while doing it, and they need it to be accessible. It taught me that resilience is about pivoting with purpose. Now, even in a recession, Melanin Globe focuses on budget-friendly trips that still deliver rich cultural experiences and community.
It shaped my worldview because it reminded me that no matter what’s happening—pandemic, recession, or personal struggles—connection, joy, and shared experiences will always matter most.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and surrender in ways that success never could. Success can make you feel like you’re in control, but suffering strips all of that away and forces you to sit with yourself—your fears, your faith, your doubts, and your resilience. For me, suffering showed me that I am more than my business wins, more than my role as a mother, more than the titles people see. It taught me that sometimes the breakdown is really preparation for the breakthrough. It reminded me that community, healing, and faith will carry you further than ambition alone ever could. Success celebrates the end result, but suffering teaches you the process—the grit, the grace, and the growth that you can’t fake. And that’s the perspective I carry into my work with Melanin Globe and my life as a woman rebuilding, reimagining, and still moving forward.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
There are parts of me the public sees and parts I keep close. The public “Myra Jane” — the founder, the planner, the joyful guide who sells trips and builds community — is absolutely real. She’s the part of me that shows up for travelers, designs experiences, and talks confidently about our plans and values. But she’s also a curated version: chosen words, polished photos, and boundaries I set so my work can do its job. The private me “Mira” holds the messier stuff: the nights I worry about life decisions I’ve had to make or failed at, the grief and doubt I’ve worked through, the therapy sessions, and the moments of starting over. Those things shaped who I am and how I lead Melanin Globe, but I don’t always put them on a billboard. I’ve learned that authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means showing what’s true and useful for the people I’m trying to serve, while protecting what I need to protect to remain whole. What I try to do now is be honest where it matters. I’ll share lessons from hard seasons when they can help someone book their dream trip, make a brave pivot, or feel less alone. But I won’t overshare in a way that harms my family or my business. In short: the public version of me is real, but it’s a chosen and careful representation — one that reflects my values, my work, and the parts of my story that will empower others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
If you would have asked me this 5 years ago, I would have been ranting and raving about something travel related. These days, I feel most at peace when I’m outside with my horse, feeding him, detangling his mane, and my favorite, riding him. There’s something grounding about the steady rhythm of their breathing and the way animals live in the present; it brings me back to what matters beyond deadlines and spreadsheets. I also find peace in quiet moments of surrender — prayer, therapy, or journaling — where I can be honest about the fear and grief I carry and let faith (or simply acceptance) give me perspective. And finally, I feel peaceful when I’m with my community: a small circle of friends or travelers sharing a quiet meal, laughing, and knowing we’re held. Those simple, slow moments — nature, faith, and chosen family — restore me more than any achievement ever could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melaninglobe.com
- Instagram: MelaninGlobe
- Linkedin: Romira Young
- Facebook: Melanin Globe
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