Jamila Bell on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Jamila Bell and have shared our conversation below.

Jamila , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the moment when our Instagram community and YouTube channel evolve from a shared passion into a thriving business. It’s about building a new way for people to experience the whole world, to see beyond the usual tourist traps and find authentic adventures. If I stopped, the pursuit would end, but the chase itself is what forces me to learn and grow. It’s the challenge of creating content, connecting with our audience, and turning a creative vision into a tangible reality.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Jamila Bell, and I’m the founder of luxurytravelbabe.com. I started this company to inspire people around the world to live their best life and try unique destinations, even if they might feel a little unsure about them. I noticed that modern luxury travelers—people who are influenced by social media—want real, personal experiences.

I wanted to build a brand based on trust and a personal, first-hand approach. My passion is to inspire people to explore our beautiful world in a way that feels unique and specially made just for them. I was deeply inspired by companies like @beautifuldestinations, which proved that content could be a powerful way to connect with an audience.

My work has given me a deep insight into what our community truly wants, and I’ve built a new business model around it. This isn’t just about showing beautiful places. it’s about monetizing the trust we’ve built to create specialized travel packages for other businesses. The legacy I’m building is to turn a popular social media presence into a successful B2B travel business, all while redefining what a travel brand can be.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world happened in Bali, Indonesia. I was at a stunning waterfall, ready to capture its beauty with my drone. I sent it up to get some amazing shots, but then a scary moment occurred—my drone flew right into a tree. I thought I had lost it forever.
For a few minutes, I was overthinking everything, convinced I wouldn’t get it back. But then I looked around and thought, “You know what? At least I was able to experience this incredible place.” I realized that even if I lost the drone, the memory of being there would stay with me. It taught me a valuable lesson: you win some, you lose some. Things come and go, but the moments you live will always be with you. Luckily, a kind person who worked nearby saw what happened and was able to climb the tree to get my drone for me. I was so lucky.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to never give up. There will be many moments when things feel impossible, when the effort seems to go unnoticed, and when the goal feels too far away. You will face challenges that make you want to walk away, but every single one of those experiences is making you stronger. Keep going, because the person you are becoming is worth the fight.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. I believe in being my true self all the time, no matter who I’m talking to. If I were to change how I act for an audience, it wouldn’t feel honest. I always want to show who I really am—my passion, my beliefs, and my dedication to what I’m building. This is a key part of what my brand is built on—trust. By being true to myself, I can create a stronger bond with my audience. I was always the type of person to show who I really am, even if that means not all positivity coming from it, at least I know I’m being authentically me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I will never ever regret meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and bonding with others. The most meaningful parts of life aren’t things you own, they’re the moments and connections you share. I believe that stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn from someone else’s story or to witness a different way of life is one of the best experiences a person can have.

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