Meet Hollis Burton

We recently connected with Hollis Burton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hollis , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose with Treme Luxury Experience came from a deep love for New Orleans, especially the Treme community, and its rich history and culture. I noticed there was a gap in how tourists experienced the city, and I wanted to offer an authentic and educational way to showcase the real New Orleans. My passion for preserving and sharing the culture, history, and resilience of the city—particularly through the lens of Treme—has been the driving force behind this work. It’s all about giving people an experience that truly honors the heart of New Orleans

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Treme Luxury Experience, we are deeply committed to showcasing the heart and soul of New Orleans, particularly the Treme neighborhood, which holds such rich cultural history. We offer personalized tours designed to provide an authentic, immersive experience, introducing visitors to the real New Orleans — the people, the music, the food, and the stories that make this place so unique. As a Katrina baby, born and raised in Treme, I have an undeniable connection to this city and its resilient community, which is why I feel so passionate about sharing this history with the world.

What makes Treme Luxury Experience special is our focus on educating visitors not just about the surface-level attractions, but the lived experiences of the people who call this community home. We celebrate the culture, history, and traditions, from the deep musical roots of jazz to the incredible culinary landscape, all while creating an environment that feels like family.

One exciting development for us is our expansion of services to include custom private tours, tailored to visitors’ specific interests — whether they’re food lovers, music enthusiasts, or history buffs. We are also continuing to build relationships with local businesses, so our guests can enjoy the very best New Orleans has to offer while supporting the community.

I invite everyone to experience the Treme Luxury Experience and learn what makes this neighborhood the soul of New Orleans. It’s not just a tour; it’s a journey through time, culture, and community. You can follow along on our journey on Instagram at @TremeLuxuryExperience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

At Treme Luxury Experience, there are a few key qualities and skills that have been integral to our journey:
1. Cultural Knowledge and Storytelling: Our deep understanding of the Treme neighborhood and New Orleans’ rich history has been essential. It’s not just about showing landmarks but weaving those stories into a meaningful experience. To develop this, I’d recommend immersing yourself in the community, engaging with locals, and continuously learning about the history and culture you want to share.
2. Customer Service and Relationship Building: The personal connections we form with our guests, treating them like family, has been crucial. Building trust and ensuring they have a memorable experience means being attentive, responsive, and empathetic. For those starting out, focus on active listening and always put the guest’s needs first. Developing patience and emotional intelligence will serve you well.
3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: In any business, especially one that revolves around tours and experiences, things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s weather, scheduling conflicts, or unexpected issues, the ability to adapt and find solutions quickly is key. For newcomers, focus on staying calm under pressure and learning to think creatively. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re often where the best lessons come from.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious, work hard to understand the unique value you can offer, and keep learning from the people you serve and work with. Your personal growth and dedication to your craft will eventually shine through in everything you do.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am actively seeking to collaborate with all Black-owned businesses from around the world, with the goal of connecting them to the rich, vibrant culture of New Orleans. As a past King of Treme and the owner of a tour company right in the heart of Treme, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing the authentic story of this incredible city. Treme is the birthplace of jazz and the heart of African American culture in New Orleans, and through my work, I aim to honor and preserve that legacy.

The Backstreet Culture Museum, where my costumes are on exhibit, plays a vital role in showcasing the untold history of New Orleans. It’s not just about the music or the food—it’s about the people, the traditions, and the struggles that have shaped this community. Collaborating with businesses from around the world will allow us to amplify these stories, ensuring that they reach a wider audience and are appreciated on a global scale. It’s important that we share the authentic culture of New Orleans, especially as the world increasingly seeks meaningful connections with the rich diversity of Black-owned businesses and cultural landmarks.

By working together, we can preserve the legacies of those who came before us while also creating opportunities for the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tremeluxuryexperience.com
• Instagram: Tremeluxuryexperience
• Facebook: Treme Luxury Experience Tours & Transportation
• Yelp: Treme Luxury Experience Tours & Transportation

Image Credits

Tremeluxuryexperience
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