Meet Tarsha Richardson

We recently connected with Tarsha Richardson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tarsha, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

For a long time, imposter syndrome showed up as a quiet whisper that questioned whether I was “ready,” “qualified,” or “enough” to build something as meaningful as Black Travelers International. But what changed everything for me was realizing that the work I’m doing isn’t about perfection — it’s about purpose.

I overcame imposter syndrome by anchoring myself in the truth that my lived experience has value. My voice, my journey as a Black woman, my love for cultural connection, rest, and sisterhood — those are not gaps, they are gifts. The more I embraced that, the smaller the doubt became.

I also stopped trying to “qualify” myself in rooms that weren’t built with me in mind. Instead, I created my own rooms — spaces where Black women feel celebrated, protected, and centered. When you build from authenticity, there’s no imposter to battle. There’s only alignment.

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?

I am the founder of Black Travelers International®, a luxury travel and lifestyle brand intentionally created to center the joy, rest, and global presence of Black women — especially those over 40 who have spent so much of their lives pouring into everyone else.

What I do goes far beyond planning trips. I curate transformational travel experiences that feel like a homecoming — journeys where culture, heritage, and ease come together to create powerful moments of self-discovery. From the vibrant heartbeat of Ghana to the soft glamour of the French Riviera, every BTI itinerary is infused with intention, soul, and a deep reverence for our stories as Black women.

What excites me most is witnessing travelers reconnect with themselves. It’s the quiet moment when a woman stands in the Door of No Return and finally feels her ancestors’ love. It’s the glow that rises in her spirit as she rests without guilt for the first time in years. It’s the laughter, the sisterhood, the healing — the transformation that happens when Black women feel seen, safe, and celebrated around the world. That, for me, is sacred work.

What sets BTI apart is that we don’t create trips — we create space.
Space for softness.
Space for joy.
Space for cultural connection.
Space for women to breathe deeper and shine brighter.

And we’re growing in beautiful ways. We’re expanding our 2026 travel lineup with new experiences across Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering both luxury group journeys and culturally immersive retreats. We’re also building our VIP community, where travelers receive early access, exclusive offerings, and deeper opportunities to engage with our global sisterhood.

Whether someone joins us for their first passport stamp or their tenth, my hope is always the same: that they return home more aligned, more grounded, and more in love with themselves than when they left.

BTI is more than a brand — it’s a movement.
A celebration.
A testament to the beauty, resilience, and radiance of Black women everywhere.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, there are three qualities and skills that have shaped my journey and the evolution of Black Travelers International®: cultural reverence, resilience, and soulful leadership.

1. Cultural Reverence — honoring the story behind every journey

Cultural reverence is the heartbeat of my work. Everything I create is rooted in honoring the history, traditions, and lived narratives of the African diaspora. This respect informs how I design itineraries, choose partners, and shape moments that feel meaningful, safe, and deeply affirming for Black women. It’s what allows me to craft experiences that connect us not only to new destinations, but to our lineage, our joy, and the stories our ancestors left for us to remember.

2. Resilience — the strength that carried the vision forward

Resilience has walked with me every step of the way. Building a purpose-led brand requires courage, flexibility, and the ability to rise through challenges with grace. Every lesson, every pivot, and every breakthrough has strengthened my commitment to serve Black women with excellence and intention. Resilience is the quiet force that transformed BTI from a dream into a global, soul-rich movement.

3. Soulful Leadership — shaping spaces where women feel seen, held, and empowered

Soulful leadership is the foundation of how I guide this work. It’s the ability to lead with empathy, vision, and emotional intelligence — to create spaces where Black women feel both liberated and held. This skill calls for listening deeply, making aligned decisions, and curating environments infused with trust, joy, and intentional luxury. It transforms travel from an itinerary into an experience of personal restoration and collective elevation.

Together, these qualities — cultural reverence, soulful leadership, and unwavering resilience — have shaped the way I design, guide, and hold space for the women we serve through Black Travelers International®.

For anyone early in their journey, my invitation is to nurture these qualities with intention. Let cultural reverence anchor your work in curiosity and respect. Strengthen your leadership by cultivating empathy, clarity, and a vision that honors both your community and your purpose. And above all, cultivate resilience — the kind that allows you to pause, to evolve, and to rise with renewed clarity when the path shifts.

These qualities don’t form overnight, but when nurtured, they become the pillars that sustain your calling and carry your work forward with confidence and grace.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes — I’m always open to partnering with individuals and organizations whose values align with the heart of Black Travelers International®. We’re intentional about collaborations that deepen cultural connection, elevate the travel experience, or expand opportunities for Black women to rest, explore, and thrive globally.

I especially welcome partnerships with:

Cultural institutions and tourism boards across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean

Wellness practitioners who specialize in healing, rest, or women’s empowerment

Hotels, resorts, and luxury travel brands committed to inclusivity and excellence

Photographers, filmmakers, and creators who honor Black women’s stories with care

Educators, speakers, and authors focused on culture, heritage, or personal transformation

Corporate teams or small businesses looking to create retreats or cultural immersions for Black women leaders

What matters most to me is alignment — shared integrity, shared purpose, and a shared commitment to celebrating and supporting Black women in meaningful ways.

If you’re reading this and feel called to collaborate, I would love to connect. You can reach me directly through

our website at www.blacktravelersint.com

or by emailing [email protected]

. Let’s create something powerful together.

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