Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ronnell Perry.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Share Ronnell Perry’s journey from corporate America to becoming a travel entrepreneur.
• Educate listeners on the transformative power of travel, especially in Afro-Latin communities.
• Break down stereotypes about international destinations and promote culturally respectful tourism.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Travel as Transformation

• Ronnell views travel not just as leisure, but as a tool for education, self-discovery, and cultural empathy.
• Travel helps people see themselves reflected in other cultures and challenges preconceived notions.

“Everybody wants to be loved and everybody wants to show love… that’s what I really learn through travel.”

---

2. From Layoff to Launch

• After being laid off during the pandemic, Ronnell turned his side hustle into a full-time business.
• He used the time to reflect, listen to his spirit, and build a sustainable brand.

“The universe said, this is your moment… dedicate it to your travel business.”

---

3. Afro-Latin Travel Focus

• His company, AfroBuenaventura, specializes in curated travel experiences in Latin America, especially for Black travelers.
• He emphasizes cultural respect, local partnerships, and immersive experiences.

“I call myself your personal ambassador to Latin America.”

---

4. Respecting Local Cultures

• Travelers must be mindful of how they dress, speak, and behave in foreign countries.
• Ronnell stresses humility and cultural sensitivity over entitlement.

“Just like someone’s visiting your home… you take your shoes off if that’s what they ask.”

---

5. Language as a Gateway

• Ronnell is trilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese), which allows him to connect authentically with locals.
• Language fluency enhances the travel experience and builds trust.

“Once you unlock the key of speaking the way they speak, it just unlocks a whole new world.”

---

6. Building a Brand from a Blog

• His business started as a blog documenting budget travel.
• Through consistency, SEO, and audience engagement, he transitioned to paid group trips and custom travel planning.

“People started to pay me to take them on group trips or to plan a trip for them.”

---

7. Not a Budget Travel Service

• Ronnell clarifies that his services are not budget travel—they are high-touch, curated experiences.
• His value lies in expertise, safety, and cultural immersion.

“The level of value that I provide is not a budget trip… I’m doing it for you.”

---

8. Reframing Stereotypes About Destinations

• He challenges negative perceptions of Colombia, Cuba, and Brazil by sharing personal stories and local insights.
• These places are rich in culture, resilience, and beauty despite economic or political challenges.

“The messaging we hear… is not coming from people who look like us.”

---

9. Group Trips with Cultural Purpose

• Ronnell organizes trips around events like Fest AG Maja in Brazil and Afropunk.
• These trips celebrate Black heritage and support local communities.

“If you want to support Black communities through tourism, that’s what I offer.”

---

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Let me be your liaison… your ambassador.”
• “Travel is about education… it’s transformative.”
• “Budget travel is not my forte.”
• “Don’t go by yourself—go with someone who knows the community.”

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.