Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeisha Gilcrease
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I am the visionary force behind “When A Black Woman Travels,” an endeavor that blossomed from my roots in St. Louis, where my foundational years were spent within the Ferguson-Florissant School District. My creative journey expanded during my time at Parkway South, where I first delved into the world of photography, meticulously developing my inaugural film in a dark room. It was also here that my passion for drawing and digital design began to flourish. Art has always been my sanctuary, and my talents extend to crocheting, knitting, and sewing. However, upon entering the University of Missouri at Columbia, my focus pivoted towards academia, immersing myself in business economics, international studies, and psychology. It wasn’t until my transformative experience studying in Nice, France, that my dormant artistic spirit was rekindled, deeply influenced by the laissez-faire ideology.
Post-graduation, I embarked on the arduous journey of climbing the corporate ladder, confronting numerous challenges as a 5’2″, outspoken Black woman with an acumen for strategic planning. In 2018, a pivotal moment arrived when I chose to resign from my corporate role, seeking a deeper purpose through global exploration. My travels took me on a profound journey through Amsterdam, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Namibia, South Africa, and India. This odyssey inspired the creation of “When A Black Woman Travels,” a digital lifestyle memoir chronicling the unique experiences of Black women navigating the globe. It serves as a beacon, guiding women worldwide to discover their paths in unfamiliar territories.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Embracing the challenges of a dynamic personality and a fervent commitment to challenging the status quo for the sake of progress and change management has been no easy feat. Many leaders have attempted to confine me within conventional boundaries, but I have always refused to be hidden away. My desire to have more flexibility pushed me into the realm of entrepreneurship. When I began building When A Black Woman Travels there were key skills I needed to develop, such as digital design, managing a P&L, authentically marketing & managing engagement with my target audience, and developing effective collaboration with other related brands. I didn’t know what the best path was. So I’ve tried many strategies over the last six years and adopted what’s worked, such as a focus on photography to promote artistry through social media. As well as leveraging a faceless social media strategy to highlight traveling PRO TIPS that can benefit anyone looking to enhance their travel experience. I have expanded into travel accessories to help travelers pack like a pro and look like a fashion icon all while using only a carry- on and a personal item.
My most recent venture with Pinterest and Magnit, formerly Unlimited Pro, as a Global Agency Project Manager, was particularly illuminating. Thrilled to join one of my favorite companies, where I had been an avid pinner since its inception, I embarked on this journey with great enthusiasm. During my tenure, I not only expanded my inspirational coaching account but also launched a new account focused on the unique experiences of a Black woman traveling—be sure to check it out via the link here.
My role involved me partnering with the “Professors,” a diverse global team from Canada, Brazil, Japan, the UK, Spain, Australia, and France, newly formed under the Pinterest Global Agency. However, 2022 presented significant challenges; the company faced major headwinds, including executive and employee resignations, compounded by a restructuring process amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasked with implementing Salesforce within the team, I anticipated a straightforward project. Consequently, the implementation faced numerous obstacles, yet my role as a Global Agency Project Manager demanded that I navigate these complexities, manage projects, and foster relationships to drive completion, despite direct non-compliance from global managers.
Through this experience, I realized that some teams profess a desire for change only superficially. To refine my leadership skills, I became a certified Scrum Master, elevating my capabilities to the next level. I leveraged these skills to amplify “When a Black Woman Travels” on Pinterest, forging affiliate marketing partnerships with Booking.com, Fiverr, and AliExpress.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
As a global photographer and the driving force behind a digital management and mobility agency, my life is a testament to the power of exploration and strategic vision. Having ventured across the globe and called three continents home, I am inherently a planner, constantly aligning my journeys with purpose and impact.
Among my myriad experiences, the work I undertook in South Africa stands as a monumental achievement, intertwined with the country’s vibrant and inspiring culture. In 2022, I dedicated three transformative months to my Grounded Collection, a project that echoes through my website and social media platforms. Through this collection you will experience some of the beautiful landscape of South Africa that I captured on my expedition. You can support the collection by obtaining your own fine photography print on our website, ETSY, and Instagram. I will be releasing my new travel journal that focuses on unique travel experiences and guides travelers’ thoughts through thoughtful reflective prompts.
What truly distinguishes me is my audacious spirit to travel solo, trusting in my capacity to navigate any challenge that may arise.
I’ve never been bound by a conventional job, but rather by an unrelenting quest for knowledge, a sense of purpose, and the desire to leave a meaningful mark on the world, even if it’s just to uplift a stranger at a bus stop.
This willingness to engage with diverse individuals has introduced me to extraordinary people from all corners of the earth, an experience that could never be replicated from a stationary desk.
Throughout this incredible journey, I have been honored as one of Google Maps’ top global photographers, illustrating the wide reach of my passion. I take great pride in knowing that my work has touched the lives of millions and remain dedicated to inspiring even more individuals with the insights gained from my travel wisdom.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
As an artist, navigating a world that often fails to see or respect your intrinsic value requires the construction of an unshakable foundation of self-belief. In a society where artistic merit is frequently acknowledged posthumously, it becomes imperative to steadfastly trust in your own worth. During my twenties, I dedicated myself to meticulously building a robust base that would enable my art to soar, despite the pervasive indifference and lack of support from companies. Forge your own path, cultivate your own support system, and in time, you too will be sought after for your unique abilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://wabwtravels.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/when_a_black_woman_travels/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@when_a_black_woman_travel
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/whenablackwomantravels/
