Alishia Richardson and Randi Williams had no intentions of starting a business. They just had a shared experience in the Dominican Republic. After rooming together as a part of a teach abroad program and being the only people of color – the two found themselves discussing what it would look like to streamline the black travel experience – forging both a great idea and a great friendship.
Alishia was no stranger to travel – with a mom who worked for an airline, Alishia took her first international trip at the age of 3 and something about it was captivating. Randi’s first time abroad wasn’t until college – but that’s all it took to catch the travel bug. Now these two ladies stand as the co-founders of We Go Too, a travel resource for black millenials who want unique experiences.
BGWP: How has the initial vision of We Go Too changed since you first got started?
Alishia – When we first started I think the thing we really wanted to focus on was increasing the visibility of black travelers. At the time there weren’t many Instagram accounts or websites that focused on the Black traveler experience. So, our Instagram played a big part in the beginning. Then we started collecting and sharing helpful information with our Instagram audience to help address their travel needs and concerns. Other [companies] focused on how to get there, cheap ways to travel, etcetera, but we wanted to focus on the destination and the experience. Now we’re entering a phase where people are experienced travelers, but they’re looking for new and unique experiences and we’re hoping to help them find that.
Randi – We know there is a lot of generic travel information online right now, and we said to ourselves “Who is this information from and who is it for? Is it from people who look and think like us?” We’re trying to fill the gap in the travel industry where we help Black travelers plan for and enjoy international travel more thoughtfully. We want to connect our audience with black travel bloggers and influencers who are like minded and who have seen it and done it and can provide invaluable insight as to what Black travelers can expect when they get to a new country.
BGWP: What have been some of your most fruitful collaborations?
Alishia – The most rewarding collaboration that we’ve done so far has been with Howard University. We have collaborated with them twice, once in the fall of 2016 and again in spring of 2017. We held two passport drives on their campus where we created a one-stop-shop for students interested in getting or renewing a passport. We even provided complimentary passport photos for students and faculty. We tried to make it simple because, naturally, getting a passport is the first step to international travel. It was wonderful connecting with students and hearing where they were planning to study abroad and where they wanted to travel to next.
BGWP: What’s one of your most memorable souvenirs from a recent trip you’ve taken?
Randi – We went to Oaxaca, Mexico for Alishia’s birthday last year and the chocolate there is so good. You can melt it in warm milk and it makes the most delicious hot chocolate.
Alishia – I got this really cool fur hat from Iceland. It’s like a headband and it has beautiful colors. I debuted it for the first time in D.C. I’m a fashionista and I love mixing up my look. It was really cool to have something that not only looks great but has a cool story .
BGWP: What do you think is the biggest misconception about traveling?
Alishia -That it’s really expensive. Especially coming from Cleveland, Ohio I didn’t grow up with a lot of people who traveled domestically let alone internationally, so people around me always thought that traveling abroad wasn’t within reach because of the cost.
Randi – People think “All my worst fears are going to happen when I step off the plane.” Yes, it’s different but it’s not insurmountable and it’s totally worth it.” There is this idea in the black community, especially in older generations, that you keep your loved ones close because you don’t know what’s going to happen if you go somewhere or do something different. Things can go wrong anywhere, so that’s no excuse for not experiencing the world.
BGWP: What place have you visited that you’d like to have another house in?
Alishia – Paris. To this day I’ve traveled pretty extensively, and Paris is still my favorite city. I just feel different when I’m in Paris. The city feels so magical and electric. I enjoy not having anything planned and just walking around. I always find the coolest things to do and see. It’s a really scenic city.
Randi – New Orleans – we went there for Randi’s 30th birthday this year. It’s the one US city that gives me the feeling of being abroad. I’m still figuring out [my international city]. Establishing roots is hard for me. I like experiencing new things and places. I can fall in love with a place while I’m there but may not necessarily feel at home there. But I do want to have property overseas.
BGWP: What would you say to someone who wants to break into the world of traveling?
Randi – Start saving now if you don’t have anything saved. And consider going on a group trip. With group trips you go and the itinerary is already set up for you, so it take a lot of the stress and worry out. We’re hoping to relaunch our group trips with We Go Too soon.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘It’s okay to start small.’ – @wegotoo Co-Founder, Alishia Richardson” quote=”‘It’s okay to start small.'”]
Alishia -It’s okay to start small. I actually live with someone who has never traveled internationally. As you start to travel more and become more comfortable those places that are really far won’t seem as scary.
BGWP: What does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?
Alishia – For me it means allowing God to be the driver in my life and waking up each morning and be the best version of myself. As I get closer to 30 I am a lot more introspective and I’m thinking of ways I can improve.
Randi – Knowing what I want and knowing with all of my certainty that I can have it. Constantly reminding myself that I can design a life that I’m happy with and understanding I can have the greatest impact if I can control who I am and what my life looks like.
BGWP: What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?
Alishia -Continuing to believe in myself and what I want to do even when others don’t see my vision. Early on I knew I wanted to do something related to Spanish and something related to travel, and I remember people asking me “how is this going to make you money?” Telling myself daily, even when it’s hard, this is where I see my life going. Believing where I want to be, I’ll get there.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘Fear is not a good enough reason not to do something you know is right for you.’ – We Go Too Co-Founder, Randi Williams” quote=”‘Fear is not a good enough reason not to do something you know is right for you.'”]
Randi – Overcoming fear. To Alishia’s point I’ve had those fears about what other people think, being judged, looked at. Internal fears that ask, “Can you do this?” “Are you sure?” It’s literally a constant conversation with yourself. Fear is not a good enough reason not to do something you know is right for you.
BGWP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
Randi – [For entrepreneurs] is do your homework. Learn from other people’s mistakes. That’s been really transformative for us. Continue learning. Measure and document your success because you are improving. There’s so much self-imposed pressure. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay not to be perfect.
Visit wegotooworld.com to find out when We Go Too’s Black travel membership drops. Also be sure to check out the We Go Too shop to get your very own ‘Melanin’ passport cover and of course follow them on Instagram @wegotooworld.