Meet Nia Russell and Jessica Handy-Burris | Managing Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with partners Nia Russell and Jessica Handy-Burris. We’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nia and Jessica, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

Princess J Travels (PJT) is a luxury travel consulting company whose mission is to educate, enrich, and empower the African American community through travel, by not only providing services for an experience, but also educating clients on their destination. With each client, we not only capture the luxury possibilities, but also encourage clients to remove comfort zones by trying new activities. We believe traveling is not only a discovery of the world, it is a discovery of self.

Not only does PJT look to impact its clients through each booking, but also through scholarship. PJT is creating a scholarship program to assist African American women study abroad while in college, travel and most importantly learn more about the world around them. By studying abroad, the scholarship recipient will not only have the opportunity to study in a foreign nation, but also engage in unique experiences. This valuable experience will enhance the recipient’s perspective of the world’s marketplace and transform them into global problem-solvers.

Finally, PJT supports black business through and through. This is a reflection not only from the back office, but also in the frontlines, and partnerships with other black-owned brands. The company has three black international team members based in Cameroon, Paris, and Macau SAR, which in turn, attracts a diverse group of clientele. By tapping into our network, we are able to effectively challenge our clients to explore less traveled and more unique destinations. This helps clients eliminate their own personal biases and become open to exploring the world around them. As an international company, we provide booking services in three foreign languages (Spanish, French and Chinese) to ensure that everyone can enjoy our services.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, Jessica is a full time law student at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She has just begun her final year of law school and has aspirations to become a tax attorney for both individuals and businesses. Nia is currently a Senior Financial Analyst at a bulge bracket firm. She aims to educate the black community in the world of finance through not only personal finances, but also understanding business finance essentials.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

As a native of Chicago, Jessica will confidently tell you that the food in Chicago is tasty with such a wide variety. For the foodies, she’d recommend Harold’s, Portillos, Giordano’s, Hampton Social, Lena Brava, Beatnik on the River, Londonhouse, Fremont, and more. The must see spots within the city would include Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Chicago River, Starbucks Roastery Chicago, North Avenue Beach, the Water Tower, and the luxurious Michigan avenue. If the weather is warm, be sure to also look into a private or shared yacht cruise for an amazing and soothing view overlooking the skyline. For more relaxed travelers, there is also kayaking and bike riding. Summer time Chicago is an all time favorite for many including Jessica.

Nia is a native of New Orleans. New Orleans is known for its live party scene, popular festivals and above all, its food scene. New Orleans is the perfect place for those who want to experience good food, good people and culture. Top spots for food would be Barrow’s Catfish, Bourbon Cafe, Dooky Chase Restaurant, New Orleans Seafood and Spirits, Neyow’s Creole Cafe, and of course Cafe Du Monde. Places you must visit include Magazine Street, Bourbon Street and the French Quarters. Don’t forget to visit the city during one of its popular festivals, namely, Jazz Festival, The French Quarter Festival, Mardi Gras, and Nia’s personal favorite, Essence Festival.

Website: princessjtravels.com

Instagram: @princessjtravels

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