We had the good fortune of connecting with Karlyn Leblanc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karlyn, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After losing my niece in a tragic school shooting, which led to years of severe depression, I decided to take my life back. I started an organization called Black Girls Travel Therapy. Black Girls Travel Therapy is a group for black women 21 and over. We heal the mind, body and soul by traveling, fine dining, support black businesses, networking, giving back to communities in need, and creating a sisterhood.

Traveling had always been my saving grace and I wanted it to be that for others. I started small trips with friends. On each trip I would assess, observe, and analyze each person behind the scenes. At the end of the trip, I would send a case study to each of them of my findings. Many of my friends suffered with depression, anxiety, grief, bi-polar, stress, and anger issues. However, while we were on vacation no one exhibited any symptoms of their diagnosis. I repeated this protocol on every trip for years and the results were the same. No one experiences unhappiness on our vacations. After the research was complete and, in my favor, I launched my business to the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Traveling is therapy. It is healing to the body, mind, and soul. It gets the endorphins and dopamine in the brain pumping happy juices which makes us feel good. The thought of a vacation triggers these positive emotions. Women start picturing themselves in paradise. They start talking about the upcoming trips and preparing which keeps the happy momentum going. And with Black Girls Travel Therapy there is no stress with the planning, it’s a stress-free routine. We do all the work associated with travel. And when our guests arrive, they’ll have me, the travel therapist, a masseuse, a chef depending on venue, butlers, and now personal trainers. My belief is that all women should be loved & adored, pampered, and catered. I also implemented excursions, and unadulterated fun activities.

Women need a break from everyday stresses and they also need to learn how to live a happy life in their environment. These retreats give them the tools to return home and have a balanced mental well-being.

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?
Meet & Greet Dinner at Pharaohs with live belly dancing Attire: Sexy Gold Outfit

Saturday
Party Bus (VINO VANS) (wine tasting in North Georgia mountains)
Attire: Green, Purple, and Gold (bring your mask)
9pm Late Night Pool Party (rooftop at hotel)
Attire: Yellow Swimsuits BYOB

Sunday
8am Yoga (near pool) bring yoga mat
9am Work Out with Personal Trainer (gym)
11am Brunch at Lips Atlanta Harlem Nights Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Natchez Creole Paddle *RSVP $55
Attire: Harlem Night sequins, feathers, flapper, fancy dress hats & pearls

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Black Girls Travel Therapy

Website: blackgirlstraveltherapy@gmail.com

Instagram: blackgirlstraveltherapy

Facebook: Black Girls Travel Therapy

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