𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕪 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜-𝕆𝕨𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝔹𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 - 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝔼𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕊𝕃

                                 

Hello, and welcome back, hope you tuned in yesterday for our sixth black-owned business! If you are new here, grab a seat and check out what we are doing this month! Grab some snacks and get to reading. 

For Black History Month, Eta Sigma Delta Inc will be highlighting some of our black-owned businesses on the grid for the second year. These business leaders have been seen working very hard at what they do and showing everyone that they can and will do it. We want to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to their crafts. 

These businesses have made a positive impact on the community rather it was by recognizing their dedicated customers, giving out group gifts, joining into conversations with their customers on Facebook, or just by giving great customer service. We want to say thank you for letting us into your world and we commend you for your hard work and focus. 

Christy aka Big Sister Sweet & Sassy went to check out International Elite Travel SL. 

Here is what our seventh business owner had to say... 

Our seventh business is International Elite Travel SL! 

International Elite Travel is a roleplay cruise travel business. That picks a real-life destination to recreate on SecondLife for a 4 day 3-night adventure.

About the owner, Anitra Haiku...

"I have been on SL for 12 1/2 years. I have been a striper, host, own a club, been a partner in running a sorority and now am the owner of an RP travel business. For the most part, can be quiet until I'm in hosting mode for I. Elite. I love meeting new people. I'm pretty open and honest on just about everything and I'm never offended about questions asked of me."

International Elite Travel has been in business for six years and will continue for many more years.

We asked Anitra a couple of questions and here is what she had to say...

Do you find it is harder for you to be a black-owned business specifically if a lot of what you design, creative, or put together caters more to black people? 

- "I think all business is hard at the beginning and trying to maintain it. I do think my business does cater to more African Americans (although it's not supposed to be) mainly because I think they get more of my vision and enjoy our RP style. It wasn't planned that way, I want it to cater to everyone and for everyone who comes on our cruises to enjoy themselves. "

What makes doing what you do rewarding for you? 

- "I love seeing people enjoy what we have put together. I love hearing our guest say "shoot we never got to do this or that" because it was so much other stuff to do they never got to it. That's the best reward, seeing and hearing something say I had an amazing time, when is your next cruise. That makes it all worth it."

Typically how long does it take you to get 1 item out? 

- "We do cruises every 4 months (3 times a year)." 

What advice can you give to other black entrepreneurs trying to start their SL business? 

- "Be patient, it won't happen overnight. Love what you are doing, if it's not something that's fun and passionate you are more likely to quit. Start knowing you are not going to make money right off the bat, you have built into that. Be able to take criticism, it's not meant to hurt but help you grow and get better."

What would you like to say to all of your supporters and customers? 

- "Thank you for staying with us for over 5 years. We couldn't have gotten this far without you and we hope to bring you even better cruises in the future. "

The Flawless Sapphires of Eta Sigma Delta would like to thank you Anitra for taking time out of your busy day to give us a look inside your life. 

Please support this young woman and continue to show love to our black-owned businesses in Second Life. 

Check him out on Facebook - Check out International Elite Travel SL FB

In World - Check out International Elite Travel SL InWorld

Thank you for reading!

Signing Out

Big Sister On Point aka

             Cassie Shaw MD