Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McDonough.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m Howard University grad, producer and Founder of Melanin On The Map. My story dates back to birth to be honest. I was born first-generation American to parents of Caribbean descent and that is where my love for culture and travel all began. Spending years of traveling and experiencing new cultures from a young age and into adulthood, I’ve grown to have a love for new experiences and realized early on just how impactful the world of travel was on my life.
Having traveled to over ten countries before the age of 25, I’ve met some of the most amazing people, ate some of the best food of my life and created lifelong memories all because I chose time and time again to step out of my comfort zone and embrace travel.
However, while on my many excursions, it’s always been quite evident the lack of people who actually looked like me and I knew sooner or later it would be time for me to do something about that. Fast forward to 2019, I decided to found Melanin On The Map, an app dedicated to travelers of color. After far too many questions on how I got to travel to the places I have, questions on experiences or cost inquiries I knew a place for minority travel was needed, and Melanin On The Map would change the way we view travelers of color.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road? LOL not at all but nonetheless my road to entrepreneurship has taught me so much about myself, my faith in God and my overall vision of my life.
The truth is nothing about starting a business is easy. Entrepreneurship is a crazy, isolating and stressful process. You are faced with a number of confusing tasks and asked to deal with dilemmas you’ve had no prior practice in solving, trust me its a lot, but making it to the finish line is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world.
Thinking back to my beginning stages of entering the world of entrepreneurship, I’ve had to get business licenses, accountants, merchandise, websites, brand partners, app developers, travel influencers and MORE, keep in mind this is all before I’ve even officially launched so the overall process takes a lot out of you. But regardless of how stressful the process has been, I’ve learned a lot and wouldn’t trade any of it!
Melanin On The Map – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Melanin On The Map is an app dedicated to travelers of color. It serves as a one-stop shop of information, inspiration, and motivation which not only encourages people of color to explore the world but gives them the tips on HOW to do so. Far too often minorities miss out on opportunities simply because they either lack the information, finances or sometimes out of fear of the unknown; But thanks to Melanin On The Map those factors will no longer serve as an excuse to hinder their chances in discovering new horizons.
What sets us apart is our mission. We are solely focused on opening the door to minority travel because sadly enough a platform like this has yet to exist. We as a company are proud to have teamed up with a number of global travel influencers, brand partners, travel agencies, etc. all with the overall mission of promoting travelers of colors seeking new experiences.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as an overall happiness and fulfillment of living an impactful life. Regardless of whatever career you’re in or the life you have chosen for yourself, I truly belief the ultimate factor of success is being able to wake up everyday and say”Job, well done.’ Of course, everyday isn’t going to perfect and everyone has bad days, weeks or even years, but living a life you can say you are happy, you chose and actually making a positive impact in others lives is all that really matter to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MelaninOnTheMap.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MelaninOnTheMap/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelaninOnTheMap/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Image Credit:
Ashley McDonough
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