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BlackTravelBox Elevating Travel & Hotel Amenities

Redefine Hotel Luxury: Back Inclusive Travel Hair and Skin Care

$35,960
pledged of$50,000 goal
7
0Days Left

Project Description

 

Inclusive Beauty Made For Life On The Go

 

BlackTravelBox® is the only brand focused on serving the over $129 billion Black travel industry with clean, luxury hair and skincare products made for life on the go. Our mission is to enable Black travelers to look and feel their best wherever they go, so they can fully embrace the journey.

meet the away meets glossier for black travel

 

 

 

Lack of Representation in Beauty & Travel

 

Even though African American leisure travelers spent $109 Billion domestically in 2019, and Black women spend 9X more on hair care and beauty products than all other ethnic groups... we’re still woefully underrepresented In the marketplace.

 

underrepresentation in travel is a real challenge for black women
 

No one likes hotel shampoo. But the hair and skin care options in the travel aisle and on the road just aren’t made with Black women in mind. Black travelers spend more time pouring products into tiny bottles, paying extra baggage fees, and dealing with the headaches of TSA because of a beauty double-standard that leaves textured hair and darker skin in a lurch when it comes to safety, efficacy, and travel friendliness.  

 

 

Hotel, airlines, and beauty brands aren’t providing what we need. So when we travel - packing, carrying on, and using our favorite products is a hassle and distraction.  This lack of inclusion poses a massive opportunity to build and scale a brand that goes wherever Black travelers go... hotels, big box stores, airports, and more.

 

 

Designed for Black women. Made for everyone.

 

BlackTravelBox® is made for life on the go. Our concentrated balms and bars are designed to last longer, travel better, and are safe to use so the only thing our customers have to worry about is enjoying the destination. Our travel friendly packaging and formulations make packing, carrying (on), and using them simple and easy.

 

why were different

 

Unlike product normally marketed in the "ethnic" aisle, we’re disrupting the market with clean, cruelty free, and sustainable hair and skin care products specifically for travel and out of home use. And unlike so-called "mainstream" brands, our products are made to include Black consumers by design - working great for a wide variety of hair textures and skin tones.   

BlackTravelBox® has not only catered to the often overlooked needs of Black travelers but has also established trust and respect within the broader community. We've won a global award, been featured in major publications like Conde Nast Traveler, and recognized as a top up and coming brand by Beyonce.com. 

 

Changing The Face of Travel Personal Care In Hotels


To take our business to the next level we’re partnering with a boutique hotel group to be the primary in-room amenity provider for five of their hotels and offering our very best-selling BlackTravelBox products as upgrades. But that's not all. We've landed a spot in the boutique of (Oprah's fave!) renowned Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson Arizona.

BlackTravelBox is launching in hotels

 

Can you imagine hundreds of thousands of guest falling in love with our products every year?  It’s a dream come true for us, and we want YOU to be a part of it too.  If you haven’t already watched our video, you’re missing out on all the exciting details!

So, check it out and see what’s new. Then grab a reward and join us in bringing diversity and inclusivity to the hospitality industry.

 

 

My Founder Journey


As you can see, there’s been a huge movement in the culture of travel over the last decade. More and more people of color are seeking out adventure and traveling the world - and I’m one of them.  In spite of over 20+ countries under my belt packing, carrying on, and checking personal care products was still a chore, so I began building BlackTravelBox®.

 
15 years of travel

 

Creating BlackTravelBox® has been a labor of love and an unexpected passion, full of ups and downs. But nothing is as impactful as hearing from our customers that the brand and products are phenomenal and represent THEM. They feel seen.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, I led brand strategy for Oracle, consumer brand marketing efforts for digital brands at Hasbro, and spent the bulk of my brand career at Kraft Foods.  I received my Bachelor of Arts from The University of Chicago (my hometown!) and hold an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. 

Orion's background as a founder

In a nutshell, I’m a career brand and business strategist who’s worked with dozens of fortune 100 companies and beloved brands.  Now, I am bringing that experience to a community and culture that deserves to be served and celebrated through the amazing brand that is BlackTravelBox.

 

 

You Can Make The Difference

 

We've all heard seen the newfound interest in supporting and funding Black owned businesses since 2020. While we don't know if the charm will last, the data suggests it may not.  As of late, overall VC funding dropped by 36% in 2022 as inflation and interest rates surged, and financing for Black businesses saw a steeper drop of 45%, according to the Crunchbase data. That drop is the largest year-over-year decrease for Black entrepreneurs in the last decade. Angels, banks, and others are likely to follow suit. 

BlackTravelBox® is among many minority woman owned businesses challenged with raising capital in a less than ideal environment.  

 
funding gap

 

This is why platforms like iFundWomen and your contributions are so important.  You will enable us to meet the growing demands of our consumers and amazing opportunities that are opening up in hospitality by expanding our warehouse space, hiring and retaining a support team, stocking inventory, and so much more.

I hope you will join us for the journey.

THANK YOU!

 

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is BlacktravelBox.com?

    • BLACKTRAVELBOX® is an award winning multi-cultural lifestyle brand that makes innovative hair and skin care products for $230B+ Black travel market. Our vision is to be the number one on the go brand in personal care and beyond. We’re disrupting the market by creating clean, cruelty free, and sustainable hair and skin care products specifically for travel and out of home use. Rather than squeezing existing products into smaller bottles, we manufacture and sell TSA friendly products made for life on the go, with travel friendly packaging and formulations that make packing, carrying (on), and using them simple and easy.  We're raising $50K to take the brand from direct to consumer (via our website and macys.com) to hotels.    
       
  • How can I contribute to BlacktravelBox.com?

    • If you decide to support the campaign, click the "Contribute" or "Support" button. You'll be prompted to select a reward (optional). Our campaign offers rewards for backers at multiple contribution levels or you can simply choose “monetary contribution” and select the amount you would like to contribute to the campaign. You’ll then enter your payment details to complete the contribution. iFundWomen ensures a secure and seamless payment process with either Stripe or Paypal (it’s your choice!). After contributing, consider sharing the campaign on social media or with your network to help raise awareness and encourage others to support it. You'll receive updates from the campaign creator about their progress and any rewards you're entitled to, along with an estimated timeline for delivery.
    •  
  • I previously contributed to a prior campaign but haven't received my rewards?
    • We're probably trying to reach you! Our previous campaign had several orders without customer mailing details and others who didn't respond to the email address they provided us. Please email us [email protected] so we can get you squared away or check your email for details. 
  •  
  • Is my contribution refundable if the funding goal isn't met?

    • Contributions are paid to us within 1-3 business days of the order being placed. Unlike other platforms, we do not have to wait to meet a threshold or risk losing the funding and support we've earned based on any particular funding goal. 
    •  
  • What are the rewards or perks for backers?

    • Please see the "Rewards" section (right side of the campaign page on desktop or Rewards tab on mobile) for current rewards. Note that not all rewards will be available for the duration of the campaign and new rewards will be added weekly!
    •  
  • When can I expect to receive my rewards?

    • Each reward has detailed timing listed in the description section (when you select a reward you'll be able to see additional notes) based on product/service availability. Some items will require us to order them in bulk so we'll hold until the close of the campaign to tally all orders and place them for fulfillment. 
    •  
  • How can I contact the campaign organizers?

  • What is the mission or vision behind BlacktravelBox.com?

    • In a sector often overlooked by mainstream channels our range of meticulously designed, TSA-friendly, clean, and practical hair and skincare products, have not only catered to the often overlooked requirements of Black travelers but has also established trust and reliability within the broader travel community. But the brand's accomplishments extend beyond beauty products. As Founder of BlackTravelBox, I have endavored to be a driving force in creating space for discussion on equity, representation, and the importance of the Black dollar in both beauty and travel. I’ve passionately shared the brand's mission to empower the Black travel community on dozens of syndicated podcasts and major publications including Conde Naste Traveler, Essence, Forbes, Beauty Independent, Gimlet media, and more. Among the accolades, the impact of our brand to the culture is underscored by inclusion in Beyonce.com's Black Parade Route in 2021, the Beauty Stage at Essence in 2022, and through being named a Black Ambition Prize Semifinalist in 2023. We’re excited to continue driving awareness and striving for inclusion through piloting our products at the renowned Miraval Resort and the continued cultivation of future partnerships with Hyatt and other brands in the hospitality space. We're raising $50K to help us in that endeavor.
    •  
  • How will my contribution be used?

    • We're developing and producing new products, building marketing support, and pay those bills!
    •  
  • Can I increase my contribution after pledging?

    • You can email [email protected] if you need any special technical concessions for your contribution order. 
    •  
  • Is there a limit to the number of rewards available?

    • Each award specifies the number of available items. Please see the "Rewards" section (right side of the campaign page on desktop or Rewards tab on mobile) for current rewards. Note that not all rewards will be available for the duration of the campaign and new rewards will be added weekly!  
    •  
  • What happens if BlacktravelBox.com surpasses its funding goal?

    • Exceeding the goal can serve as a form of market validation. This is big with investors as they love to see "traction" (which can be hard to get without extensive paid advertising spend) and would put us on the right track for attracting investors to a sizable pre-seed raise. This would be a HUGE win to help build our team and create a virtuous cycle of investment and growth for the brand. It'll accelerate our business plan in the best way possible. 
    • Also, if you all come through in surpassing our goals, we'll be able to release some really exciting bonus rewards as a thank you!
    •  
  • Are there any stretch goals or additional milestones?

    • Should we surpass our funding goal $50K, we'll extend the campaign and release some extra special rewards to push our raise to $65K. 
    •  
  • Can I change my reward selection after pledging?

        You can email [email protected] if you need any special technical concessions for your contributions.

BOTOX® COSMETIC
11/08/2023
Monetary Contribution
$10,000
Jaclyn Tracy
10/30/2023
First Peek: Hotel Collection
$150
Karen Cahn
10/02/2023
Group Excursion & Corp Gifts Bundle
$600
Ellen Sung
09/27/2023
First Peek: Hotel Collection
$150
Tammy Gordon
09/25/2023
EXCLUSIVE! Scented Lotion Bar
$30
Jillian Rothe
09/21/2023
EXCLUSIVE! Scented Lotion Bar
$30
BOTOX® COSMETIC
09/05/2023
Monetary Contribution
$25,000
Monetary Contribution

Want to help us fund the scaling of our warehouse for hospitality and daily operations of BlackTravelBox and don't need anything in return? Thank you so much for believing in us! Your belief in our mission to ... means the world to us.

2 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
EXCLUSIVE! Scented Lotion Bar

This is not your momma's Cocoa Butter Stick. A revolutionary bar for head, shoulders, knees, and toes. 3-In-1: Lotion, balm, and solid fragrance stick. Rich emollients in a balanced formula so skin never feels greasy. Soften and smooth out the look of the skin, create a natural barrier to lock in moisture and nutrients, preventing dryness and promoting overall skin health.

Fall in love with it first before we bring it to the public for holiday and be the first to know when we drop our next batch!

Choose your scent: 1) Citrus & Honey, 2) Black Orchid, 3) Chamomile & Sage, or 4) try our Mystery blend. Available in unscented - just let us know in the order notes.

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
First Peek: New Products in Development

We're launching 3 new products online this year and you'll get first dibs! These formulations will be travel friendly, inclusive, and divinely fragranced. As a BlackTravelBox super fan supporter you'll be one of the first 50 people to try them out. Grab yours now, your hair and skin will thank you!

50 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
First Peek: Hotel Collection

Be the first to try out our co-branded hotel offerings including in room amenities pack, custom silk pillow cases, and more!

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
600.00 USD
Group Excursion & Corp Gifts Bundle

This is the ultimate bundle designed exclusively for travel groups, travel agents, corporate gifting, and other group gifting occasions. This incredible package combines 20 of our award winning Carry On Starter Boxes, perfect for group travel and event gift bags, with 10 sample packettes of our best selling Body Balm, ideal for quick customer appreciation gifts and entry level incentives. .

By investing in the Group Excursion & Corp Gift Bundle, you’ll enjoy an exclusive 20% discount and we'll even cover the shipping costs for you. Total $850 value

Limit 4 bundles per order.

29 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
3,600.00 USD
Opulent Coastal Retreat

Embark on an unforgettable getaway weekend on the picturesque West Coast. Immerse yourself in curated wine tastings from LoveCorkScrew, wellness classes by Postal Petals, and delectable cuisine. Luxuriate in a stunning Airbnb home with top-tier amenities from BlackTravelBox. Join us for a revitalizing journey creating cherished moments on this relaxing luxe retreat.

Spring 2024. Includes room tastings and meals. Flight not included. 

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Denver, CO
Created 2 Campaigns
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Want to help us fund the scaling of our warehouse for hospitality and daily operations of BlackTravelBox and don't need anything in return? Thank you so much for believing in us! Your belief in our mission to ... means the world to us.

2 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
EXCLUSIVE! Scented Lotion Bar

This is not your momma's Cocoa Butter Stick. A revolutionary bar for head, shoulders, knees, and toes. 3-In-1: Lotion, balm, and solid fragrance stick. Rich emollients in a balanced formula so skin never feels greasy. Soften and smooth out the look of the skin, create a natural barrier to lock in moisture and nutrients, preventing dryness and promoting overall skin health.

Fall in love with it first before we bring it to the public for holiday and be the first to know when we drop our next batch!

Choose your scent: 1) Citrus & Honey, 2) Black Orchid, 3) Chamomile & Sage, or 4) try our Mystery blend. Available in unscented - just let us know in the order notes.

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
First Peek: New Products in Development

We're launching 3 new products online this year and you'll get first dibs! These formulations will be travel friendly, inclusive, and divinely fragranced. As a BlackTravelBox super fan supporter you'll be one of the first 50 people to try them out. Grab yours now, your hair and skin will thank you!

50 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
First Peek: Hotel Collection

Be the first to try out our co-branded hotel offerings including in room amenities pack, custom silk pillow cases, and more!

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
600.00 USD
Group Excursion & Corp Gifts Bundle

This is the ultimate bundle designed exclusively for travel groups, travel agents, corporate gifting, and other group gifting occasions. This incredible package combines 20 of our award winning Carry On Starter Boxes, perfect for group travel and event gift bags, with 10 sample packettes of our best selling Body Balm, ideal for quick customer appreciation gifts and entry level incentives. .

By investing in the Group Excursion & Corp Gift Bundle, you’ll enjoy an exclusive 20% discount and we'll even cover the shipping costs for you. Total $850 value

Limit 4 bundles per order.

29 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
3,600.00 USD
Opulent Coastal Retreat

Embark on an unforgettable getaway weekend on the picturesque West Coast. Immerse yourself in curated wine tastings from LoveCorkScrew, wellness classes by Postal Petals, and delectable cuisine. Luxuriate in a stunning Airbnb home with top-tier amenities from BlackTravelBox. Join us for a revitalizing journey creating cherished moments on this relaxing luxe retreat.

Spring 2024. Includes room tastings and meals. Flight not included. 

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward