Orion Brown, the visionary behind BlackTravelBox, shared a bit about her trailblazing brand at the intersection of beauty and travel on the most recent episode of Women in Motion. Orion’s journey from corporate brand strategist to entrepreneur offers a wealth of inspiration and lessons for aspiring business leaders. In this blog, we’ll dive into the origins, challenges, and triumphs of BlackTravelBox, along with advice for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.
The Genesis of BlackTravelBox
Orion Brown’s career as a brand strategist in corporate America provided her with many opportunities to travel. However, these trips highlighted a significant frustration: the lack of hair and skincare products that catered to her needs as a woman of color. This frustration reached its peak during a trip to Japan, prompting Orion to envision a brand that could fill this void.
Initially, Orion did not set out to become an entrepreneur. She began BlackTravelBox as a passion project while working full-time. Early feedback from potential investors pushed her to dedicate herself fully to the venture, a move that was both challenging and rewarding.
Building the Foundation
Before creating any products, Orion invested significant time in understanding her target consumers. She conducted extensive research, including interviews, surveys, and market analysis. This thorough approach ensured that BlackTravelBox would meet the real needs of its audience and stand out in the market.
The first product Orion developed was the body balm, born out of conversations with potential customers about the inadequacies of hotel toiletries. Unlike typical hotel lotions, which often leave a residue on darker skin, BlackTravelBox’s body balm was formulated to be rich, emollient, and travel-friendly, addressing both the efficacy and convenience needs of travelers.
Market Introduction
After developing the MVP (minimum viable product), Orion focused on getting the product into the hands of influencers in the travel and beauty spaces. This grassroots approach helped build initial traction and credibility for the brand.
Launching in April 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was an unexpected challenge. With travel at a standstill, Orion pivoted to focus on community building. Initiatives like the frontline workers bundle helped maintain brand visibility and engagement, even when travel was limited.
Building and Sustaining a Community
Orion emphasizes the importance of authenticity and direct engagement with customers. Initiatives like Wind Down Wednesdays allowed her to connect with her audience on a personal level, fostering a loyal and engaged community.
BlackTravelBox also benefited from the support of platforms like IFundWomen, which provided valuable coaching and funding opportunities. Orion’s successful crowdfunding campaign on this platform enabled her to scale her business and gain greater visibility.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Orion stresses the importance of thorough consumer research before product development. Entrepreneurs should avoid the assumption that their personal experiences fully represent their target market.
For entrepreneurs with limited resources, building a strong, authentic connection with your audience is crucial. Transparency and personal engagement can help create a loyal customer base even without substantial financial backing.
The Future of BlackTravelBox: Expanding into Hospitality
Orion’s current focus is on expanding BlackTravelBox into hotels. By placing products in hotel rooms and sundry shops, she aims to ensure that her customers can easily find and purchase the products they need while traveling.
Staying Connected
For those interested in joining the BlackTravelBox community or learning more about Orion Brown’s journey, you can visit BlackTravelBox.com or follow the brand on Instagram at @BlackTravelBox. To connect with Orion personally, follow her at @IamOrion_Helana.
Orion Brown’s journey with BlackTravelBox is a testament to the power of perseverance, thorough research, and authentic engagement. Her story provides valuable lessons for any entrepreneur looking to turn their passion into a thriving business. To listen to her full journey, visit this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/blacktravelbox/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
