112: Empowering Plus-Size People to Travel the World and Co-Founding the Black Travel Alliance with Jeff Jenkins

The Maverick Show with Matt Bowles

Award-winning travel influencer Jeff Jenkins shares his story of growing up in Orlando, Florida, attending Florida A&M University, and embarking on his world travels with his first international trip to Japan. 35 countries later he reflects back on the beginning of his travel journey, and how a life-changing trip to Rwanda inspired him to quit his job and become a full-time travel influencer. Jeff talks about the non-profit he founded to build water wells in Rwanda, and reflects on what has inspired him to continue traveling the world. He then talks about his entrepreneurial journey and founding his brand “Chubby Diaries” to empower plus-size people to travel the world. He explains how plus-size travelers are an underserved niche, and he provides specific tips and hacks for plus-size people to travel the world and life their life to the fullest right now. He also talks about how he monetizes his brand, explain what his primary sources of income are, and describes how he has pivoted during the pandemic and had his best business year yet in 2020. Jeff then shares his “budget travel” hacks and techniques for traveling the world on much less money than most people think is possible. He also talks about co-founding the Black Travel Alliance and explains their mission of holding the travel industry accountable for their lack of diversity. Jeff then shares his tips specifically for Black travelers at the earlier stage of their world travel journey. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: www.TheMaverickShow.com