Lavish Lifestyles Concierge

07/11/2025

18 years ago today, I bet on myself before there was IG, Tiktok, back in the Myspace days!

At 27 years old, I launched Lavish Lifestyles Concierge with a celebration I’ll never forget — produced by yours truly at the iconic Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles.

We transformed the outdoor space into an Italian villa-inspired setting, complete with lemon grove trees imported from Italy and searchlights beaming down La Brea Boulevard. ✨🍋

I’ll always be thankful to Jillian Barberie, then co-host of Good Day L.A. on Fox 11 Los Angeles, for co-hosting and bringing out the news crew that night — a moment that truly set the tone for everything that followed: big vision, bold ex*****on, and faith over fear.

Since then, Lavish Lifestyles Concierge has grown from planning luxury events to curating unforgettable travel and event experiences worldwide — from milestone celebrations to brand and agency activations. 🌍

This past June, we proudly activated at Cannes Lions, a space usually dominated by billion-dollar global brands and major advertising agencies.

18 years later, I’m still innovating, still evolving, and still believing. 💪🏽

To every friend, client, and colleague who’s supported, referred, and believed in us — thank you. ❤️

Here’s to the next 18! 🥂

"I was thinking chess moves, but it was God’s grace.” — Nipsey Hussle 🕊️

29/10/2025

Honored to have been invited by the Embassy of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 for an intimate destination training event hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia.

This morning, I had the opportunity to connect with leaders from each country’s embassies, including:
🇲🇼 Second Secretary – Tourism & Communications, Embassy of the Republic of Malawi
🇿🇲 First Secretary – Tourism, Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
🇿🇼 Minister Counsellor – Tourism, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Opening remarks were also given by H.E. Dr. Chibamba Kanyama, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States.

As a Travel Advisor, these are the types of relationships that truly make a difference. When my clients travel, I’m not just booking a trip — I’m leveraging real partnerships with embassies, hospitality leaders, and professionals on the ground to ensure every journey is seamless and memorable. 🌍

In today’s world, anyone can call themselves a travel advisor, but relationships like these are what truly set us apart. Building authentic connections with destinations and their representatives allows us to create experiences that go far beyond the surface.

And let me tell you — all three of these destinations should absolutely be on your radar! ✨From white-water rafting, ziplining, hiking, safaris, river cruises, and beaches to incredible cuisine — and of course, Victoria Falls — you can even self-drive between all three of these beautiful countries safely. 🚗

Thinking about your next vacation? Contact me at Lavish Lifestyles Concierge — we’ll curate an experience that’s not only unforgettable but deeply connected to the heart of these destinations.

🇿🇼🇲🇼🇿🇲 Here’s to more collaboration, connection, and global growth. ✨

23/10/2025

“Why should I use a travel advisor? I can just book it myself online.” 🤦🏽‍♀️

Right now, we're working on a custom trip for a client traveling to multiple countries.

This isn’t the kind of trip you just “click and book.” It takes logistics, timing, and — most importantly — relationships.

For example, during festive season resorts and villas typically have a 7-10 night min stay. Because of our relationships, we were able to get that waived to four nights for our client — something you’ll never see available on a booking site.

And here’s the thing most people don’t realize: many properties, especially in luxury markets resorts and lodges don’t list their pricing or availability online. That sometimes leads people to assume a property is sold out, when in reality, those rooms are simply being held for travel advisors and our clients.

Some properties even hold a selection of rooms or special rates exclusively for hospitality professionals not the general public. They’ll hold space for us while clients decide, make exceptions, and work with us to ensure our travelers are taken care of.

That’s where relationships come in.

That’s what Lavish Lifestyles Concierge is built on — real, global relationships that open doors the internet can’t. 🌍

So sure, you can book a basic beach weekend online.

But when you want something seamless, elevated, and unforgettable — that’s when you call Lavish Lifestyles Lavish Lifestyles Concierge😉


WildlifeExperience

13/10/2025

✈️ Expanding Horizons with Lavish Lifestyles
We’re excited to share that we’re now serving clients in London and across the UK, alongside our U.S. and global clientele. 🇬🇧

With nearly 18 years of experience, we specialize in bespoke travel and experiential events — from private island escapes in the Caribbean to luxury safaris across Africa.

Our value goes far beyond simply booking a trip. Through personal relationships with hotels, lodges, and global hospitality partners, we deliver insider experiences that elevate every journey.

Connect with us via our London WhatsApp number or U.S. line (available on our website) to start planning your next unforgettable experience. 🌍 lavishlifestylesla.com

Where luxury meets discovery. ✨

10/10/2025

Another Advertising week for the books! Highlights included connecting with senior leadership from AMEX, United Airlines, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and hearing their insights on the future of travel. Gems being dropped by peers within the experiential event space, and closing out the week listening to an inspiring panel on women's health!

10/09/2025

✨ Beyond the Bucket List: What Luxury Travelers Will Seek in 2026 ✨

Luxury travel is changing. The question is no longer “Where should I go?” or “How much will it cost?” Instead, it’s: "What do I want to feel?” "What will this experience give me that I can’t find anywhere else?”

For 17 years, I’ve designed bespoke journeys for couples, families, and solo travelers — while also curating global brand activations and nonprofit galas. Across both worlds, I see the same shift: people no longer want to just check boxes on a bucket list. The new luxury is about experiences that feel personal, rare, and deeply connected to culture.

Here’s where I see luxury travel heading for 2026:

🇲🇦 Morocco → Exclusive riad buyouts in Marrakech — rooftop dinners under lantern light, hammam rituals reserved just for you, and artisan-led workshops that bring centuries of craft to life.

🇬🇷 Greece → Private villas overlooking the Aegean paired with insider access to chefs and vintners — volcanic-soil vineyard tastings in Santorini or a cooking lesson in Paros with recipes passed down through generations.

🇶🇦 Qatar → A blend of modern opulence and heritage: curated art collections in Doha by day, luxury desert glamping under the stars by night.

🇬🇭 Ghana → Avant-garde tasting menus by Michelin-trained chefs, fireside chats with global fashion leaders, and gallery tours guided by curators who connect you directly with artists.

🇿🇦 South Africa → Private vineyard visits with trailblazing Black women winemakers, paired with conservation-driven safari lodges.

🇯🇵 Japan → Quiet refinement through ryokan stays, private onsen baths, kaiseki dining, and rare access to master artisans.

🏝 Maldives → Sustainability as luxury: reef-to-table dining, marine conservation with resident biologists, and untouched seclusion.

✨ Takeaway: If you’re planning your next journey, don’t start with “Where do I want to go?” Instead, ask: "What do I want to feel?”
Because the future of luxury isn’t about price tags or Instagram influencer posts. It’s about intention, insider access, and meaningful experiences that can’t be mass-produced or replicated.

✨For those who don’t Google “luxury travel”… they call us™ — Lavish Lifestyles Concierge

07/09/2025

✨ Exciting news this weekend! ✨
R&R Luxury — one of Ghana’s leading skincare houses, founded by Valerie Obaze, spotlighted our collaboration on their Instagram 🙌🏾

When we journey to Ghana this New Year’s Eve, our group will sit down with their team for coffee + conversation, learning how they’ve built a global beauty brand rooted in one of West Africa’s most treasured natural resources: shea butter 🌿

💡 Did you know? Shea butter is made in the African Shea Belt — a region spanning 21 African countries. Out of these, the most common sources of quality shea butter are Nigeria, Ghana, and Northern Uganda. The process is all-natural: harvesting shea nuts, cracking, roasting, milling, and boiling them to extract the rich oil that hardens into butter. Truly Africa’s gift to global skincare ✨

This journey isn’t just about travel — it’s about insider access, authentic stories, and connecting with the creators shaping culture.

🌍 Ghana NYE | Dec 28–Jan 3
👉 Reserve your spot: curatedbycynika.com

04/09/2025

25/08/2025

Ghana NYE Dec 28 – Jan 3rd 🇬🇭 Fireside chats with Ghana’s leading Entreprenuers and Creatives — including Christie Brown’s Creative Director, whose designs have been worn by Beyoncé.

🇬🇭 Private dinners with award-winning and Michelin-trained West African chefs
�🇬🇭 Four-star luxury accommodations
�🇬🇭 Private curator-led art gallery tours and conversations with artists, with opportunities to commission original works

🇬🇭 Notable historian will personally guide us through Ghana’s historic sites — including the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River. Drawing from his research on slavery, culture, memory, and identity, he will offer powerful context on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, trauma, and healing — bringing unmatched depth and meaning to the experience.

Drawing on my many personal relationships throughout Ghana, this is a luxurious, culturally immersive way to welcome 2026 — uplifting, inspiring, and unforgettable.

🌍 Limited to 20 travelers�👉 Join the journey: www.curatedbycynika.com

15/08/2025

🎥 Speaking on the Future Stage at World Travel Market (WTM) Africa in Cape Town — Sound on 🔈

🌍 From New York to Cape Town… and onto the global stage at World Travel Market Africa, an event that drew over 6,000 travel, tourism, and hospitality professionals from around the world. ✈️

I was honored to join an incredible panel of women to tackle a powerful question:
💬 Why is Africa sleeping on Diaspora Dollars?

Grateful to International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and World Travel Market Africa for the invitation to speak and for their incredible hospitality. ✨

07/08/2025

It's a vacation, let's not make it a nightmare! ✈️

Before you pack your bags for your dream getaway, have you checked if your medications are allowed in your transit and destination country?

In 17 years of planning experiential travel and events, I've learned a truly worry-free vacation means handling every detail—even the ones you've never thought about. As a seasoned travel planner, we do more than just plan travel; we keep our hand on the pulse of all things travel related. The stunning view is the reward, but peace of mind is the real luxury.

Did you know that many common over-the-counter and prescription drugs in the U.S. are illegal or restricted in other countries?

💊 OTC cold and flu meds like Nyquil are restricted in Japan due to ingredients.
💊 Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is banned in Japan and Mexico.
💊 Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety meds, such as those containing zolpidem (Ambien) or benzodiazepines (Xanax), are restricted in countries like the UAE and Indonesia.
💊 Codeine is a controlled substance in the UAE and banned in countries like Japan and Greece.
💊 ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin require special permits in many places, including Japan and Singapore.
💊 Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is restricted in Japan and Zambia.

Tip: Always keep all medications in their original, labeled packaging, and have a doctor's letter and supporting documentation from your pharmacy as to the medicine's usage. And ALWAYS PLACE IN YOUR CARRY ON BAG!

As a Travel Advisor & Event Producer, I handle the logistics so you can focus on relaxation. Don't leave your next trip to chance. Let's make your next getaway truly worry-free. ✨

Message me to start planning!

30/07/2025

Whether you're a small business owner looking to expand your reach, or a major corporation aiming to maximize your impact, there's a strategic blind spot we all need to address.

My new article dives into why underestimating small businesses can limit big brands' true impact – and what that means for your next move.

Discover key takeaways for driving significant results, regardless of budget size. Read the full story here 👇

"

Forget the notion that impact requires a huge budget. This past June at Cannes Lions, my independent, boutique, woman-owned firm, Lavish Lifestyles Concierge, demonstrated how strategic ingenuity can achieve significant results.