Today we’d like to introduce you to Jhaelynn Elam.
Hi Jhaelynn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, food has always been a major staple in my life. I was always in the kitchen with my mom as a kid. I learned how to cook at a young age and most importantly, how food brings people together and develops relationships.
Growing up, I’ve always loved science and pursued STEM courses. As a Black woman, it was important for me to learn and grow in this space. Later on in life, I discovered that food science was a real thing – and for me, that was perfect because two of the things I’m passionate about most intersected – food and science.
I went on to study at Tuskegee University, an HBCU in Alabama – and got my undergrad in Food Science and Biology. After that, I attended The Ohio State University where I received my Masters in Food Science with a focus in Sensory Science. I really enjoyed doing research, however, after being consumed with writing my thesis, my passion felt like it was becoming work and I needed to reconnect it with something I found joy in, so I started a food blog and soon realized that even that was not enough for me.
Not too long after, a friend of mine asked me, “What would you do if money was not an issue?” And I thought, well, that doesn’t really exist because for me, that would mean traveling, trying all sorts of different foods from around the world and sharing those experiences with others.
From there, that’s when my boutique travel company, Sizije, was born. Sizije comes from the original word ‘syzygy’ which means a pair of connected or corresponding things. In my case, I am connecting people and food through curated trips and experiences that I plan for groups.
Sizije brings people and communities together through one main focal point – food. Food is history, art, conversation and culture. I am passionate about all of these elements and am able to infuse them all through Sizije.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the hardest part for me has been balancing being an entrepreneur and working a corporate job. I quickly learned how to make it work, though.
Through my former corporate job, I was able to travel often and take on development opportunities which helped me build skills and knowledge that I was able to transfer into growing my own business.
Building a team to help me along my journey of starting a business was key. To anyone out there looking to start their own business, be intentional about your brand and how you instill that into people who join your team. While that can be challenging at times, you cannot do it alone and it is so rewarding when others believe in your vision and support it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At heart, I’m an innovative leader with a passion for creating remarkable experiences for the community around me. I’m a champion of bringing people together where they can naturally exist.
Through Sizije, I’m able to do this for students and young travelers of color. It is important to me to give other people who look like me an outlet to explore new things and meet new people. I’m intentional about how I do this – paying attention to details and partnering with travel influencers or locals in whatever place we’re going to make the experience rich and authentic.
I also recently co-founded ‘In Sisterhood, We Brunch,’ a brunch series bringing together BIPOC women throughout the Twin Cities to build sisterhood and connections that lead to increased social and political capital for BIPOC women. We just launched our first event in March. We had a DJ, guest speakers, a photographer taking free headshots, and a makeup glam giveaway.
I’m most proud of the experiences and spaces I’ve created for others to learn in, connect with new people, and enjoy themselves. A lot of details go into the work I do but I always keep the bigger picture in mind, and that is creating spaces where people feel welcomed and included. It has truly made an impact on so many people and I hope to continue to make this contribution to the world around me
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Cultivating H.E.R. Space – podcast Hidden Brain – podcast
Becoming – Michelle Obama
Happy, Sexy, Millionaire – Steven Bartlett
About Damn Time – Arlan Hamilton
Million Dollar Habits – Brian Tracy
Steal Like an Artist – Austin Kleon
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sizijetravel.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sizijetravel
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sizijetravel
Image Credits
Asmeret Photography (floral personal shot)
