Meet Jhaelynn Elam, owner of Sizije Travel. An avid traveler, foodie, and proud HBCU graduate, Jhaelynn works full-time as a food and sensory scientist, helping to support the development of innovative, healthy, and safe foods appealing to the palate. She not only loves food so much that she decided to study it, but she also has incorporated it into several ‘side hustle’ businesses.
When I am not in the lab, I am growing my company, Sizije Travel – learn ore below. Furthermore, revenue from this business funds the non-profit arm: The Sizije Foundation. Through this foundation, students of color are provided travel resources, such as scholarships and global connections. In addition to being a travel entrepreneur and a sensory scientist, Jhaelynn actively lends her spare time to help jumpstart minority-owned, food-based businesses by providing industry expertise. She enjoys the work I do and considers herself to be proof of what happens when you pursue a passion, accept purpose, and intentionally create platforms that build wealth and communities.
Jhaelynn Elam
How did you get started in your industry?
I have always loved food and have always been a naturally curious person. When combining those things, I found myself very curious about food and the science behind it. Students had to do a science fair project every year in high school, and I decided to do a food science project every year. This fueled my passion for food. As for building my travel company, I found my passion while studying for my Master’s in Food Science and Technology in grad school. I loved traveling and documenting it and decided I wanted to share that with people. Since then, I have combined my love for both and have built a life I have always dreamed of.
Growing up, did you imagine being an entrepreneur?
Never, not at all. I always said I never wanted that responsibility.
In the beginning stages of developing your brand/business, what was your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?
Initially, the biggest struggle was consistency and building the right team. It took intentionality and networking to figure out both.
Do you feel like you are pursuing purpose? If so, how did you know this was your purpose?
Yes, I feel like both my passion and purpose are aligned. I love what I do, but I also feel like I truly make an impact every day, and that is the purpose.
What’s the best part of Sizjie Travel? What keeps you motivated to keep going?
Sizije Travel is a boutique travel agency with a mission of empowering modern-day travelers through global communities and culturally curated experiences. I love to see people travel internationally for the first time and use their passports for the first time. Knowing that my organization was a part of that is so rewarding. We also have a nonprofit that funds students of color opportunities to travel, which is beyond rewarding. I love it!
As an entrepreneur myself, I understand sometimes personal life can get in the way of business. Have you encountered any personal hurdles that could have or did result in a business pivot?
Yes, absolutely. I also have a full-time job as a food & sensory scientist, and that schedule fluctuates. I often have to readjust the schedule for my business because of this, which can be frustrating.
During these times, we’ve all had to adjust. How has the adjustment been for you and your brand?
The adjustment has been tough because travel slowed down. During this time, we have leveraged technology and social media to offer virtual experiences for our audience.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman starting her career?
You’ve got to work with what you have to get to where you want to be. So often, you will feel like you don’t have everything you need but 10/10 you do.
Lastly, what keeps you struttin?
My purpose and my passion fuel my confidence, and that keeps me struttin’!
Connect with Jhaelynn Elam
Interested in learning more about Jhaelynn Elam? Follow her on social below and learn about the travel company:
- Website: Sizije Travel
- Instagram: @llcooljhae
- Twitter: @llcooljhae_