We recently had the chance to connect with Sherrell Green and have shared our conversation below.
Sherrell, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Lately, it’s been my energy that’s been very important to me. Having great energy is about more than just feeling physically rested. It’s a combination of physical, emotional, and mental vitality that is crucial for a fulfilling and productive life. When you have great energy, you’re not only more capable of accomplishing your own goals, but you also have a positive impact on the people and world around you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Sherrell Green, but a lot of people know me as Relly. I’m the owner of The Afro Traveller Agency, which I started back in 2018 after my plan to move to China to teach English didn’t work out. That experience really opened my eyes—it showed me how important it is for Black and Brown communities to see the world, step outside our neighborhoods, and recognize that we belong everywhere.
Through The Afro Traveller Agency, I help make travel possible no matter your budget. I also plan luxury group trips, unique experiences, and I love highlighting and supporting Black- and Latino-owned businesses around the globe. For me, it’s not just about traveling—it’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and empowering our communities.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My family always showed me what hard work and dedication look like, so doing my best has just been second nature. And honestly, I’m a Capricorn—we’re overachievers and love to work anyway, haha. But lately, especially with how the economy is, I’ve been thinking… why put all that energy into building someone else’s dream at a 9–5, when I could put it into something that means the world to me? That’s why I choose to give my all to my agency.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Definitely. For me, that moment was during Covid. My business came to a complete stop overnight—the entire world shut down, airports were barely operating, and no one was traveling. It was one of the hardest times, because everything I had built suddenly felt uncertain.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if travel would ever come back. But something amazing happened—once the world finally opened up again, people were more eager than ever to explore. I realized that those years of being stuck inside gave people a new appreciation for freedom and adventure. And now, the demand for travel is even stronger than before. That season taught me resilience and reminded me why I started in the first place.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest “lies” in the travel industry is what you see on social media—people sharing travel tips or experiences as if they’re universal truths. I hear it all the time! Take the advice about buying cheaper airfare at the airport—there’s a lot more to it than that. Prices depend on the time of year, your destination, and the airline, so those tips really need a disclaimer.
That said, I do think social media can be helpful, especially when it comes to destination ideas. I pay attention to suggestions about safe places for solo female travelers or destinations that are welcoming to African Americans. Let’s be honest—being Black in America is already challenging, and the last thing I want is to go somewhere and deal with racism or prejudice abroad. Of course, everyone’s experience will be different, so my biggest advice is: go and see for yourself. Don’t rely solely on someone else’s experience when it comes to places you’ve never been.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I would stop procrastinating—hands down! Life keeps moving, and I have so many ideas I want to bring to life in my business. Even though our time is limited anyway, I try to make as many of those ideas a reality as possible.
Before the pandemic, I had my hands in so many things that it became overwhelming, so I had to slow down. Right now, I’m focused on group travel projects for my 30+ clients who don’t want the hassle of planning their dream vacations. Make sure to follow me on my socials for updates on those upcoming trips!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @relly_da_explorer
- Linkedin: Sherrell Green
- Twitter: @relly1989
- Facebook: @TheAfroTraveller
