Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shay Sane.
Hi Shay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Absolutely! My journey began with a deep-seated passion for travel and a profound recognition of the unique challenges Strong Black Women (SBW) face in prioritizing their mental health and well-being. Over a decade ago, I realized that while travel has the power to transform lives, it also offers a crucial opportunity for self-care, mental health, and personal growth, especially for SBW who often find themselves carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.
In 2014, I founded the Black Girl Travel Movement™ (BGTM) as a platform to empower SBWs to explore the world while prioritizing their mental health. Our community quickly grew, driven by the shared experiences and aspirations of SBW, who were eager to see the world and reclaim their well-being. We organized group travel experiences that went beyond sightseeing, integrating mental health workshops and wellness activities to create holistic journeys of rejuvenation and self-discovery.
Recognizing the powerful impact of our work, we expanded our vision in 2018 with Black Girls On The Go® (BGOTG). This initiative amplified our mission, creating a global network of SBWs who support each other in their mental health journeys through travel and shared experiences. BGOTG/BGTM is a wellness brand, and we facilitate TTraVsperience® known as Transformational Travel Experiences as well as offer mental health-related conferences, workshops, educational seminars, and social events geared toward empowering SBW to prioritize their mental health.
For BGOTG/BGTM, “Strong Black Woman” is not just a phrase; it’s a recognition of the multifaceted strength, resilience, and power inherent in Black women. We celebrate this by empowering each woman to prioritize mental health as a critical aspect of her strength. This is our definition of SBW.
Although I have been on my mental health journey for years, 2021 marked a pivotal moment for me when I experienced my first mental health crisis, resulting in hospitalization. This event was particularly significant as BGOTG/BGTM was in the midst of rebranding due to the pandemic.
During this 2.5-year ordeal, I learned lessons that contributed greatly to the initiatives that you see now offered by BGOTG/BGTM. Breaking the silence about mental health challenges is not just a campaign for us; it’s a reality I live. I shared my unfiltered mental health crisis during an uncanny documentary-style premiere podcast episode of ‘Travel Heals Your Soul,’ highlighting the raw and real aspects of my mental health journey.
Our commitment to mental health led us to celebrate our 10th anniversary by spearheading National Black Girl Mental Health Week, an annual event held the second Tuesday in November, with November 4th designated as Black Girl Mental Health Day in honor of First Lady Michelle Obama. This initiative, under the slogan ‘Breaking Stigmas, Building Strength,’ aims to raise awareness, break down mental health stigmas, and build a supportive community for SBW.
We’ve also launched the ‘Take That Break: Empowering Strong Black Women’s Mental Health’ campaign to engage our community and promote resources for mental health challenges. Additionally, we are developing resources like the ‘Mental Health Toolkit for Strong Black Women,’ which combines our Mental Health Manifesto with our Twelve Wings of Wellness to provide actionable steps and support for SBW.
Today, BGOTG and BGTM are not just travel organizations; they are movements dedicated to the holistic well-being of SBW. Our journey has been one of growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our mission. We continue to inspire and empower SBW to prioritize their mental health, embrace self-care, and explore the world with confidence and joy.
On a personal note, I am Shay Sane, a native of Washington, DC, who spends her time between DC and Clearwater, Florida. I am currently living and thriving with high-functioning major depressive disorder, high-functioning anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder multiple times over, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy with my service dog Tito.
Additionally, I am an ambassador with the Individual Disabilities Association. These personal experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for the work we do at BGOTG/BGTM.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been anything but smooth, and that’s an understatement. While we’ve achieved incredible milestones, we’ve faced numerous challenges along the way.
One of the most significant struggles has been addressing the stigma surrounding mental health within the SBW community. Many SBW have been conditioned to prioritize the needs of others over their own, often neglecting their mental health in the process. Overcoming this deep-rooted mindset has been a continuous battle, requiring persistent effort to promote the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
Another major challenge came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel industry was one of the hardest hit, and as a wellness brand centered around travel, we had to pivot quickly. During this period, we rebranded and expanded our offerings to include virtual mental health workshops, conferences, and seminars. This shift allowed us to continue supporting our community even when travel was restricted, but it was not without its difficulties. Adapting to the virtual landscape and ensuring that our programs remained impactful and engaging required creativity and resilience.
Personally, my 2021 mental health crisis was a profound struggle. Experiencing a mental health crisis and subsequent hospitalization was one of the most challenging periods of my life. It was a time of vulnerability and intense self-reflection. However, this ordeal also brought about significant growth and learning. It underscored the importance of our mission and reinforced my commitment to breaking the silence around mental health struggles. The lessons I learned during this 2.5-year ordeal have been instrumental in shaping the initiatives and resources we offer through BGOTG/BGTM today.
Financial challenges have also been a constant hurdle. Funding initiatives that promote mental health and wellness for SBW often require significant resources. Securing funding and sponsorships has been a continuous effort, but the impact we see in our community makes every struggle worthwhile.
Despite these challenges, the support and resilience of our community have been a driving force. The connections we’ve built and the stories of transformation we’ve witnessed keep us motivated. The road has been tough, but every obstacle has only strengthened our resolve to continue empowering SBW to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Black Girls On The Go® (BGOTG)/Black Girl Travel Movement™ (BGTM) is an innovative wellness brand established in 2014, dedicated to empowering Strong Black Women (SBW) to prioritize their mental health. For ten years, our commitment has been unwavering: to provide a supportive space where the diversity of strength is honored, and mental well-being is championed. Through advocacy, education, events, seminars, travel, and workshops, we amplify the voices of SBW, embracing both their triumphs and challenges.
We specialize in creating TTraVsperience® known as Transformational Travel Experiences, which empower SBW to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Our brand is unique because it combines the power of travel with comprehensive mental health support, recognizing that both elements are crucial for holistic wellness. We are known for our TTraVsperience®, which goes beyond typical travel itineraries to include mental health workshops, wellness activities, and opportunities for deep personal growth. These experiences are designed to help SBW reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and find joy in exploring new places while addressing their mental health needs.
Our offerings include mental health-related conferences, workshops, educational seminars, and social events tailored specifically for SBW. These events provide a safe and supportive environment where women can openly discuss their mental health challenges, learn from experts, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Our signature event, National Black Girl Mental Health Week, is held annually on the second Tuesday in November and features a variety of activities and resources aimed at breaking down mental health stigmas and building a supportive community.
One of the things I am most proud of is our ‘Take That Break: Empowering Black Women’s Mental Health’ campaign. This initiative has successfully engaged our community, raised awareness about the importance of mental health, and provided valuable resources and support to SBW. Additionally, our ‘Mental Health Toolkit for Strong Black Women,’ which combines our Mental Health Manifesto with our Twelve Wings of Wellness, has been a game-changer in providing actionable steps and support for SBW to prioritize their mental health.
For us, the term “Strong Black Woman” transcends mere rhetoric; it signifies the multifaceted strength, resilience, and power inherent in Black women. At Black Girls On The Go® (BGOTG)/Black Girl Travel Movement™ (BGTM), we honor this by empowering each woman to recognize mental health as a crucial component of her strength. We celebrate a SBW as one who embodies strength, resilience, power, and selflessness. We acknowledge that strength manifests in diverse ways and recognize that mental health challenges can affect anyone, irrespective of perceived strength. Our aim is to completely transform the perspective of SBW around the world and be the top organization aiding SBW and supporting them to Live in Wellness, Exuberance & Happiness™ every day.
What sets us apart from others is our holistic approach to wellness. We understand that mental health and travel are deeply interconnected, and we strive to create experiences that nurture both. Our commitment to breaking the silence around mental health challenges and providing a platform for SBW to share their stories and find support is at the core of everything we do.
Moreover, our personal experiences and challenges shape our work. My own mental health crisis in 2021 and the lessons I learned during my 2.5-year ordeal have deeply informed the initiatives we offer today. This personal connection to our mission allows us to approach our work with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the struggles our community faces.
Overall, our dedication to empowering SBW to embrace self-care, prioritize their mental health, and explore the world with confidence and joy is what makes BGOTG and BGTM stand out. We are more than just a travel organization; we are a movement committed to the holistic well-being of Strong Black Women.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis has been a profound teacher, offering a myriad of important lessons that have reshaped the way we operate at Black Girls On The Go® (BGOTG)/Black Girl Travel Movement™ (BGTM) and the way we approach our mission to empower Strong Black Women (SBW).
One of the most significant lessons we learned is the importance of adaptability and resilience. The pandemic disrupted the travel industry and forced us to pivot quickly. We realized that our mission to support SBW in prioritizing their mental health couldn’t be put on hold, so we expanded our offerings to include virtual mental health workshops, conferences, and seminars. This shift allowed us to continue providing valuable resources and support to our community, even when physical travel was restricted. It taught us that flexibility and innovation are crucial in times of crisis.
Another critical lesson was the power of community. The pandemic highlighted the importance of staying connected, even when we are physically apart. We saw how essential it was for SBW to have a supportive network where they could share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. By fostering a strong sense of community through our virtual events and social media platforms, we were able to maintain and even strengthen our connections with our members. This sense of belonging and mutual support became a cornerstone of our efforts during the crisis.
The Covid-19 crisis also underscored the importance of mental health. As the world faced unprecedented stress and uncertainty, it became clear that mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity. This period emphasized the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of breaking down stigmas associated with it. We doubled down on our commitment to providing mental health resources, support, and education, recognizing that these tools are vital for helping SBW navigate challenging times.
Furthermore, the pandemic reinforced the significance of self-care and intentional living. With the world slowing down, many of us had the opportunity to reflect on our lives, priorities, and well-being. This period of introspection inspired us to create initiatives like the ‘Take That Break: Empowering Black Women’s Mental Health’ campaign, which encourages SBW to take intentional steps toward self-care and mental health.
Lastly, we learned that our mission is more relevant than ever. The challenges brought about by the Covid-19 crisis highlighted the unique struggles that SBW face and the critical need for spaces that honor and support their mental health. Our dedication to empowering SBW to Live in Wellness, Exuberance & Happiness™ remains unwavering, and the lessons we’ve learned during the pandemic have only strengthened our resolve to continue this important work.
In summary, the COVID-19 crisis taught us the value of adaptability, the power of community, the importance of mental health, the necessity of self-care, and the enduring relevance of our mission. These lessons have been integral in shaping our current and future initiatives at BGOTG/BGTM.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bgotg.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlsonthego/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsOnTheGo
Image Credits
Shay Sane
