Today we’d like to introduce you to Natajia Miller.
Natajia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey, I’m Natajia, and my life starts on this speck of paradise called Staniel Cay in the Bahamas. Picture this – it’s only one by two miles, with just about a hundred people so… truly small-town vibes.
After high school, I moved to Miami. There, I got my Bachelor’s in Business Management and Computer Information Sciences. College was like opening a door to a whole new world, you know? I got super involved with the Caribbean Student Association and mentored international students. It was my journey to discover my deep love for different cultures.
Then, I got my MBA in Georgia, but the real game-changer was moving to Dubai for three years. Dubai was a truly life-changing cultural experience. Being there and interacting with different cultures helped me to get rid of all the stereotypes I had. I made friends from all corners of the globe – we’re talking Philippines, Sri Lanka, Africa, Europe, Bali… you name it.
After Dubai, I headed to China for a couple of years. Mom called saying she needed help back home with our resort and tour company. At the same time, I was preparing to renew my contract. I had this sweet deal with Hyatt in China, but in the end, I chose family. And guess what? Three months later, COVID hit. #GodsPlan
So, here I am, back in Staniel Cay for the last five years, running Embrace Resort and 3Ns Exuma Vacations. We do swimming pigs tours, golf cart rentals, events – the whole shebang. Despite all the amazing places I’ve seen, there’s no place like home.
My mom’s always been this unstoppable force in my life. She taught me to chase my dreams, no matter what. I mean, she dreamed of running her resort when we had next to nothing. And she did it, against all odds. She’s always saying, “If you’ve got a dream, go for it, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s too big.” That’s been my guiding star. She showed me that no dream is too big, especially not for a small-town girl like me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Most definitely there were struggles. If I went through all of them we’d be here for a millennium. I’ll stick to the 2 most life-changing struggles I had. One of the biggest hurdles I had to jump was in Georgia or should I say on the way.
When I was moving from Miami to Statesboro, Georgia I was pulled over by police. They raided my van, brought dogs, and separated my mom and me in two separate vehicles where she had a panic attack (she’s a church mom not accustomed to being arrested). It was…heartless and targeted.
They took all my items out and just threw them on the side of the highway. They then took us to the station and threatened my mom to throw me in jail if I didn’t pay the super speeder fine of $999. That would have made sense had I not 1.) Been on cruise control below the speed limit and 2.) Been a holder of a Florida license. They told us that since I was an immigrant I needed to pay on the spot and were not very excited about the fact that I knew my rights.
Mom broke after some time and gave them the money. They gave me a ticket and the next day, I called the station and gave them the ticket number and of course…it didn’t exist in the system.
The struggle came in my perception of what this life in Georgia would be like if I hadn’t even arrived yet and this is the racism I was greeted with.
Secondly, my mom was encouraging me to not go. She said I didn’t have to get an MBA to make the family proud and that I should come back to the Bahamas where I’d be safe.
I went anyway and got arrested again and this time was put in jail for a night.
So that’s story #1…the struggle of navigating life, Black.
The second most life-changing struggle happened when I moved to China. Being an “independent” woman, I am used to figuring it out on my own. When I got to China, I was expecting to be in a city area where most people spoke English. Wrong, I was basically in the Staniel Cay of China…super rural…little to no English.
I was the first non-Chinese person to ever be hired at the Hyatt I worked at. So in addition to going into the elevator and having everyone spread out to the sides because they were afraid of me, I also had to navigate being dependent.
But I understand from the employees’ standpoint that the first non-Chinese person to be an over-bubbly black girl with a natural puff was a bit over the top. These same people I had to get to help me to do as little as go to the grocery store or get a phone. Because of the language barrier, I couldn’t do anything myself and that was hard, but it helped me with my “I have to handle everything myself” attitude.
But that story had a beautiful silver lining in the end. People who couldn’t even say hi in English when I arrived were able to do check-ins without blinking with English guests and that made me feel amazing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay, a gem in the Exuma Cays, isn’t just a resort; it’s the embodiment of my mother’s vision and a tribute to the power of black women entrepreneurs.
Located just a stone’s throw from the airport, it’s an ideal spot for pilots and guests seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Our seclusion makes it feel like you’re on a private island, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning beaches where you might only encounter a few other souls. We’re also neighbors to the swimming pigs at Pig Beach being just a 5-minute boat ride away.
What makes us special? We’re known for our exceptional concierge services, arranging everything from golf cart rentals to personalized tours. This includes direct flights and packages via Makers Air from Ft. Lauderdale, making the journey as seamless as the stay. We specialize in creating memorable experiences, like swimming with pigs and showcasing the raw, real beauty of the Bahamas.
We’re also perfect for group getaways. We hold up to 22 guests comfortably and if interested people can rent out the entire resort and have an amazing Bahamas getaway experience.
We’re proud to be recognized in top travel blogs and magazines like Voyage, but what fills our hearts the most is providing an inspiring example for the next generation of black entrepreneurs. Embrace Resort is more than a destination; it’s a testament to a dream realized and a beacon for what’s possible.
For those who’ve only experienced Nassau, Staniel Cay is the Bahamas’ best-kept secret. Yes, it might be a splurge to get here, but the experience – the seclusion, safety, and proximity to incredible attractions like Thunderball Grotto and petting sharks – is worth every penny. It’s not just a vacation; it’s an embrace of a lifetime.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We are also the owners of 3Ns Exuma Vacations which offers premium fly-in tours from Nassau for guests visiting Nassau and wanting an unforgettable experience visiting the swimming pigs and other Exuma attractions.
Imagine embarking on a journey where luxury and adventure intertwine, offering an experience that’s both intimate and grand. Our “Exuma Elite” tour elevates the typical pig beach excursion to an unparalleled level, beginning with a scenic, semi-private 30-minute flight from Nassau, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Exuma Cays. Upon arrival, our guests are immersed in a world of exquisite beauty, where they get up close with the famous swimming pigs in a setting that’s uncrowded and serene. What sets our tour apart is the combination of luxury, exclusivity, and personal attention.
Our small group sizes ensure each guest experiences a personalized and unhurried adventure, encompassing not just Pig Beach, but also six other stunning stops, including the mesmerizing Thunderball Grotto. We handle everything from hotel pickups to gourmet dining, ensuring a seamless, all-inclusive experience. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a memory of a lifetime, making it a must-do for your discerning readers who seek the extraordinary.
Pricing:
- 1 Bedroom Villa $275 Includes Breakfast for 2
- Exuma Elite Tour From Nassau: $650
- Rent The Entire Resort: 7 Villas, 11 Rooms, 20 Guests $2,999 per night
Contact Info:
- Website: www.embraceresort.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/embracestanielcay
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/embracestanielcay
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/natajia-miller-exuma-cays-staniel-cay-swimming-pigs-pig-beach-excursion
- Other: www.stanielcayvacations.com
Image Credits
Unseen Media
