Today we’d like to introduce you to Akeem Predeoux.
Hi Akeem, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
The good college days, where you meet people who will help shape the rest of your life. I remember being in the university dorms one Saturday night on Delaware State University’s campus (an HBCU) with the co-founder/partner Malachi Collins. We thought we only wanted to start a Black Owned travel vlog, did that for a few months but knew we wanted more.
College spring break 2017 we took our first trip out of the country together to Puerto Rico, and man we had a time. We unintentionally became in charge of planning just about everything for our group. From picking the hotel, checking its amenities, to flights and transportation, and to excursions and researching places for nights out on the town. Now getting 10+ people, who were still in college, to leave the country was an accomplishment in itself.
Although PR is A U.S. territory, they still have their own way of doing things; What they considered entertainment, The food, The towns, the people, the climate.
Fast forward to 2019, we decided to shift from travel vlogging to finding vacation destinations and planning them from scratch. Becoming LLC’d under ‘WhereThemBoysAtNow’ (abbreviated WTBAN) in 2021. WTBAN was structured on the basis of being a Black Owned travel group/company. Although Black Owned, we remain inclusive of all. Since then, we have planned 8 international trips booking up to 300 black travelers. Hosted a ‘JetLagged’ travel-themed party in Brooklyn, NY. Expanded to trips tailored specifically for Girls only, Couples only, or Singles/Solos only. Currently, we are anticipating our April 2023 joint trip with The Luxe Week, a UK-based travel group, to Bali, Indonesia.
While traveling, you come across parts of the world that are way different than what you are accustomed to. You learn from their culture and become aware for what you do and don’t have. Traveling broadens the mind, creates space for growth, to network, and allows you to self-reflect.
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?
COVID year surely affected a lot of things, similar to other businesses. COVID transformed travel and what we used to know it as. For example, we had planned a Memorial Weekend trip during the year of 2020 when COVID was at its peak. We arranged for a cruise to Mexico and Honduras, shortly having to cancel all 61 guests due to the cruise line’s inability to sail. Individually issuing back refunds, or credits, was definitely tedious but we got through it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, my personal daily life consists of being a full-time graduate-level nursing student with various leadership roles. Alongside that, I work in the ER and on a few specialty units at 2 different local hospitals. Some would say I am known for being a jack of all trades. I tend to work best under pressure and typically get the job done.
I’d say I am most proud of how I chose to develop my life. Being only 25 years old, I have seen a lot. Done a lot. Been many places. And thankful for having the opportunities to do so. I’d consider year 25 as a confirmation lap. Voyage Mag is the first to know that I am currently writing a book that highlights the first 25 years of my life.
Be on the lookout!
Alright, so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I believe people work very well with me. I typically fall into the leadership role 99% of the time. It’s unintentional, but I believe my character attracts that role. I tend to work with structure and at a fast pace. I am known for getting things done if I am passionate about it and will do whatever it takes to get to it.
When it comes to supporting me, I feel like I am always reminded of my support foundation. From family, friends to my academic community, I am always told that there’s something “unique” about me. What it is exactly, I have yet to fully discover.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wherethemboysatnow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wherethemboysatnow/
