The idea for Samone first took root in 2021, when founder Ayana Samone began her solo travel journey. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, often called the “Black Mecca,” Ayana grew up surrounded by culture, community, and visibility. But once she began exploring beyond that environment, things started to shift. Even in cities like Los Angeles and New York, that same sense of belonging was not always present.
A year later, Ayana took her first international trip, visiting eight countries and collecting a mix of experiences that were both beautiful and challenging. Many of those adventures began with her stepping off the plane alone, unsure of what to expect but eager to explore.
Despite using platforms like TikTok, Google, and Reddit, finding clear and culturally relevant travel insights was difficult. The information often felt scattered and incomplete. What she really wanted were honest answers to simple questions: Will I feel safe here? Will I be stared at? Will I be welcomed or uncomfortable? Every search seemed to create more uncertainty, but the lack of clarity never stopped her.
At 21, Ayana made one of her boldest decisions. She moved abroad to Portugal, starting fresh in an empty apartment and a completely new life. After two years overseas, she realized she had rarely paused to acknowledge how far she had come or how deeply her journey had shaped her.
That reflection became the spark for Samone. What began as a personal blog to document her travels soon evolved into something larger. Ayana recognized that her story was only one piece of a much broader narrative, one that included countless Black women travelers seeking connection, understanding, and representation. From that realization, the idea for a travel review platform began to take form.
From the beginning, Ayana’s goal was to keep things simple and honest. Samone was never meant to be an all-knowing travel guide. Instead, it is a space for women to share real stories, including the good, the awkward, and the unexpected. It is not about prescribing where to go or what to avoid, but about expressing what it truly felt like to be there and allowing others to decide for themselves.
As the vision grew, Ayana realized that Samone was not just about information. It was about connection. She wanted to create a space where travel as Black women was centered, where community could thrive, and where travelers could find others seeking the same sense of belonging, insight, and inspiration. That vision gave life to Samone’s digital community, a private space for connection, collaboration, and support.
What began as Ayana’s personal journey has grown into a home for many, a shared space to inspire, uplift, and empower one another through travel.