Evita Robinson could not fathom the thought that she is getting paid to travel, let alone, managing an up and coming business that allows her to do just that.
Robinson, 29, a film studies and media college graduate from Iona College in New York, traveled to Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, and countries across Europe to find what it was she really loved. One thing Robinson says about traveling is that, “It [travelling] helps find who you really are.”
Speaking to a group of N.C. A&T students in Crosby Hall last week, Robinson shared her outlook on young minorities traveling abroad. After being fired from a job, Robinson left her job and started her life abroad.
The daredevil and risk-taker took life by the horns and ventured into something totally opposite of a normal college graduate. The young entrepreneur shared videos of her activities while abroad, and that is when No Madness TV received mainstream attention.
Robinson said it was easy, “I just took my passion for video and turned in into travelling.” No Madness Travel Tribe arrived in 2011 showcasing how to travel in a style that is fresh for youth and the urban audience.
Its purpose is to help people find what inspires them. In her case, Robinson promoted her experiences abroad on Youtube and came up with the idea of building a group of inspired travelers like herself. No Madness TV radars every move overseas, which helps alleviate cultural misunderstandings. Instead, the tribe records interactions with other ethnic groups to better understand their culture surroundings.
Robinson stated that her tribe had over 2,000 members in the first seven months, mostly from word of mouth. Collectively, the organization has over 4,000 passport stamps and lives in over two-dozen countries. Whenever the tribe meets, they come together to share stories, advice, dos and don’ts, in an interpersonal setting.
“Three years ago, I would tell people that it was brokest and richest part of my life, “said Robinson. The traveler never regretted her decision in leaving the country or being the only African-American in Asia.
“I felt safe as an black women in Asia, as oppose to being a black woman in New York City.” Her take on traveling alone, You have to have street smarts. People will help you abroad.”
She only wishes to create diversity and hopes students, especially at HBCU campuses, explore beyond what is expected.
Junior, Gitory Bartell said he thought the No Madness Travel Tribe was very informative and inspiring. “Seeing an African-American explore the world and encouraging us as students to get out and explore is something you don’t really hear in the news.”
Nicole Jones, a senior and journalism and mass communication student agreed, “She [Robinson] opened eyes about traveling and not being afraid to take risk. Sometimes life takes us in a completely different direction than what we have planned. You just have to be ready and enjoy it. Evita is an example of that.”
Robinson left the message, “Find your avenue in branding,” at the end of her presentation.
To learn more about No MadNess Travel Tribe visit www.nomadnesstv.com
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- CHANEL TUCKER, Register Reporter