Student entrepreneur talks business for 2020

On the anniversary of becoming CEO of her own company, 22 year-old, Coriena Tuitt, who is also in her final year, studying Events Management at the University of Northampton, reflects on how the business landscape has changed in the last few months.

In June 2018, Coriena launched her travel brand, Luxplorer, which plans travel for young people aged 18-30. Coriena blended her passion for travel, along with her academic studies and her epic organisational skills to help turn dream getaways into reality through her business.

Less than two years into operation, international travel drastically changed as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to smart thinking from Coriena, Luxplorer is on a path of evolution.

Speaking about how she’s adapting in the face of a travel ban, Coriena said: “I’ve always wanted to be 10 steps ahead with my business, so I’ve been using the COVID-19 pandemic as a chance to do that. The world has stayed at home, but I’m planning ways to be more innovative ready for when everyone gets ready to travel again with MyLuxplorer.”

“Luxplorer is rebranding to MyLuxplorer, I’m embracing technology within the travel business to stay ahead of the game, using AI and voice assisted technology to become more than just a way to book a trip. It’s evolving into the concierge in your pocket – helping users to plan and book their trips, but going the extra mile with geo-targeted recommendations and a marketplace for travel and food businesses.”

“I am a very quiet person and I like to make business moves behind the scenes, but my entrepreneurial spirit should not be underestimated. I have big plans to ensure that my business disrupts the industry and impacts the world in a positive way. Watch this space!”

During lockdown, Coriena has reflected on COVID-19 and racism, considering them as two pandemics sweeping the earth. As well as working to develop the technology behind MyLuxplorer, Coriena has been using her social media channels to amplify the presence of black business owners. Coriena has collated and promoted hotels, restaurants and tourism related businesses in London, Northampton and around the world, owned by black business leaders.

Speaking about her motivation to do this, Coriena said “We’ve all been forced to slow down, to take stock of the beautiful and important things in life. What really matters is treating others how you wish to be treated – with kindness. We all have needed kindness because of COVID-19, the same goes for educating and addressing racial injustice. It’s not good enough to just say you’re not racist. Families, friends and colleagues must be corrected and called out for their actions. That is the only way we will start to see change. “No one is born racist. Racism is taught!”

“Growing up, I knew I wanted to start my own business, I’m very driven. Sadly, when I was looking around for inspirational, especially female, black business leaders, I didn’t see a lot of representation.

“At business and networking events, I often felt uncomfortable, sometimes being the only black person in the room. If people don’t educate themselves and the others around them, we’ll be stuck like this forever. I’ve got aspirations to be the best, black female CEO in the UK and hopefully known globally, I hope to use my power to change this situation and we can start to see more representation in business.”

“My community has been protesting for basic human rights for years, but 2020 feels different. I’ve not left lockdown to take part in a physical protest, but I’m using my voice on social media to bring black business owners to the forefront. Social media is normally a bit depressing and can be a negative place for my community, but I know that my actions can do something about that. I’m celebrating what we’ve achieved and reassuring young people that they can do it too, hopefully uplifting and inspiring people.

“I think our community is finally being listened to, watching the Black Lives Matter movement across the world, I’ve been so heartened to see people – black, white, asian – coming together to rally against racism.”

“I feel that a shift is coming, I hope its permanent.”

You can catch up on all Coriena’s recommendations here.