Today we’d like to introduce you to Qianna Chapman
Hi Qianna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi I’m Q! I have a hard time making my story short because I feel like I have lived 10 lives already at the age of 27. I left home at the age of 18 to join the U.S. Navy, where I served as an Interior Communications Electrician. I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, on an aircraft carrier, which gave me my first taste of life abroad and a deep appreciation for travel. During my time serving I lived in Chicago, San Diego, Japan, and Jacksonville and I visited Korea and Guam. Unfortunately, my military career was cut short in 2018 due to a combination of physical and mental health challenges. I suffered a torn ACL from overuse and I also experienced significant mental health trauma after being sexually assaulted by a peer during my service. These experiences ultimately led to my early discharge from the Navy.
After leaving the Navy, I received an unexpected call in December 2018 from Frontier Airlines, inviting me to interview for a position. I had forgotten I even applied for this flight attendant position back in September of that 2018. After a random drawing during training, I was luckily based in Orlando and worked with Frontier Airlines from April 2019 to September 2019. I decided to leave the airline to pursue college, which was one of the main reasons I had joined the military in the first place.
Fast forward to 2020—I made a bold decision to live life on my own terms and pursue my passion for travel. I applied for a Guinness World Record attempt to beat the fastest time to visit all 48 continental U.S. states. However, like many of us in 2020, my plans were derailed by the pandemic. I went to 8 states back to back without returning home to Orlando. I traveled nonstop February 2020 to March 2020 and became stranded in Wyoming. After swallowing my pride I had to borrow money from a friend to take an ultra-long Greyhound ride back home to Alabama. If you must know how long I was on the bus, two days. Once I got back to my hometown, Selma, AL, I lived with my parents and worked at a McDonald’s drive-thru for about two months during the pandemic before making my way back to Orlando. When outside finally reopened I enrolled at Rollins College, pursuing a double major in Elementary Education and Music. While at Rollins, I served as a residential assistant in my second year but eventually found balancing work, travel, and study overwhelming. I even missed a few classes because I couldn’t resist taking vacations. In spring of 2022 I made the decision to leave college behind and fully embrace my love for travel.
Over the past two years, I’ve worked full time for myself under my company, now Vivid The Jetsetter LLC. Initially, Vivid The Jetsetter was a DBA for my travel vlogs on YouTube, but as my brand evolved, I expanded into my travel agency, social media collaborations, digital content creation, and user-generated content creation. I now partner with some well known brands in the travel industry such as Disney, Marriott, and Virgin Voyages, with assistance of my host agency Inteletravel. I have been a travel business owner for six years now thanks to PlanNet Marketing, and I love helping others reap the benefits of starting their own and doing the same.
At the beginning of this time of growth in the travel industry, I ran into the owner of a Roku network named “NDaMix Entertainment,” who offered me my own show. Now, my show, “The Vacation Queen” airs every Monday at 6pm EST, where I currently produce travel documentary films. Recently, I’ve applied to beat a new Guinness World Record for the most hotel key cards collected. If anyone has hotel key cards they’d like to contribute please reach out to me on Instagram @TheVacationQueen. Now, Vivid The Jetsetter LLC is officially registered, and I’m running the show solo. I manage everything—from emails, negotiations, and video editing, to booking clients’ vacations, handling social media marketing, and conducting research. It’s all part of my daily method of operation. My focus is on travel and content creation, but as the business grows, I’m looking to onboard partners to help manage some aspects of the operation and expand the brands reach.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been quite a few struggles along the way, each shaping my journey in unique ways. These include goal disruptions, career transitions, starting and growing a new business alone, and finding partners to collaborate with.
Like I said before I was discharged from the military before my contract had ended due to medical and mental health challenges. After leaving the Navy, I faced significant physical and mental health issues. A torn ACL from overuse and trauma from a sexual assault by a peer has a lifelong effect on me. I am a protected veteran and though I wear my stripes with pride it’s a challenge. Navigating these challenges while trying to build a new career path has been incredibly difficult, but God.
I try not to talk about my bad times too much but I will let y’all in a little. I was raped at the age of 19 while based in Japan by a fellow sailor on my vessel, I suffered nightmares and had multiple suicide attempts and hospitalizations. I requested to come Florida to escape having to see my offender and was told a few months later that nothing could be done to prove it and he was not going to be punished in any form. 2016-2018 was the darkest time in my life and travel saved me. I was struggling with the knee injury in 2017 as well because I torn my ACL which happened in spring of that year, so at the age of 20 I felt like my life was falling apart. I want to mental health hospitals frequently due to my suicidal ideations I shared to my therapists, but I never stopped praying to God.
Another big challenge was being blocked from pursuing an international award due to the pandemic in 2020. I was stranded in Wyoming with limited funds as it was snowing and had to borrow money to return home. I was vlogging my journey daily and I have posted a full youtube video of that experience. As I was there in the snow wondering what to do as Walmart closed on me I was defeated. I was snowing outside and the snow was ankle deep on a girl who was living in Florida, so imagine that!
Leaving Frontier Airlines to pursue college, and later dropping out to follow my passion for travel, involved significant personal and professional risks. Balancing work, study, and a growing travel business was overwhelming at times, but since I have learned to manage it by taking on a smaller course load and being very organized. I obtained my associates degree from my online college American Military University this year in June.
Running Vivid The Jetsetter LLC solo has also been challenging. Managing every aspect of the business—from bookings and negotiations to video editing and social media—requires a lot of time and energy. It’s been a steep learning curve to handle all these responsibilities effectively. I am still learning and practicing to get better everyday.
Building meaningful partnerships and finding the right sponsors and collaborators has been a journey in itself. It requires persistence and networking to align with the right people and organizations that share the same vision.
Despite these struggles, each challenge has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve. They’ve helped me grow and adapt, ultimately making my journey more rewarding and meaningful. My goal is to inspire young people no matter what their current situation is that anything is possible. Through sponsorships and partnerships, I believe anything is possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Vivid The Jetsetter LLC specializes in travel planning, content creation, and digital media. We offer a range of services including coaching and consulting, vacation bookings, social media digital content, and user-generated content (UGC) creation. Our business began as a DBA for travel vlogs on YouTube but has since evolved into a comprehensive travel and media enterprise.
We are known for our in-depth travel expertise and engaging content that connects with a diverse audience. Our specialization includes the things listed below.
1. Coaching and Consulting: We offer coaching and consulting services to individuals and brands seeking guidance on how to start and grow their presence in the travel and content creation space. For those who dream of being travel influencers or entrepreneurs we will be launching the JETSET Academy on November 11, 2024.
2. Travel Planning and Booking: We provide personalized vacation planning and booking services, ensuring clients have memorable and hassle-free travel experiences. Our specialties are cruises and all inclusive vacations.
3. Content Creation: We produce high-quality travel vlogs, social media content, and UGC. Our content highlights destinations, experiences, travel tips and products resonating with viewers and readers.
4. Collaborations and Partnerships: We work with various organizations and brands to create impactful content and campaigns. Our partners this year include The Balloon Museum in Atlanta, Play Playground in Las Vegas, Road to 100 Countries, Melanin on The Map, Stack Influence, World Packers, Trova Trip and more.
What Sets Us Apart is personal touch, diverse offerings, innovative approach, resilience and achievements. As a one-person operation, I bring a personal touch and deep passion for travel to every project. My firsthand experiences and authentic storytelling set us apart from larger, more impersonal agencies. We combine travel planning with content creation, offering a unique blend of services that cater to both travel enthusiasts and brands looking for creative digital solutions. From attempting Guinness World Records to hosting a travel show on a Roku network, we embrace innovative and unconventional methods to engage our audience and make a mark in the industry. I’m most proud of launching “The Vacation Queen” show on NDaMix Entertainment, which airs every Monday at 6pm EST. This platform allows me to share travel stories, produce engaging vlogs, and soon feature live podcast interviews with other passionate travelers. This show embodies my mission to inspire young people and demonstrate that anything is possible.
Vivid The Jetsetter LLC is more than just a travel agency; it’s a brand committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences and inspiring stories. Our services are designed to cater to both individuals seeking extraordinary vacations and brands looking for creative partnerships. We believe in the power of travel to transform lives and aim to provide meaningful and impactful experiences for our clients and partners. We’re continuously evolving and seeking new ways to innovate and grow. Through sponsorships and partnerships, I hope to expand our reach and eventually start a nonprofit to help Americans obtain passports at no cost and provide children with immersive travel opportunities.
Feel free to connect with us to learn more about our services, collaborate on exciting projects, or explore the world through our content!
Email Us!
Contact@VividTheJetsetter.com
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me the importance of travel insurance and emergency savings to handle unexpected situations. It highlighted the need for adaptability, financial preparedness, and resilience. The pandemic also emphasized the value of community support which I am so grateful for. Most importantly, it prompted a reevaluation of priorities, reinforcing the need to pursue passions and align choices with personal values.
Pricing:
- 3 Month Mentorship Program: $1554
- Collaboration: Ranges (Email Details to contact@vividthejetsetter.com for quote)
- Youtube video ad (<20secs): $200
- Youtube Video Product Review(>15 minutes): $2500+ (email details to contact@vividthejetstetter.com for full quote)
- Travel Advising: $50 per vacation quote
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vividthejetsetter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qcaudrii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qianna.chapman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevacationqueen
- Other: https://beacons.ai/vividthejetsetter
Image Credits
Headshots by Endia Cannon, Action Shot in Kenyan safari by Erick Forester
