When I first realized my passion for creating a business which provided authentic journeys across Kenya, I had strong ideas of what I thought that should look like. Immersive day-long experiences with indigenous tribes, vetted homestays, thoughtful and impactful safari excursions, all had to resonate with something more… they had to be honest and transformative. Establishing the foundation for these pillars of my company proved enriching yet intense, but I was resolved to offer travelers an opportunity to engage actually into and with the people of Kenya as I had growing up. In my mind, by providing this, it would dramatically aid colleagues, friends and communities in my African “homeland” with a sustainable livelihood and ensure long term growth opportunity.

One of my initial challenges was procuring a creative agency to help me with my brand; my identity in the professional world. As most entrepreneurs know (or learn quickly), one’s outward appearance can have a profound impact on the receptivity of your audience. I was raised in my father’s startup business which, through hard work and grit, was very successful. I knew the importance of resonating with my audience and falling short would be professional suicide.

I hired an agency and got to work. After months of effort (and capital), I was ready to launch. With a website and social media prepped, I was thrilled to begin. People were counting on me and I didn’t want to disappoint. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of ensuring an authentic journey for my future clients and transparent relationships with agents and travel partners, the branding and marketing effort fell flat. I was crushed.

For months, bookings didn’t materialize and I was left shaking my head trying to grasp what went wrong. I believed deeply that if I could have a group of travelers experience the genuine wonder and magic of this great country and its people, they’d feel “it” too – the warmth and hospitality and the extraordinary passion for what this SKYIN journey was all about.

On the advice of a colleague, I had a meeting with a creative director whose background in film and branding proved to alter the course for my business and how it was perceived. We spent days discussing the significance of connecting honestly with my audience and how to best achieve this. Unfortunately, the takeaway was that my current brand didn’t reflect who I was or what I wanted my company to be. The imagery and choice of logo was void of the vibrancy and passion of the company’s mission. I wanted the voice to reflect the energy for the journey ahead and without it, it was a travel company without heart, without its soul. I had “checked the boxes” of executing marketing deliverables, but hadn’t realized my efforts didn’t reveal the authenticity of the custom, immersive itineraries provided and the meaningful transfigurative excursions.

We began again in earnest and what has resulted has been nothing short of exhilarating and undeniably successful. The brand fully reflects who I am and the sincere expression of authentic and immersive journeys SKYIN offers. Connecting to and believing in the value of creating a business which doesn’t just say something is authentic, but actually providing an experience that is genuine, helped my audience share in what is important – honest moments. People crave to have this simple truth afforded them through excursions which create lifelong memories. By assuring my brand reflected that, every touchpoint continues to ring true.

I love what I do and by admitting the value of correcting mistakes taken, SKYIN flourishes. I encourage others to remain true to who you are and seek to authentically represent yourself and your business. We’ll make errors along the way no doubt, but we will be able to correct the course as well, by knowing who we are and what we stand for.

Wishing you all the best in authentic travels ahead,

Last modified: July 21, 2025