Trell Thomas on Travel, Self-Discovery, and Building the Black Excellence Brunch

From Small Town to Global Impact

• 📍 Trell Thomas, originally from Cassid, South Carolina, shares how he always thought bigger than his circumstances, inspired by local figures like James Brown and Larry Dobby.
• 💡 His primary motivation for success stems from a deep desire to make his family proud and ensure their hard work was not in vain.
• 🚀 This drive mirrors that of co-host Kolyn Boyd, who also hails from a small town (Beaumont, Texas) and was inspired by his uncle's success.

Transformative Travel Experiences

• 🌍 Trell describes Ghana as a place that felt like "home" upon arrival, offering a unique warmth and love.
• ✈️ London holds a special place for Trell, as it was his first solo travel experience, leading to significant self-discovery and an "Eat, Pray, Love" moment.
• 🛍️ His spontaneous trip to London involved booking a flight and hotel last minute, exploring areas like South Kensington, and enjoying activities like visiting Paddington Square and shopping at Harrods and Selfridges.
• 🍜 In London, Trell discovered a love for Thai food after a serendipitous encounter at a local eatery.

Discovering Self Through Solo Travel

• 🗺️ Solo travel allowed Trell to step outside his comfort zone, trying new foods and styles, leading to discoveries about his palate and personal style.
• 🧠 He experienced introspective moments, reframing past painful experiences as teachable ones.
• 🧥 A London-sourced trench coat became a symbol of his style evolution and a cherished travel memento.

The Genesis of Black Excellence Brunch

• 💖 The Black Excellence Brunch was inspired by Trell's mother's Sunday dinners, a tradition of community, sharing, and uplifting one another.
• ✨ The first event, a going-away party for Trell in New York, unexpectedly garnered significant attention and positive feedback, signaling a larger purpose.
• 📈 Documenting and packaging the event led to its first major brand sponsorship from Netflix, propelling the brunch into a global phenomenon.
• 🤝 Trell emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and treating ventures with respect, which in turn garners respect and support from others.

Future Aspirations and Travel Goals

• 🌍 Trell aims to expand the Black Excellence Brunch's presence in Africa and further explore London.
• 🏆 He also plans to bring the brunch to major sporting events in the US, such as the Super Bowl, Formula 1, and PGA tours, to celebrate and uplift Black talent in diverse spaces.
• ✈️ The hosts of "World of Travel" express excitement for potential future collaborations, particularly at sporting events.