Back to School & Beyond: How Hospitality is Shaping Our Future at Jet Set Black Travel

Virginia Beach State of Tourism

We know we’ve been a little quiet these past few months, but trust us—we’ve been busy behind the scenes! In addition to running Jet Set Black Travel, Ken and I have taken a bold step forward in our journey: we’re back in school, working toward our Associate Degrees in Hospitality Management at our favorite place, Tidewater Community College.

As they say at TCC, “From here, go anywhere,” and we couldn’t agree more. This school has been instrumental in our journey, giving us the foundation to build our business and fully embrace our creativity.

Many of you know that last year, Ken and I graduated together with our Associate Degrees in Applied Arts. I pursued Studio Arts while Ken mastered the intricate craft of Glass Blowing. Our academic journey started in 2016, and we were proud to cross that finish line together last June. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, we’re diving into Hospitality Management—this time, aiming to complete our degrees by the end of 2025.

One of the biggest blessings of this experience has been learning from the incredible Professor Stacey Shiflet, a 30-year veteran of the Virginia Beach hospitality industry. Not only are we gaining invaluable insights from her, but we’re also studying alongside ten ambitious high school students who represent the next generation of hospitality leaders in our city.

Me and Professor Shiflet

Through our coursework, we’ve had the privilege of attending both the Virginia Beach and Norfolk State of Hospitality Breakfasts, offering a front-row seat to the evolving landscape of tourism in our region. We’ve also been directly involved in discussions about the Rudee Inlet revitalization and the Atlantic Avenue expansion, two major projects that will shape the future of Virginia Beach.

As travel agents, we thought we knew the ins and outs of the hospitality industry—but this program has opened our eyes to so much more. We’ve explored the intricate operations of hotels, learning the nuts and bolts of what makes them run seamlessly. While travel agencies aren’t currently a major focus in the curriculum, we hope to see organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) incorporated in the future. After all, travel agents are a vital part of the hospitality ecosystem, and we’re confident that as Virginia Beach grows, so will the recognition of our industry’s impact.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Shiflet has taken us on immersive field trips to some of the hidden gems of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. From The Adventure Park Observation Tower to Hunt Club Farm and The Apex, we’ve discovered new layers of our own backyard that we can’t wait to share with our clients. We’ve also gained firsthand experience in major event planning, participating in local festival discussions and even contributing to the media blitz for the Ringling Brothers Circus at the Scope Arena.

For us, this journey is more than just about getting another degree—it’s about deepening our expertise, forging real connections, and continuing to uplift our community through travel. Virginia Beach and the entire Hampton Roads area are thriving, and the next generation is paying attention. These young leaders are excited to be part of this city’s growth, and we’re honored to witness it firsthand.

Exciting times ahead! We can’t wait to bring all this knowledge back to Jet Set Black Travel and use it to create even more meaningful, authentic travel experiences for you.

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!