As Told To is a recurring segment on xoNecole where real women are given a platform to tell their stories in first-person narrative as told to a writer.
This is Brenda Orelus' story, as told to Charmin Michelle.
So. Hilarious story: shortly after pitching my company, Krew Konnect, at Blacktech Week, I returned to work as a New York-based flight attendant. On that particular day, I was called to cover a turn-around trip out of LaGuardia Airport. After a traumatizing incident (a random passenger kissed me, forcing me to go to the ER), when it was all over, my company placed me on a first-class flight to Miami to return home.
At this point, I am full-blown crying because of the incident; practically inconsolable. But as I was boarding back onto the aircraft, I noticed the one and only, Daymond John on the flight.
Immediately, I feel this wave of calm come over me and I go to take my seat.
You see, when creating my business, I modeled it directly after a few of the same principles Daymond had built his company on, so spotting him was a much larger deal than you're probably understanding right now... And there I was, seated across from the man I admired.
I decided to write him a letter.
In my letter, I thanked him for his influence and discussed business plans. At that moment, crazy enough, I became thankful for all the wild things that happened to me that day. Had it not been for those mishaps, I would not have been there at that moment. I finished my letter and I asked the working flight attendants to pass it along to him on my behalf. We landed, I grabbed my bags and headed home. I was thankful that I had the opportunity to thank the person who inspired me for so many years. I didn't know if anything would come of it, but I was grateful.
The next morning, while I was discussing the previous day with my family, my phone rings. I pick up and the voice on the other line says: "Hi, may I speak to Brenda? This is Daymond John calling."
This is WHO?!
He chuckles and says, "Yes, you wrote me a note on yesterday's flight." At this point, I am full-blown freaking out and ask to put him on hold. I start screaming and practicing breathing exercises all at the same time. "Why didn't you wait to talk to me after the flight?" he continued.
He went on to tell me he was proud of me and what I was doing with Krew Konnect. He took the time to share some really great advice, listen to my concerns, and share his feedback. I was just Brenda from Miami, dead-set on solving an ongoing issue within my community, and somehow my hustle landed me on the phone with my childhood business hero.
After that, I would go on to audition for Shark Tank, leading to more doors opening for my little unknown brand. A brand that was solving a true industry problem. And to elaborate, I've built a safe space where aviation professionals can get the resources they need in order to thrive within our unique lifestyle. We represent a variety of work groups within the industry in hopes of improving our day-to-day lives. We were even the first company incubated out of Vector 90, a co-working space located in South Central LA owned by real estate developer David Gross and Nipsey Hussle (and an opportunity that came from my Shark Tank audition). There, I was able to do research and development for my innovative network.
To put it blatantly, we take care of our people. And we're owned and created by a Black woman who's bomb at doing so.
The Evolution Of Flight Bae B
I grew up first-gen Haitian-American in South Florida, born in Miami, and grew up in a city called Weston. Weston was the kind of place where the country club you belonged to was the go-to talking point. It just so happened my family would belong to the most prominent club, Weston Hills Country Club, making us an anomaly, to say the least. While I have fond memories growing up there, it was very difficult at times being one of the first Black families in our community. Not only were we Black, but we were Haitian, adding another level to cultural and racial relations. However, all the lessons Weston taught me prepared me for what I would face in my journey as a Black aviation geek, traveler, and entrepreneur.
I decided to become a flight attendant at an incredibly pivotal time in my life. It was 2013 and I had recently made the difficult decision not to pursue a legal career, after five years of advocating for civil rights under the tutelage of Attorney Benjamin Crump.
I knew I wanted to go into business for myself, but didn't want to take on the financial risk or have a job that would require work once I clock out. Spirit Airlines was hiring flight attendants in Ft. Lauderdale and I jumped at the opportunity to get hired. After an intense hiring process that included multiple rounds of in-person interviews, I got the job.
And so began my career in aviation and the creation of Krew Konnect.
Breaking Down Barriers
The first year building my company was exhilarating in the best way possible. And it was actually born out of my depression. After becoming flight attendants, my peers and I found it hard to adjust to the nuances of the lifestyle and struggled to find resources to help.
We're constantly in new cities, we're always on the go. Our home lives can be non-existent.
Determined to make the reality of the job be just as glamorous as the romanticized version, I set out to find out what other needs aviation pros had so I could create viable solutions to our problems. So ultimately, that first year taught me more than ever to believe in myself and to learn as much as I could so that I would be a resource to my niche community of aviation.
Obtaining a career in aviation is incredibly expensive, then account for centuries of systemic racism, and you will have a lot of the reasons why aviation has historically been inaccessible for Black communities around the world. And even when hired, Black aviators are often deemed "less qualified" due to worldwide racial bias against Black skin.
After six years of being a flight attendant and running an aviation-first social club, I realized the biggest barrier to a career in aviation is accessibility. The two primary forms of accessibility I see hindering the Black community within aviation are entry accessibility and financial accessibility. So, I created our Klub House model as an affordable alternative to traditional crashpad, primarily to help eliminate some of the financial burdens Black aviators face once they've attained an aviation career.
However, to see a significant increase in new Black aviators, there needs to be entry assistance into aviation, which is where I come in.
Organizations such as OBAP, do a great job of assisting Black pilots in their quest to become commercial pilots, but there aren't much in place to protect our flight attendants. We help create more entry in aviation by teaching aspiring flight attendants the skills necessary in order to get hired by private or commercial airlines.
It is my hope that students in the Black community will take advantage of my free course to gain a competitive edge when becoming flight attendants. Many utilize becoming a flight attendant as a foot in the door and springboard into different fields within aviation. Once these aspiring aviators cross over to active duty aviation professionals, I will continue to bring real-life solutions to them through Krew Konnect's signature Klub Houses.
Come use me, guys. I want us to have this leg up, I want to see more of us in roles that effect change in big and small ways. I am most fulfilled in these moments.
Courtesy of Brenda Orelus
Balancing A Lifestyle
When I am overwhelmed, I have a multitude of self-care practices to guide me through--some more routine than others. However, what works for me to prevent it altogether, and stimulate productivity is waking up at 5 a.m. Being up early gives me time to practice my physical, mental, and spiritual self-care routines, which in turn allows me to have more clarity and be more effective in my work each and every day.
This teeny-tiny life hack has had a tremendous effect on my life. I encourage all entrepreneurs to learn what works for them and commit to doing it every day to see significant changes in your life and business.
As for what's next for me, I am so excited that aviation is becoming more mainstream! I look forward to releasing new flight courses, in multiple languages--we're going global, ladies!
So, feel free to hop on the plane with us. We've got you covered.
Brenda and her Krew Konnect team can be found on Instagram at @brenda.orelus and @krewkonnect. You may also visit their website for the latest and greatest information.
Featured image courtesy of Brenda Orelus
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert