Without Apologies or Reservation: Building a Legacy Your Ancestors Would be Proud Of

I believe in the universe bringing things, experiences, and people into your life at the right time, in the right place, when you need it the most. Vulnerable moment here - I’ve been feeling like burnout has been creeping in lately and haven't felt as inspired to work on things as I usually am. That is, until I had one of the most powerful and inspirational conversations with the first Black hotelier in Morocco, Meryanne Loum-Martin .?

You may be familiar with her from articles in Forbes or Black Enterprise or countless others. Meryanne is the founder of Jnane Tamsna, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marrakesh, Morocco. The estate, which was built in less than a year back in the year 2000, sits on nearly 10 acres of land and was created with Meryanne’s incredible eye for architecture and interior design, along with her ethnobotanist husband bringing their enormous garden to life.?

As an entrepreneur, a leader, a visionary, innovator and as a Black woman, she has carved her own path and has built a life her ancestors would be so proud of, honoring their sacrifices, their successes, and making with it her own legacy.?

Having grown up in Europe, Meryanne’s experience as a multicultural woman, born to a West Indian mother and Senegalese father, differed from the experiences some of us face in the US. Many in the US feel like we have to assimilate to “fit in”, or be seen and/or heard. Many also suffer from imposter syndrome or feel like they are being looked down upon because they are the minority in any room they walk into. Instead, Meryanne reframes this to look at her multicultural layers as her superpower. Every facet that makes up her being is her special sauce, her sazón. She says “everyone coming from diverse backgrounds should realize that it's a plus being a minority. It’s a big plus because we go through an education system, which was designed for the white world, and many of us still excel in this system.” Can I get an Amen?

She’s right! As people of color, we need to do better to honor the work we’ve already done and celebrate the success we’ve had just for making it through a world not designed for us and yet so many of us are out here shining and thriving. I love this for us!

Meryanne didn’t start off as a hotelier, but she was also never closed off to the possibility of more. She was raised in Paris and became a fourth generation lawyer (on her mother’s side and 2nd on her father’s). She attributes having the courage to make the pivot into hospitality to her parents, who never pressured her into becoming a lawyer, but more-so instilled in her to find fulfillment in whatever she did. As a little girl, her mother would say to her, “Open your eyes, open your ears, and remember everything.” It’s because of this, Meryanne says this powerful statement, “Anything that is standardized…I don’t want that in my life. I don’t understand standardization.” Far from basic and being complacent, it’s safe to say, she has always followed her passion and purpose without apologies or reservations. This really spoke to me. While I feel that way today, as a Latina raised to feel like being a lawyer or a doctor and being married with children was the standard for success, it wasn’t always the case. I’d imagine that if I had this perspective, growing up like the world was my oyster, this would have been a game-changer for me far sooner. I’m sure many reading this could relate - we’ve talked about this in previous newsletters.

Her grandmother was also a huge influence. She was a total badass who lived to over 100 years old! She instilled in Meryanne that everything is possible and to never settle. She never backed down from a challenge, was courageous, even in the face of adversity, never fit in a box, nor wanted to (sound familiar), and understood the shoulders of giants she stood on. Her grandfather was a slave and when slavery was abolished had saved enough money to actually buy the plantation he was once enslaved on. Talk about flipping the script! It was then where he started the path to creating generational wealth and paving the way for the many generations to come.?

When it comes to courage and making the pivot from being a lawyer to now a hotelier, she says “I think about my grandmother and my ancestors. I am descending from slavery. They were the ones that embodied courage. I was born free. I am now standing on what my ancestors have built.”?

When she created Jnane Tamsna (Jnane meaning “Garden of Life”), she wanted it to be an experiential experience created by a Black curator and designer, but made for all. It went beyond creating just a space of luxury, she wanted to create connection, evoke emotion, go beyond what standard hotels offered. You can take in the unique art and antiques that adorn the walls and rooms, expect no two rooms to look the same, enjoy authentic cuisine, and be prepared to check out the extraordinary gardens. You’ll find yourself building community with other estate guests, retreat go-ers, enjoy private estate gatherings, and a safe space to be just who you are with everyone there. I’m excited that I get to take it all in when I visit next week.?

Before Jnane Tamsna, she opened her first place in the ‘80s with what was supposed to have been a family holiday house. This was before the digital era or any social media to help spread the word…does anyone remember what that was like?. It was a smaller estate that became the place to visit by European Royals, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Donna Karen, Georgio Armani, and so many others. Word got out on the unique experience she continuously delivered, and she's been investing in experiential hospitality since. What started as a family holiday house as the original concept, has now evolved into a private estate that sits on nearly 10 acres of land in Marrakesh.?

But why Morocco, you might ask? It’s a short flight from so many surrounding countries and its culture and vibrancy was attractive. From the moment Meryanne set foot on the tarmac in Morocco, she could feel that it would change her life…and it did. Just as it has for so many of her visitors and guests.???

Meryanne reinvented herself and continues to look for ways to elevate herself as a Black woman, a leader, a disrupter, and a visionary. When I asked what’s one piece of advice that she’d give to others who are looking to define who they are and continue to work on their legacy, she says, “Some people lack the confidence to change the trajectory of their life because they have had a background which has undermined them; one that made them constantly think they can’t do what they set out to do. We need to push beyond that and have the confidence to go after the life you desire.” I couldn’t have said it better.?

I look forward to continuing to follow Meryann’s journey, supporting her Black-owned business and brand as it continues to evolve, with new locations to come.?

Meryann Loum-Martin, ceiling shatterer, businesswoman, leader, disrupter, a total boss - out here writing HER-story. What will you do next to write yours?

Feedback is a gift. Connect, comment, share, leave a question, or a note.[Thoughts and opinions in this newsletter are my own and not of my employer.]??