Coelle Travel is an international travel startup based in Wabanaki/Maine, owned by an indigenous immigrant woman, Khadija El Barkaoui, with roots in Amazigh/Morocco. Coelle Travel creates sustainable tourism experiences that bridge cultures through thoughtful partnerships with indigenous communities and women entrepreneurs. By offering authentic travel opportunities, Coelle Travel helps preserve local traditions while ensuring tourism revenue flows directly to host communities.

Describe your business in one sentence. 

Coelle Travel offers sustainable tourism experiences that honor indigenous cultures, support women in tourism, and are rooted in community-driven initiatives.

Tell us a little bit about you – what unique perspective/skills do you bring to your business?

As a Moroccan and an indigenous Amazigh woman born and raised in the Sahara, and proud to call Maine home, I bring a deep connection to my culture and a passion for authentic, community-based tourism. My global experience and background in international human resources allow me to bridge cultures, create meaningful travel experiences, and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism. I am committed to sustainability, supporting women in the industry, and preserving indigenous traditions through every aspect of my business.

What were/are the biggest challenges you faced in starting and running your business?

Starting Coelle Travel involved navigating a competitive market and building respectful partnerships with local communities and women in tourism. Currently, I focus on managing logistics and maintaining quality while advocating for indigenous representation and sustainable practices.

What has been your interaction with CEI and how did it contribute to starting or growing your business? Did CEI help you overcome any of those challenges?

The BIPOC Women’s Business Navigator program has been a fantastic support for Coelle Travel, addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC women entrepreneurs. Our mentor, Grace, has been invaluable; her insights and expertise have helped us navigate the tourism industry, refine our business strategies, and build meaningful connections. Grace’s encouragement and understanding of our needs have made a significant impact on our ability to grow and sustain the business.

What are your hopes for your business in the next 1-3 years?

In the next 1-3 years, we hope to expand Coelle Travel by creating new sustainable tourism experiences that honor indigenous cultures and promote women in tourism. We aim to strengthen partnerships with local communities, raise awareness about responsible travel, and advocate for indigenous representation, positioning Coelle Travel as a leader in community-driven tourism.

Any words of wisdom for or regarding specific groups that you identify with?

For indigenous people and immigrants, my advice is to embrace your unique stories and cultures as strengths. Your diverse perspectives enrich our communities. Seek out supportive networks and mentors who understand your journey, and advocate for yourself and your values. Remember that resilience and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges. Together, we can create inclusive spaces that honor our heritage and support future generations.