Folks from all over the world have always loved to travel. But the ability to do so changed when a global pandemic caused 100% of global destinations to implement travel restrictions at its peak. Covid-19 has transformed the world of travel. But The World Travel and Tourism Council has developed a new guideline to cover all the bases: hand sanitizers, masks, thermal and infrared scanners, reducing contact points and automating many services for travelers. The travel industry was one of the most impacted sectors during and after the pandemic. But, many companies like “Seaux and Reap” found ways to pivot and find their niche in the re-emerging travel industry.

Seaux and Reap began as an idea for Charity Moran Parsons, ED. S., Founder and CEO. While many states allowed medical access to cannabis, state like Denver became fully recreational. Parsons saw this as a viable opportunity to get involved in the industry. “I watched the industry go from the ‘Black Market’ to Medical to full-blown trap houses with security,” Parsons recalls the moment she says that drove her to take action. She quickly began to notice the inequities of ownership and immediately called out what she says is an obvious hypocrisy, “People were in jail for literally doing the same thing others were now capitalizing on. This was a disrespect to the people who had and were still suffering, as well as the plant itself,” she told Tree One Eight. Parsons had also been personally affected by the “war on drugs”. A number of relatives, including her brother had become incarcerated due to strict and inequitably enforced laws. Louisiana, especially, has been a place where a Black man is more than three times likely to be arrested for cannabis. Fortunately, even in a place like Louisiana with a history of discrimination and inequality, the culture is changing and cannabis is coming out of the shadows. 

With laws in states like Louisiana changing, a new industry is emerging. Cannabis. Currently, the state allows for medical patients to access cannabis through its medical program, which is somewhat limited in-terms of patients’ access. However, with a recently passed bill that decriminalized cannabis possession (up to 14 grams) in Louisiana, the perception of cannabis has continued to change in a positive way. Parsons sees this as an opportunity to establish Seaux and Reap as a formidable pioneer in this ever-changing space. 

So, what is Seaux and Reap? According to their site, they are a Louisiane brand travel company that focuses providing memorable experiences while creating a space for informed consumption, empowering its guests to advocate for cannabis justice, opening their eyes to injustice in cannabis and providing knowledge around types and forms of consumption, Seaux and Reap facilitates a premiere experience and atmosphere to do so in. Some of those experiences include traveling to music festivals like “Coachella”, an annual music and arts festival held in California annually. Events like The Emerald Cup and High Times Festival have also been some of the big destinations that Seaux and Reap has hosted their guests at. But, there are also more private events like their annual “Friendsgiving” dinner which will be held in both Dallas and New Orleans on November 19th and 20th, respectively. These are spaces where friends and like-minded folks gather to enjoy some of the best food with private chefs. Guests have a luxurious dining experience while participating in conversations that are both educational, engaging, and entertaining. 

When a global pandemic began in 2020, many businesses and industries were affected. The travel industry was one of the main sectors impacted as travel had completely come to a halt. Many businesses were forced to close their doors. A large number were small businesses; local businesses. In the midst of all this, Parsons says, “Seaux and Reap was able to pivot and stay true to the mission and vision.” As “lockdowns” began to be lifted and people began to travel again, there were opportunities for folks, who were willing, to travel in small intimate groups to several locations including Denver, Colorado and Santa Cruz, California. 

The travel industry at-large has come back with a booming vengeance. People are eager to visit places and travel more. Whether it’s the fear of another potential global disaster or just the joy of finally being ‘outside’, folks all over the world are flying, driving, and sailing everywhere they can. The United States is also expected to see an even bigger surge as it recently lifted its international travel band from many countries for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic over 18 months ago. 

In addition to sight-seeing, more people are traveling with more of a deeper purpose. According to the “Transformation Travel Council”, intentionally traveling to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging with the world is actually transformational in a person’s life. Some are calling this phenomenon “Meaningful Travel”. Either way, Seaux and Reap has tapped into a shifting culture of travel. People are seeking more from their travel experience. Seaux and Reap has been able to mix their holistic approach and the power of the plant with travel.

Parsons decided to take her background and experiences to create guided excursions that are educational and enjoyable. She started her career as a STEM educator at Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, LA. Louisiana has shown interest in the emerging industry and has a potential to be a leader in the southern region of the country.  Infusing her background in hospitality and speciality curriculum development with her love for festival-going and serendipitous timing, the mission of Seaux and Reap was perfect. Visit excursions.SeauxAndReap.com to learn more.