Meet Silvia Njoki, the multi-talented force behind Soul Sync Discoveries and who is revolutionizing the way African women experience travel
With a remarkable journey that began in fashion journalism and styling, Silvia has consistently broken new ground in creative entrepreneurship.
In this interview, Silvia shares her inspiring evolution from a fashion stylist and celebrated blogger to founding Soul Sync Discoveries, where she’s creating safe, enriching travel experiences that foster deep connections among women.
Read the full interview below and discover how Silvia is reshaping the landscape of travel while empowering African women to explore the world fearlessly.
How did your background in fashion and travel influence the direction of your career?
My career initially focused on fashion styling. It was my pursuit of further training, combined with parallel contracts in content creation for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and high-end hospitality, that introduced me to my first international travel experiences. These experiences quickly sparked my passion for travel and helped shape the direction of my career.
How do you curate travel experiences to ensure they resonate with different types of travelers?
I’m proud to say that most of the Soul Sync travel itineraries and experiences have been curated based on my personal travels and insights from local travel guides and trusted friends. I also spend significant time researching destinations, consuming travel content, and engaging with other travel entrepreneurs worldwide. Given the variety of travelers, everyone who signs up for a trip knows what the official itinerary includes. However, for those with unique preferences, I’m more than happy to create tailor-made private trips. These range from honeymoons and retreats to family holidays and anniversaries.
What do you find most fulfilling about running a travel company that creates group travel experiences?
Running Soul Sync Discoveries allows me to connect people through travel, which is a dream come true. I love meeting new people, helping them fulfill their travel dreams, and being my own boss, which is highly rewarding. What brings me the most fulfillment, however, is witnessing the lasting friendships that form during our group travels. Some of the women on these trips have started businesses together, been bridesmaids at each other’s weddings, and hosted baby showers—all of which have created deep, enduring connections.
What role do you think women play in reshaping the travel and tourism industry?
Although Soul Sync trips are not exclusively for women, I have always focused on organizing smaller group tours for women. This is part of a global trend where women are traveling more often and influencing how the travel industry operates. Women are at the forefront of the solo travel movement, pushing companies to offer female-friendly experiences. From improved safety measures to female-only tours, the industry is evolving to cater to independent women seeking adventure and freedom. Additionally, women are leading community-based tourism initiatives in developing countries, creating opportunities for economic growth and preserving local cultures.
How do you encourage more women to travel, especially in regions where solo travel for women is uncommon?
When planning solo trips or group tours, we carefully research each destination to ensure its safety. Unfortunately, there are still some places that are not safe for women today. We promote solo-friendly accommodations and provide safety tips, resources, and local emergency numbers for specific countries. We also work with trusted local guides to ensure the highest standards of security. Traveling in a group of like-minded women with a dedicated guide offers comfort and security, especially for those new to traveling. A well-planned itinerary provides a safety net, making the experience enjoyable and stress-free.
What impact do you hope to make through Soul Sync Discoveries in the travel industry?
As I’ve gotten older and life has become busier, I’ve noticed how easy it is for women, especially mothers, to lose time for themselves. Through Soul Sync Discoveries, I aim to build a community of women who can find common ground through their travel journeys. I want to make a lasting impact on the travel industry by curating transformative, meaningful travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Our goal is to foster personal growth, empowerment, and connection, redefining travel as a journey of self-discovery and community bonding. We also aim to highlight the importance of local cultures, sustainable practices, and responsible tourism, ensuring that both travelers and destinations benefit.
How do you hope your work influences African women in business and travel?
I hope that Soul Sync Discoveries can empower African women to break barriers, embrace their entrepreneurial potential, and carve their own paths in industries traditionally dominated by others. By offering travel experiences that focus on self-discovery, cultural immersion, and community-building, I want to inspire African women to view travel as a tool for personal growth and global networking. In business, I aim to show that success is about more than profitability; it’s about creating authentic, values-driven experiences. Through Soul Sync Discoveries, I want to demonstrate how African women can use their unique cultural perspectives to build impactful brands and businesses within the global travel industry.
Lastly, what advice do you have for women who dream of turning their passions into thriving businesses?
My advice is to start with clarity and conviction. Understand your “why”—the deeper purpose behind your passion—because that purpose will keep you grounded through the challenges. When your purpose aligns with your passion, it makes it easier to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Embrace patience and persistence. Building a business takes time and effort, so focus on long-term growth. Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a race, and setbacks are often the best learning opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, delegate tasks, and share your journey with others.
Take calculated risks and adapt as you go. You don’t need all the answers at the start, so experiment and adjust your approach. The ability to pivot is one of the most valuable strengths of an entrepreneur.
Finally, prioritize self-care and resilience. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, but your mental and physical health are essential to your success. Make time to recharge and stay connected with your support system.
In summary, trust yourself, be patient, and remember that building something meaningful takes time. Let your passion fuel you, but resilience will be the key to turning it into a thriving business. You have everything it takes—keep moving forward and celebrate every milestone along the way!