The Entrepreneur

Jarveal's entrepreneurial story runs on a single thread: building things that open doors for people. It began in 2013 with Passports Tatted, a travel company he founded to encourage people of color to explore the world. What started as group trips grew into a national travel community (featured by Travel Noire) that ran year-round until the 2020 pandemic, helping hundreds of travelers take their first international journeys.

Key Accomplishments:

  • 200+ Passports Tatted — Guided over 200 travelers on international trips, many earning their first passport stamps.

  • Global Access Grant — Equipped FAMU students with passports through the Passports Tatted Global Access Grant, opening the door to study-abroad opportunities.

  • Featured by Travel Noire — Spotlighted by the prominent travel community for inspiring Black men and young professionals to explore the world.

  • NYC Mayoral Recognition — The Affair Series was recognized by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015 for its community impact.

  • United Way Contract — Won The Upgrade University's first major contract, leading professional development strategy for United Way's Business Pathways internship program.

  • Keiser University Advisory Board — Invited to join the board, contributing strategic planning expertise.

Jarveal's extensive personal travel experiences have not only enriched his own life but have also empowered him to inspire and encourage others. Upon his return to the United States following his time in London, Jarveal was struck by a common question among his friends: a desire to travel abroad with uncertainty about how to make it happen. Determined to break down barriers to international exploration, Jarveal posed a simple question: "If you could embark on an international journey without the hassle of planning and logistics, would you seize the opportunity?" The resounding affirmation fueled Jarveal's vision, leading to the inception of Passports Tatted. In creating this innovative travel platform, Jarveal sought to transform dreams of global adventure into tangible realities, fostering a community for travel and adventure.

 
 

Colombia 2020

Spain 2019

Thailand 2016

Canada 2013

Australia 2019

Jamaica 2018

Costa Rica 2015

China 2019

Netherlands 2017

Brazil 2014

The Entrepreneur Continued

In 2014, Jarveal spearheaded The Affair Series, a nonprofit born from his desire to boost activism and support local minority communities. Starting with a simple invitation to friends and colleagues for The Big Apple Affair in New York City, the event quickly gained momentum, raising funds for educational causes. The effort was met with success and was recognized by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio in 2015. The Affair Series aimed to empower minority youth through social opportunities and fundraising, embodying a mission of community enrichment and paying it forward.

 
 

More Entrepreneurship

Following his departure from EY, Jarveal embarked on a transformative journey back to his college hometown of Tallahassee, FL, driven by a profound passion for empowering college students to unlock their full potential. Here, he laid the foundation for his visionary venture, The Upgrade University, a dynamic professional development & coaching firm dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering professional growth. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jarveal leveraged his expertise to provide businesses and employees alike with coaching and innovative professional development solutions.

Upgrade University

2017 - 2019

Accomplishments

  • Passports Tatted has guided over 200 attendees on international adventures, securing passport stamps from diverse countries and crafting enduring memories that last a lifetime.

  • Through the Passports Tatted Global Access Grant, Passports Tatted equipped FAMU students with passports, empowering them to pursue their study abroad dreams.

  • Travel Noire, a prominent travel community, spotlighted Passports Tatted's achievements, inspiring Black men and young professionals to explore the world.

  • Building on the success of the Big Apple Affair in 2014, The Affair Series earned recognition from Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City in 2015 for their impactful contributions.

  • Jarveal secured The Upgrade University's inaugural major contract with United Way, tasked with providing professional development and strategic services for their Business Pathways summer internship program.

  • Due to Upgrade University's success, Jarveal was invited to join Keiser University's Advisory Board, offering strategic planning expertise.