About Us
Built for Us. Powered by Us.
Meet the Founders
Guanah Davis and Dr. Lisa Davis are the husband-and-wife team behind Smiles by Design Travel. Together, they've built several successful businesses, all rooted in care, community, and cultural pride including their renowned dental practice, Smiles by Design Dentistry.
Both are proud graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities:
Guanah is an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Lisa Davis is an alumna of the prestigious Hampton University and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Their lifelong commitment to service, excellence, and empowerment is woven into everything they do from their professional careers to their global impact through travel. Now, with a shared passion for exploration and a deep love for the African diaspora, they've expanded their legacy to create unforgettable journeys around the world.
Founders & Visionaries
Why We Created Smiles by Design Travel
As global citizens and proud Black Americans, we've spent years exploring the richness of the African diaspora—from the vibrant pulse of Cape Town to the spiritual stillness of Zanzibar, the rhythm of the Caribbean to the elegance of Paris. We've sailed the British Virgin Islands on a private yacht, explored the vibrant streets of Jamaica, relaxed in the Bahamas, cruised through the Dominican Republic, and soaked in the beauty of Turks and Caicos. Our journeys have also taken us to Bermuda, Haiti, Mexico, Aruba, St. Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, and Durban, South Africa, all while embracing culture, luxury, and meaningful connections with people across the globe.
And everywhere we traveled, we noticed one thing:
There wasn't enough travel experiences crafted with us in mind.
So, we built what we couldn't find:
A luxury travel company that understands our stories, celebrates our roots, and curates journeys that feel like coming home, even thousands of miles away.
Our Mission
We create travel experiences that connect, restore, and empower people of African descent. Whether you're returning to the continent for the first time or exploring the world with a new sense of pride, every Smiles by Design journey is about more than just a vacation—it's about legacy, identity, joy, and belonging.
What Makes Us Different
Built for Us, Powered by Us
Every trip is curated through the lens of Black excellence, heritage, and joy.
Curated, Not Crowded
We personally design every itinerary, selecting destinations, hotels, and experiences that are meaningful, safe, and enriching.
Luxury with Soul
Yes, we offer 5-star experiences—but we also offer healing, laughter, sisterhood, brotherhood, and purpose.
Family-Founded, Purpose-Driven
We're not just a travel agency; we're a movement for the Diaspora.
What You Can Expect
Thoughtfully curated group trips and custom itineraries
VIP service with a cultural lens
Exclusive access to Black-owned businesses abroad
Experiences that educate, inspire, and transform
Moments that become lifelong memories
Our Invitation to You
Smiles By Design Travel is more than a company; it's a calling.
We invite you to travel intentionally, luxuriously, and unapologetically.
Reclaim your joy. Reconnect with your roots.
And let your journey begin with a smile.