This Exec Got Her Start In Baggage Claim. Now She’s The VP Of The Largest Privately-Owned Airline
Sherrexcia "Rexy" Rolle is the 29-year-old woman taking Western Air to new heights, and it's all thanks to her badass business savvy.
For those of you who might not know, Western Air Limited is the largest black privately-owned airline in the Bahamas and Rexy runs it. Rexy, who is also a business attorney, currently serves as the Vice President of Operations and General Counsel for the thriving airline. Having accomplished VP status, as well as oversee the growth and expansion of the $90 million company all before 30, there's no wonder Rexy is going viral for her accomplishments!
In an industry dominated by men, Rexy is both entrepreneur goals and the definition of black excellence. The aviation czar is redefining what an executive looks like while encouraging other women to be themselves while breaking the mold in their respective field.
I was so motivated when I saw Rexy Rolle's story that I knew that I had to connect with her and learn more about how she has achieved a dream that some would think is impossible. I had the opportunity to speak to Rexy and she shared her story and phenomenal tips for women trying to making it in this entrepreneur game. Check out our Q and A with the top exec below.
Is it challenging being an executive in an industry where women are not as represented as men?
The lack of diversity in aviation is what makes me work harder and it gave me the adrenaline rush to compete on a higher level. Executive positions in the airline industry (e.g. pilots, mechanics, dispatchers) are overwhelmingly dominated by males, so for women searching for those high positions, they are often automatically looked down on as not being technologically informed.
You do have to be ten times more informed. You do have to be prepared for people to purposefully challenge you because they feel that you may not be aware of what you're doing. I always take my time to prepare in advance to know what we're going to be discussing because there is always someone around to try and challenge your qualifications. I'm okay with having to be three times as good as the next person because I'm not going to let anyone keep me from living my dream. I've wanted this since I was a little girl.
"I'm okay with having to be three times as good as the next person because I'm not going to let anyone keep me from living my dream."
When did you fall in love with entrepreneurship?
I was an inquisitive first grader and I remember going to school and the kids would always talk about what their mother did for a living. After hearing classmates boast about their parent's jobs at school, I went home and asked my mother what she did for a living. At the time, my mother, who gave birth to me at only 16 years old, said, "Well, I take care of you." In response, and this was me being a naive first grader, I said, "That's nothing!"
It was at that moment that I vowed to be a successful independent business woman. In hindsight, I owed my mother an apology for not understanding how difficult and honorable it is to be a full-time mom and wife. It was also a deeply personal wake up moment for my mother who took in my words and decided to push herself beyond her own limitations. Not too long after that conversation, my mother motivated herself to go back to school and receive a life-changing college education. She also encouraged me to dream beyond my wildest imagination, traditions, and gender.
There is an assumption that because your company is a family-based airline, that you may have just been given your position. What do you say to that?
That's not true. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. When I was a young girl, I worked as a baggage handler after school. Back then, the airline had its ups and downs. There were constant delays and management issues, but we learned from all of this and remained resilient. I went to school. I studied my field. I put in a lot of work. Believe me, there's nothing easy about my journey.
We all know entrepreneurship can be a little difficult. What is a tip you can offer budding female entrepreneurs?
My number one tip is you definitely have to have passion for what you do. You must love your work. You're going to hit so many roadblocks and encounter people who are 100% not going to believe in the vision you have. Or, just in the day to day business dealings, whether it's government agencies or other private businesses, you're constantly going to be challenged. So, if you do not have that passion for the specific niche that you're in, you will fade.
Number two, find allies. That doesn't necessarily mean somebody who is going to finance your dream, but finding someone who believes in it just as much as you do. Find a group of women who can support you and push you to be great. The circle you keep is a profound reflection of how successful you will be.
"If you do not have that passion for the specific niche that you're in, you will fade."
Do you think the diversity challenges in aviation are based on race, gender, or both?
Although it is definitely rare to see black women in the aviation industry, me living on the Islands, I believe the disconnect is more so based on gender. The aviation community is booming with so many underrated careers. I've noticed an increase of female dispatchers and ground support agents, but I have been pushing for administrative and executive positions as well. I also encourage people to forget any qualms about being underqualified for a technologically-driven field and pursue aviation just like any other industry that may interest you. There is always training, there is always educational support. If you want to get in aviation, please just do it!
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of?
I helped open the Bahamas' first private passenger terminal. I suggested adding even more routes and planes, and I'm now working towards obtaining my own pilot's license. Most importantly, for someone like me who started off as a baggage handler, it was crucial for me to take advantage of all opportunities that were presented to me.
I could have gone in two directions with watching this airline grow up as I grew up: either assuming it's there at my fingertips, or really taking a stance of wanting to improve upon what's already there. I wish for everyone to do the same in their lives. Take time to grow and learn every day. That's how you become great!
For more Rexy Rolle, keep up with her social media by following her on Instagram.
- Rexy Rolle | Airline Exec | Aviation, Business Attorney ›
- Rexy (@rexyisland) • Instagram photos and videos ›
- Sherrexcia 'Rexy' Rolle '14 is the VP of Operations and General ... ›
- 29-year-old woman running the largest black-owned airline in the ... ›
- Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle Runs The Largest Privately-Owned Airline ... ›
- Meet Rexy Rolle The Woman In Charge Of The Largest Black ... ›
- 29-year-old Bahamian airline owner continues family tradition ... ›
Abesi Manyando is a Journalist, Public Relations Specialist and Creative Writer obsessed with culture, art, and music. She intermixed her degree in business management and marketing with her love for writing to form the popular PR & Branding Development firm, Abesi PR eight years ago. She is now making art and writing her priority and is working on an upcoming children's book and creative projects that move her soul. You can follow Abesi on Instagram @abesipr and her blog, 7thandlotus.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Playa del Carmen is the perfect vacation getaway for anyone who loves beautiful beaches, delicious food, and fun activities. Located on the Caribbean Sea side of Mexico, PDC is nestled right between the spring break hub Cancun and the growing hotspot Tulum. Oftentimes overlooked for some of the other popular cities, I found Playa del Carmen to have just as much in terms of vacation necessities, with a more local and authentic Mexican feel.
The Ultimate Guide to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is perfect for a solo traveler looking to spend a few days in paradise or the group chat that wants to hang on the beach all day and turn up at night. I found the area to have a little bit of everything for everyone, so here’s my guide on where to eat, stay, and play for the ultimate Playa del Carmen vacation.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get to Playa del Carmen is to fly into Cancun Airport and then make your way south. You can rent a car and drive the one hour down to PDC, take a taxi, or you can catch the ADO bus, which will cost you less than $40 roundtrip. Overall, Playa del Carmen is an easy and safe city to navigate. If you stay on or close to Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), you’ll be within walking distance to a ton of stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Most taxi rides were between 100 and 150 pesos, which is less than $10 USD. Renting a car is also an option, but with things being very walkable and taxis being fairly inexpensive, it’s not a necessity. Another great way to get around is bikes, which you can rent to use throughout the city.
Stay
The Thompson Hotel is for the folks who know that where you stay on vacation absolutely does matter. This luxury property offers chic rooms and upscale suites, onsite restaurants, and a spa for those who are looking to pamper themselves. One of the standout features of this property is the rooftop infinity pool, which has 360-degree views of the city and is absolutely stunning. This is your type of hotel if you value immaculate views, delicious eats, prime location, and live DJs.
Grand Hyatt offers a prime beachfront location, while also being steps away from the mix on Quinta Avenida. I like that this property allows you to take in the calm beauty of the Caribbean, while also being in close proximity to the action within the city. You get both authentic Mexican food and some international fare at the resort restaurants, and this property also has an infinity pool that gives views of the ocean.
Airbnb
If you don’t have the funds to spend on a hotel stay, but still want clean and comfortable accommodations, do not overlook Airbnb. You can find super reasonably priced apartments close to the strip that will leave you in the heart of all the action. Many of these buildings feature 24-hour security, infinity pools, top-notch gyms, and rooftop bars. This is a great way to save some money, while not sacrificing the quality of the accommodations you like.
Eat
One of the best parts of being near the Caribbean Sea is having access to fresh seafood, and Ictio Fish House is the place to go for it. Located just a block off of the 5th Avenida strip, this small seafood restaurant is a quieter change compared to some of the busier and more touristy restaurants located directly on the strip. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available, but if you can snag a spot at the bar, the service is top notch and you can watch the bartender put together your craft cocktail.
Everything they serve is delicious and tastes authentic, so you really can't go wrong when ordering. But to start, the crispy jumbo shrimp and calamari are perfect for sharing. Other must-try dishes are the garlic butter catch of the day and the adobo-styled octopus.
El Fogon
Ask anyone for a recommendation for the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, and I promise you they will point you to El Fogon. You know a spot is good when it’s filled with just as many locals as tourists, and there’s a line outside at 1 p.m. This no-frills spot serves up authentic Mexican favorites like el pastor tacos, chicken quesadillas, guacamole, and margaritas. Every dish comes with the fixings and is not only super filling but extremely affordable. You can easily get a full meal and a drink for less than $20 USD. They have more than one location, so you can taste some of their delicious tacos no matter what part of PDC you stay in.
L&L by Lara&Luca
Before you hit the beach for day drinking, you need a hearty breakfast from L&L to start your day. This cute cafe is the smaller “sister” restaurant to Lara&Luca, another popular breakfast and lunch cafe in Playa. I liked that L&L is less busy and more laid back than the other location. They serve up typical breakfast and lunch items such as eggs, coffee, sandwiches, and French toast.
My favorite item was the ham and cheese croissant, which could be enjoyed on their outdoor seating or taken to enjoy on the go. They also have yummy pastries, but these sell out quickly, so be sure to go early.
El Pirata
If you’re a fried fish lover like me and appreciate sea-to-table service, El Pirata is the place to go. This restaurant is tucked away towards the end of the main 5th Avenida strip, so you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it. The restaurant serves up a plethora of tasty dishes like fresh ceviche, garlic shrimp, and shrimp empanadas, and has a full beverage menu for your libation needs. However, the fried fish is truly the star of the show.
When you order, they bring to your table a few of the fresh fish that were caught that day and allow you to choose which lucky one you want them to fry for you. And let me tell you, picking your own fried fish just hits different! It was one of my favorite meals in Playa del Carmen.
Play
Food Tour
There are so many delicious places to eat in Playa del Carmen so taking a local food tour is the best way to try a little bit of everything. I love taking food tours when I travel because not only is it a great way to try a range of different local dishes, but the tour guides usually give you a history lesson during the tour where you learn more about the history of certain dishes and the country as a whole. In Playa Del Carmen, I took a local food tour with GetYourGuide, where we stopped at several different locations for tacos, fresh fruit juice, tamales, and more.
I value it when there’s a local leading the tour because it’s a way to support the locals and also learn things that only people native to the location would know. While we walked, the guide shared a lot of insight about Mexico and Playa del Carmen, while giving recommendations for places to eat during our trip.
Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes or underground caverns that have pools of water in which you can explore, dive, and swim in. You will find cenotes all around Mexico, but there are several in the Playa del Carmen region. Cenotes vary in size and also the depth of water, so even if you don’t know how to swim, you can find a cenote to explore at your own comfort level. Two beautiful cenotes you can explore near PDC are Cenote Azul and Cenote Dos Ojos.
Cenote Azul is perfect for snorkeling because of the crystal clear waters that allow you to see the colorful fish and plant life underneath. Cenote Dos Ojos is perfect for explorers due to the mesmerizing underground caverns and rock formations throughout. You can take a trip to the cenotes on your own or book a tour that may take you to several different cenotes.
Beaches
Playa Del Carmen has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, so beach hopping is a must while vacationing in the area. Whether you want a chill, relaxing beach day or you are thinking of jet skiing on the blue waters, there is a beach for you. There are several beaches along the coast of Playa del Carmen, some that are within walking distance of most hotels, and others that you may need to travel to get to but are totally worth it.
Playa Mamitas is one of the most popular beaches in PDC due to its location near the heart of the city, and also because of the crystal clear waters and white sand. Playa Mamitas is also a great spot for entertainment and the occasional beach party for the folks wanting to turn up. Playacar Beach is another great option that is located in the upscale Playacar neighborhood, south of downtown Playa del Carmen.
It is known for its pristine beauty and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and seclusion. Other beaches to consider are Punta Esmeralda and Xpu-ha Beach, so you’ll have an option for every day of your trip, depending on your mood.
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