Santorini Queen, also known as Shanice Nthenya Winnie, stands as the lone Kenyan resident on the picturesque Greek Island of Santorini, where she not only lives but also manages and co-owns Romani Tours. This travel agency, situated in the charming town of Perissa, specializes in offering tourists a range of services, including car rentals, boat rentals, and accommodation….CONTINUE READING
In a recent interview with Travel YouTuber Iam Marwa, Shanice shared the unique position she holds on the island as one of the few Africans residing there, along with her daughter. Her journey to Santorini stems from a deep-rooted desire for a more fulfilling life beyond the borders of her native Kenya.
Hailing from the Nyanza region and orphaned at a young age, Shanice’s early life experiences taught her the value of hard work. Motivated by the pursuit of greener pastures, she decided to venture abroad, settling initially in Athens, Greece. Her introduction to European life brought with it the realization of the need for various documents to access essential services.
During her stay in Athens, Shanice, a fervent travel enthusiast, frequently explored the Greek Islands, including Santorini. Interestingly, a chance encounter during one of her visits led to a life-changing connection – her future husband. In an unexpected turn of events, she was offered a job at his company as a salesperson, a role contingent on her ability to drive.
Their professional relationship blossomed into a personal one, and years later, Shanice and her husband have not only explored numerous destinations together but have also steered Romani Tours to become a reputable travel company. The business now boasts over 100 accommodation rooms and villas, a fleet of 200 rental cars, and a workforce of 20 employees in Santorini.
Despite her success, Shanice candidly reflects on the challenges she faces as the only black person in Santorini. Instances of prejudice and racism from some tourists visiting the agency underscore the complexities of her position. Clients often express surprise when she reveals herself as the manager, expecting to negotiate with someone else.
As a parting piece of advice, Shanice urges young African women not to be swayed by stereotypes about relationships with white men and cautions against assuming financial security without hard work. She emphasizes the importance of changing mindsets, asserting that success requires dedication and effort, irrespective of one’s relationship status.
