Gabrielle Smith is the founder of the iamthenublack culture blog.

Name, location and what do you do? 

My name is Gabrielle Smith (Gabi), I reside in the UK and I’m a graphic designer/owner of arts & culture blog iamthenublack. 

Why are you a global nomad? 

I’m a global nomad because although I reside in the UK for most of the year I’m able to connect and experience the cultures of people from many different countries across the globe. Also, London can be pretty diverse in terms of meeting people who are visiting from different countries and who also now reside here. 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this? 

I started thenublack as a personal project to celebrate Black culture in the UK and to also profile young creatives of African descent like myself. 

What do you hope to achieve? 

I hope that thenublack continues to be one of the go to platforms when it comes to the re-definition of creatives of the African Diaspora. I’d also like to start using it as a platform/charity to educate children about the creative arts. 

How long have you been working on this? 

I started thenublack in October 2008, which is UK Black History Month. 

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project? 

That’s a tough one! I think I’d have to say new artists whose work I love. It’s been so exciting coming across creative people who share the same values, aspirations as I do but are from different parts of the world. 

Where do you see this project in 10 years? 

I’d really like to have an art gallery that houses the works of the artists that I’ve featured. 

When did you start traveling? 

I think I was 19 when I started traveling solo. I need to travel some more though! 

How and why did you travel for the first time? 

I actually traveled and house sat for a family. They were coming to the UK and I was going to DC. I ended up going to Philly and New York City as well which was really fun. 

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak? 

I’ve only lived in the UK but I’m planning to relocate in the next year - I haven’t chosen a destination as yet but I know I’m going somewhere! 

What’s your favorite city so far? 

Another tough one! I really like Amsterdam, and Margherita (which isn’t a city but is an island just of Venezuela). There’s a special place in my heart for New York City as well, lol. I never really used to love it as much as I do now but haven’t traveled to various cities, I really have a love for London. 

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be? 

My camera. Even if I go away for weekend trips that’s the one thing I have to take with me as I know I’m going to see something or someone interesting that I’d want to capture. 

Give us your global nomad profile: 

window or aisle? Depends on how much sleep I’ve had, I usually go with aisle if it’s a short journey, window if I want somewhere to lay my head, lol

boat or plane? Plane. I’m hoping to go on a boat trip this year when I go to Grenada…hopefully I won’t get seasick! 

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? I have a really cool bike so definitely bike

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical with a little bit of sea breeze :)

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? I’ve only really stayed with family and friends when I’ve traveled but I think I’d pick a local’s apartment over a hotel just so I can be in amongst what’s going on in the neighbourhood.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Weekend bag.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore, getting lost in a new city can be exciting. Saying that I do often whip out my iPhone every once in a while to make sure I’m not too lost!