With the rising cost of nearly everything — from groceries to gas — travelers are increasingly seeking new spaces to enjoy the luxury experiences they’ve grown accustomed to. While some look internationally for their rest and relaxation thrills, those who grew up or frequented the country’s Southeastern coast know the tranquility that lies right at home.

Two HBCU graduates, Dr. Tiffani Bailey Lash, a Hampton University alum, and Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, a Shaw University graduate, are two businesswomen who will admit falling in love with one beach town that holds as much Black history as its coastline stretches.

The co-founders behind Tilair Capital, Dr. Lash and Dr. Dubroy, are bringing their wisdom to ensure the legacy of Black beach ownership continues in the Atlantic Beach area. Over the years, the friends turned co-founders found a way to make investing together work while maintaining the importance of friendship.

The two initially connected nearly two decades ago during their Ph.D. studies in chemistry at NC State University. They have since collaborated on several ventures, including a hair care brand (Tea and Honey Blends), an upscale salon (Element Beauty Bar), and a charity (The Brilliant and Beautiful Foundation). Their newest venture, Tilair Capital, is an investment firm with its sights set on the preservation of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina.

Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy and Dr. Tiffani Bailey Lash — Tilair Capital

A Safe Haven Legacy For Black Beachgoers In South Carolina

Nicknamed “The Black Pearl,” Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, served as a safe space during a time when segregation laws prevented Black people from accessing other beaches in the area. Although Charleston is most well-known for its place in Gullah Geechee heritage, the corridor of the West and Central-African-rooted subculture also runs through the region.

In its heyday, descendants of enslaved people found the humble four-block beachfront stretch a place to call home and begin building their legacy. These Black men and women opened hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and novelty shops as the town gained popularity among Black travelers. From its establishment in the 1930s through its peak in the 1940s and 1950s, Atlantic Beach was a go-to vacation spot for Black families on the East Coast.

It also served as the nearest place to legally use hotel facilities for Black musicians and performers like Count Basie, Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, and James Brown. After performing for white audiences in Myrtle Beach venues, these and other legendary artists would drive just a few miles down the road. There, they performed after-hours sets for non-segregated crowds and found a welcoming community of restaurants and hotels.

Like the fate of many spaces created for Black people during segregation, the town saw the decline of its famed status beginning in the 1970s. As Black beachgoers began exploring nearby Myrtle Beach, which was previously off-limits, and other once-restricted beaches, Atlantic Beach became less of an East Coast staple summer vacation for Black families. To date, Atlantic Beach proudly remains the nation’s only Black-owned, oceanfront historically Black beach. Most of the town’s prime real estate — from hotels and shops to nightclubs — remains in Black ownership.

Reclaiming The Nostalgic Joy Of Atlantic Beach

After discovering the area and hearing about it from neighbors and friends, Lash and Dubroy decided to invest in the indescribably special beach town. The warm, welcoming community, beach proximity, and enduring heritage of a Black-owned beach town in America were enough to persuade the friends-turned-business partners to embark on their long-term investment in the region.

Lash and Dubroy are two of a growing number of new residents who have purchased investment properties or migrated from other parts of the country. While they are eager to contribute to preserving the area’s legacy, they also want to ensure the voices of generations of natives continue to be heard.

Reflecting on the heartwarming, storied history of the area, Dubroy shares with Travel Noire. “Anytime we say we’re in Atlantic Beach, there’s always someone that says, ‘I remember going to Atlantic Beach.’ It’s beautiful to see people come back every year and bring their families.”

“We’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard, Hilton Head, [and] other places, but it’s something about the culture in Atlantic Beach that’s a little different,” she continues.

Serenity By The Beach

Tillair Capital - Front of Home — Tilair Capital

The sweat equity and financial investment Lash and Dubroy are putting into their Atlantic Beach projects is about land and legacy. Investors and moms, the business partners are clear that their investment in the area isn’t merely about financial gains. Crafting their first residential project into an idyllic beach home, Serenity by Tilair is the first glimpse at how they envision carrying the torch of Black beach ownership.

Serenity by Tilair is the firm’s premier rental property where the HBCU grads curate experiences for guests. A property both women share they would reside in themselves, Serenity by Tilair is a seven-bedroom, six-and-a-half bathroom residence. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool and shower, gas grill, and game room with a pool table. Accompanied by a pre-arrival concierge experience, Tilair’s service goes above any short-term rental you’ll find on an app. Whether you want groceries stocked in advance or a private dinner, their team can handle the details of your stay.

They have also made the property fit for outdoorsy types and those seeking somewhere to retreat. Its bright, airy setting and modern amenities make it a readymade accommodation for large groups like families, wellness retreats, or bachelor/bachelorette celebrations.

Only a block away from the beach, golf carts are also available to explore the Atlantic coast. The visionaries behind the impressive property promise easy living at this stateside stay that feels like an island getaway.

“The reason why we call the property serenity is because every time we visited, that’s how it felt — serene,” Dubroy shares. “The legacy is unmatched and there are still generations of people who can speak to that legacy. They speak about being born in Atlantic Beach and you can’t help but have those stories resonate with you when you’re there.”

Envisioning A Revitalized Future For Atlantic Beach

Anticipating future expansion, the legacy builders are prepared to help other private equity partners make meaningful investments in the community. For Lash and Dubroy, the pending transformation and potential for Atlantic Beach’s revitalization keeps them excited for what’s to come.

“We’re looking for compassionate business owners who understand how our community thrives and understand how the investment dollars have to follow that passion,” Lash emphasizes. “We had to wait to purchase land – until someone was ready to sell. That land has been passed on from generation to generation, so it is a compassionate effort.”

In addition to plans for more residential development, Tilair Capital is also focusing on opportunities to develop commercial spaces. Dubroy believes giving residents and visitors more reasons to support local businesses is one way to keep Atlantic Beach thriving.

“The commercial aspect of Atlantic Beach will help generate revenue,” she shares. “When you have more people coming to the area, they want to have restaurants [and] nightlife. Instead of going to North Myrtle Beach [or] the surrounding area, we’d love to keep it in Atlantic Beach.”