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Shay Mitchell‘s first major role in Hollywood was in “Pretty Little Liars” as Emily Fields. In 2018, she starred in the first season of Netflix’s “YOU” as Peach Salinger. That same year, she launched BÉIS, a brand that has since redefined the luggage market.
Eight years later, she’s upheld her career as an actress, and BÉIS is stronger than ever, so it’s time to take on a new role as Capital One Travel’s first-ever Travel Ambassador. Mitchell’s appointment coincides with the new Capital One Landing at New York City’s LaGuardia airport, set to officially open its doors to the public on Feb. 18.
As the founder and CEO of BÉIS, travel is a vertical Mitchell is more than familiar with. Having previously collaborated with Capital One at Cannes Lions and Miami Art Week, and as a longtime fan of the company, this is a move that feels natural to her. “There’s just been lots of synergy,” she says, citing similarities between Capital One and BÉIS. Among these similarities is customer consideration, something that Mitchell has championed through her own brand from day one. She notes that, like BÉIS, Capital One “listen[s] to them, they hear things, and they make the experience even better.”
Mitchell speaks from experience. On a nightmare travel day, where her flight was first delayed, and subsequently cancelled at 2 in the morning, the only open, 24/7 lounge in the airport was Capital One. “This,” she says, “is what sets them apart from everywhere else, from everybody else.”
Other thoughtful details abound at the new LaGuardia lounge, like luggage nooks and a power outlet at every seat (not to mention a menu developed in partnership with the José Andrés Group). Perhaps this is why when asked about the most common marketplace feedback she’s received and taken to heart, she replies with one word: ease.
“We’re so busy,” she acknowledges, at once about BÉIS but also about the world in general. While some things may seem minuscule, like scanning a QR code to order food for your table, checking how busy the airport lounge is ahead of time, and comfortably storing your carry-on – all things offered at the new LGA lounge – they make a huge difference.
Mitchell’s Capital One partnership comes on the heels of several well-received BÉIS collaborations, notably one with Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty that Mitchell says mirrors her intentions with Capital One.
For Mitchell, when it comes to travel, accessibility and attention to detail are key. Gomez, along with the rest of her team at Rare Beauty, also “thought about their customer first,” Mitchell shares. The actress explains how they specifically created products that are easy to open, catering to anyone who may not have the strength or ability to open and use those items in different packaging. “Taking that extra step to consider the customer before they’ve even asked for it, or known that they need it, was something really telling,” she explains.
Carry-On Travel Set
This bestselling set pairs a carry-on rolling suitcase with a duffle bag (that can tuck under the seat in front of you)
Mitchell likely has other BÉIS collaborations on the horizon, but for now, her focus is working alongside the Capital One team, serving as both a strategic and creative partner. Speaking on her goals for this collaboration, and for her own brand, she says, “I want things to feel premium, but not intimidating.” Consumers can expect BÉIS integration into the partnership as well, with additional details being revealed throughout the year.
For Mitchell, all these things mean that her “experience of a trip starts from the beginning,” just the way it should be.