Meet Sherria Hester | Activity Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherria Hester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
At this point in my life I’ve learned that taking risks does not always result in failure. Part of my Master’s degree studies included risk and facility management. Your plan or vision is everything! That’s what drives you through the uncertainty, doubts, and challenges. Every day we wake up we are among risks and have the choice to live in fear or we can view them as opportunities and challenges to grow and be better.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an entrepreneur, I provide event and hospitality services such as event coordination and bartending. As a career professional, I currently serve as an activity director. I plan to obtain the few credits I lack to become a certified recreation therapist. I believe I stand out due to my educational, and athletic background, upbringing, and one of kind spirit. Working with adolescents who struggle with behavioral, addiction and mental health challenges has really motivated me personally and professionally. I’ve been so proud to see a lot of people overcome challenges and re-enter their journeys with a renewed perspective and outlook on life. It’s easy to get caught up with worldly desires and become selfish these days because our own journeys. What I’ve realized is my skillset, knowledge and experiences are enough to cultivate not only impactful experiences but a safe space. For example, if I had therapist credentials during the time Ja Morant was trending outside of basketball. (By the way, I’m excited to see him return to the Pinewood!) I would’ve loved to extend my therapeutic recreation services to him to work through whatever it was he was experiencing during that moment and afterwards. To whom much is given, much is required. So nothing is easy but we overcome by not overlooking the joy in life. I’m looking forward to curating experiences that incorporate mental health, entertainment and sports moving forward. There are so many people that can connect and heal in non traditional settings like an office. Most haven’t been exposed to it so people aren’t aware they can work through addiction and other issues through music, animals, creativity, etc. I hope to be that bridge especially in underserved communities. Meanwhile, I’d still pursue my goals of modeling and curating memorable events with top tier hospitality. My brand and story is developing and being displayed in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This interview alone is helping me narrate what’s happening! I look forward to my next chapter that I’m calling my Mamba year, shoutout to the late great Kobe Bryant. I got here as a result of sheer grit and grind, like a Grizzly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend were to visit me, they would have to join me at Esco Memphis. I haven’t been yet and I’m excited to try the menu and support because I’m a big 2 Chainz fan. I supported the Atlanta location and he happened to pop up and perform that day! Then we’d go the art and park gems. Depending on the weather, a lunch at Tom Lee Park too! If we’re looking to shoe shop I have some places saved to my Instagram board we should to checkout. We obviously have to eat some wings at least 3 times that week too because wing are my lifeline and there’s a lot of spots in Memphis that touches my soul. If it’s Grizzly season, we’re going to a game and kick it on Beale of course. We’ll learn a few line dances in the house or we’ll find a place even if it’s outside. We can do a lot of free stuff or treat ourselves. I love nature, learning and creativity. Basically, my bestie would have all the vibes checked and secured.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a forever loved dedicated shoutout to my one and only sweetheart of a nephew, Khailan. That little boy has fueled my fire and desire to win in life to another level. I’d like to also shoutout the the new people who’ve made an impact in my life over the past 3 years and the ones who’ve stood with me from the day they’ve met me. I’m thankful for their unwavering love and support near and afar. Shout out to my incarcerated loved ones as well as those who’ve gained their wings. Each of them are the thoughts and people that keep me going daily and reminded of why I’m above ground. It’s bigger than me!.

Facebook: The Surreal Experience

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sherriahester531?si=ea67z4O6Harv-85k

Other: https://linktr.ee/bookwithtse

Image Credits
Photos by Zo https://www.instagram.com/_photosbyzo._?igsh=MTE2cXQxaDNkeWVlcw== Kyle Fitzpatrick https://www.instagram.com/throwing__fitz?igsh=MTRjMWlsYmp1cjFyOA== David Sanford https://www.instagram.com/reciprocitytv23?igsh=aDBrOHV6Zm9qNXl0 Dan Burch