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

Hi Souraya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was simple, I love to travel! When you work for someone else, you’re typically subject to the requirement of asking for permission to take vacations, and unfortunately, your desire to leave may not always align with their plan for you at work or the plans of others who may also desire to take the same time off. I truly enjoy the overall freedom and flexibility of being a business owner.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a highly accomplished speaker and conference host, I have managed to garner widespread recognition for my unparalleled ability to captivate audiences and foster transformative experiences. With an unwavering dedication to empowering individuals, I have stood out as a dynamic force in the realm of public speaking and event management.

What sets my business apart from others is not only my expertise in delivering impactful speeches but also my comprehensive understanding of event coordination. As both a seasoned speaker and experienced conference host, I possess a unique skill set that allows me to seamlessly merge motivational addresses with exceptional event organization. Combining these two elements creates an immersive and unforgettable experience for every attendee of the many conferences I have hosted through the years.

I am incredibly proud of the positive impact my work has had on countless individuals and teams, especially with my most recent venture, W.O.M.E.N. in Leadership Conference Tour. Witnessing people’s personal growth, professional development, and newfound motivation is the most rewarding aspect of what I do. Additionally, being able to contribute to creating extraordinary events where ideas are shared, connections are forged, and inspiration thrives fills me with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Getting to where I am today was by no means easy. Like any journey, it required resilience, perseverance, and the willingness to learn and adapt. Challenges such as establishing myself in such a competitive industry, expanding my network, and continuously honing my skills were ever-present. However, through passion and an unyielding determination to succeed, I embraced these obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. To overcome these challenges, I constantly sought ways to improve myself professionally. I took advantage of every learning opportunity available – reading extensively, attending workshops, collaborating with industry experts, and seeking mentorship. This commitment to ongoing self-improvement allowed me to surpass hurdles and build a solid reputation that inspires trust and confidence in my abilities as a speaker and conference host.

Throughout this journey, I have learned several invaluable lessons. Firstly, authenticity is paramount. By staying true to who I am and maintaining genuine connections with audiences, I have been able to establish lasting relationships and foster meaningful engagements. Secondly, adaptability is crucial. The ability to pivot, embrace change, and tailor my approach to various circumstances has proven instrumental in thriving within the fast-paced world of speaking and hosting events.

Above all, my brand is built upon the principle of transformation through inspiration. I want the world to know that I am unwaveringly committed to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential by prioritizing positive mental health and self-care. My story is one of relentless pursuit, constantly striving for excellence while embracing both success and failure as steppingstones towards growth. Through authentic communication, dynamic event management, and empowering conversations, I aim to leave a lasting impact on every individual I encounter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, since I live in the fabulous city of Las Vegas, NV, this list could truly go on and on forever! However, we’ll narrow it down to this:

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Exploration
– Arrive in Las Vegas and check into your hotel.
– Start the evening by exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip, with its dazzling lights and famous resorts such as Bellagio, Venetian, and Caesars Palace.
– Enjoy a memorable dinner at one of the fine dining establishments along the Strip, like Gordon Ramsay Steak or Nobu.

Day 2: Adventure and Shows
– Begin the day with an adrenaline-filled outdoor activity. Options include zip-lining over Bootleg Canyon or taking an off-road ATV adventure in the nearby desert.
– In the afternoon, visit the Neon Museum to experience the rich history and artistry of vintage Las Vegas signs.
– Catch a world-class performance or show in the evening, whether it’s Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, or a resident artist like Celine Dion or Britney Spears.

Day 3: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience
– Spend the morning exploring downtown Las Vegas and Freemont Street. Visit the Mob Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating gangster past.
– Stop by Container Park, an innovative shopping center built from shipping containers, for unique boutique shopping and delicious eateries.
– At nightfall, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the Fremont Street Experience, witnessing stunning light shows, live music, street performances, and outdoor bars and food.

Day 4: Oasis in the Desert
– Take a break from the city buzz and head out to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic hiking trails amidst stunning rock formations and panoramic vistas.
– Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment in one of Las Vegas’ top-rated spas to rejuvenate before further adventures.
– Finish the evening at one of the many fabulous restaurants inside Red Rock Hotel & Casino and possibly enjoy a nightcap

Day 5: Cultural Experiences
– Explore the arts district near downtown Las Vegas, where you can browse through numerous galleries showcasing local artists’ work.
– Visit the Luxor Hotel & Casino to experience its ancient Egyptian theme and the fascinating Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.
– Dine at a celebrity chef-owned restaurant, such as Giada or Hell’s Kitchen, for a memorable dinner.

Day 6: Thrills and Nightlife
– Spend the day experiencing adrenaline-pumping rides and roller coasters at one of Las Vegas’ famous thrill parks like Adventuredome or Stratosphere Tower.
– In the evening, head to one of Las Vegas’ renowned nightclubs or rooftop bars, like XS or Omnia, to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Day 7: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
– Take an excursion to Hoover Dam, just a short drive outside Las Vegas. Explore the dam’s Visitor Center, learn about its engineering marvel, and capture stunning views along the bypass bridge.
– Continue to Lake Mead National Recreation Area where you can rent a boat or kayak for some water activities.
– End your week with a final dinner overlooking the glittering lights of the Strip from a rooftop restaurant like Top of the World at Stratosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout a few people! First, my mother. She taught me that I cannot get mad about other people’s things. This helped me tremendously in life to work hard for my own so that I wouldn’t have to rely on what someone else could do for me. She also taught me that it takes all kinds of people to make up a world. This was crucial as I grew older and started doing business because I understand that everyone is different, thinks differently, and responds & reacts differently, and this allows me to be able to navigate multiple personality types. Second, I would love to thank Mrs. Diana England and the now deceased, Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke. These women poured so much encouragement and positivity into me as a child, that, had it not been for them doing that, I may not have survived my childhood. Lastly, I am sending a huge shoutout to the dynamic women in my community who silently mentored me through their actions and the way they showed up, Denise Dixon, Eboni Nicole, and Jackie Morrison.

Charlene Ridley, one of my closest friends, prayer partners and a true testament to the strength God in our weakness. Karen Williams, another very close friend, and amazing relationship coach who is the epitome of how well diligently seeking your goals pays off. Nina Gaines, an amazing woman of God who always keeps me covered in prayer and supports me fiercely. My incredible daughters, Alyssa Lloyd and Daija Hood who vehemently go after their dreams and are making history along the way. Sheana Pickett, my bestie and one of my oldest and dearest friends. She is a true rock in my world and I can’t imagine doing life without her in it. Lastly, I would like to shout out Harlynn Goolsby-Wright, Belinda Washington, Abriana Tuller, and all of the phenomenal women who have supported me, spoken at my conferences, referred my name, or genuinely had my back over the years. There is great love in my heart for all of you.

  

Website: www.sourayachristine.com

Instagram: @sourayaspeaks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourayaspeaks

Twitter: @sourayachristin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/souraya.christine/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MondayMorningPodcastShow

Image Credits
ShotsbyMoses

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