Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherria Hester.
Hi Sherria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was born in Clarksville, Tennessee but raised in Hopkinsville (aka Hoptown), Kentucky. My athletic background and collegiate experience heavily contributed to where I am today.
Sports saved me from focusing on things that could’ve led me to be a negative statistic. It was easier for me to pay less attention to the distractions around me and my environment because I was told my athletic ability would be my “ticket” to see a world outside of Hoptown.
In fact, the friends who have turned into family throughout the years are also the reason I have been able to travel nationally and internationally. Sports was also a confidence booster for me. I didn’t grow up with high self-esteem. Therefore, I counted myself out and settled for less than I deserved at times. That has very much changed since learning to wholeheartedly love myself.
As for college, the networking and professional skills I developed were essential to navigating the world beyond sports. I am a proud bachelor’s and master’s degree holder from Western Kentucky University.
I’ve encountered numerous traumatic experiences that built character and shaped me into a resilient, persevering, and courageous person,
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The smoothest part about my life was the fact I always had breath in my body, a roof over my head, and food on the table, even if that was a struggle to have or maintain… I had it.
I’ve slept on couches, I’ve slept on air mattresses, and I’ve even considered sleeping in my car in the past. This does not discount the fact that I’ve also had great people in my corner who opened their arms and homes for me to get on my feet. Nothing has been handed to me no matter how easy I make what I do and have look.
I know how it feels to not get much financial or emotional support from those you expected it from in order to make something of yourself.
My top 3 biggest struggles in my life have been accepting I will never have a strong relationship with certain biological family members (unless something miraculous happens), racial and gender biases from superiors, and working my way up the ladder in the workforce including the corporate level.
The third struggle was the overcoming inevitable… life happens… deaths/tragedy, break-ups, and the pandemic which hindered plans that were in motion at those times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I work in admissions for Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Most of my professional background is related to parks and recreation, special events, and administration. My specialty is “getting things done creatively, effectively, and being very attentive to detail.”
I take pride in being a team player and going above and beyond. I never settle for the bare minimum for myself and others by making the most of what I have and know. It’s pretty much never-ending because as I identify opportunities for myself, I identify them for others without prompt.
That’s what sets me apart. You can basically find me behind the scenes of a lot of things ranging from sports, entertainment, and community events. I’m a somewhat alike magician and appear in many places sometimes, lol.
In 2018, I started my own event planning, hospitality, and promotions business, The Surreal Experience. In college, I was the friend that had a cookout or some sort of spread for a celebration, the playoffs, or just because. I’ve always had a “mama bear” mentality meaning making sure those around me were taken care of and enjoying themselves in peace.
I used to be a waitress on summer breaks between college semesters at sports bars, some say I never meet a stranger and create a fun experience no matter where I am. I’m still wondering how I was so broke in college but had the time of my life. I’m so excited to see Duke Deuce at an event I’m bartending at soon!
In terms of administration, I can be contracted short and long-term to handle event planning logistics, administrative tasks (email/phone correspondences, documentation, etc.), and more. I am an assistant for a Nashville-based independent record label founded by Jackson native, Producer J Joy.
I am truly a TN Volunteer at heart (not talking sports), serving as a proud member of a Nashville-based non-profit organization, Serving Souls, NGO. You can also find me working behind the scenes right now for the Shop Black City Tour (check out the website, we may be in a city near you!).
Things tend to fall in my lap at times like modeling/promotion opportunities, thanks to a longtime college friend and Memphis native, Justin Shaw, who is always camera ready when I call. It’s amazing how things have come full circle, the things I dreamed about I’m involved with in some way and they tie into each other. I am always in the know.
Promotional services and experiences include modeling and music video features. My biggest feature has over 10k views on Youtube featuring Frostbyte and MJG (Thank you Q Bosolini)! I am also a co-host on Global Homie Radio on the station head platform.
This is another opportunity that I landed from the introduction of a mutual connection.ts.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My ability to critically think and quickly adapt to any situation has been the most important to my success.
I have found myself in some very questionable times and could’ve fumbled or settled for what life was handing me at that moment. I am a resourceful hustler, I will meet my goals without having to compromise my morals, values, and integrity.
I don’t want to be the only one to win, I want those around me to win as well. That energy continually comes back around in more ways than one. I’m so grateful for walking in my purpose with great people around me.
Pricing:
- Bartending/Hospitality starting at $15 per hour.
- Administrative Services start at $25 per hour.
- Promotional Services packages start at $75.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookwithtse@gmail.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bookwithtse
Image Credits
Justin Shaw, Kyle Fitzpatrick, John Harofilis, Harlownikkolephotography, and Big AK Films
