Episode 7

Vibin' with Sea Turtles: A Solo Journey with Shannon Walker

Published on: 11th February, 2025

Happy Black History Month! Grace Simmons welcomes Shannon Walker, host of Your Hair Made Simple, to discuss the intersection of solo travel, natural hair journeys, and confidence-building. Shannon shares how an international trip as a teen kickstarted her natural hair journey and how solo travel helped her build resilience, embrace change, and step into new experiences with confidence. From navigating Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes to embracing self-care on the road, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to travel solo and grow along the way.

Episode Highlights:

  • How an international trip led to Shannon’s natural hair transformation.
  • The connection between hair, identity, and travel for Black women.
  • The importance of self-care and confidence while traveling.
  • Planning and budgeting tips for solo travel.
  • How embracing solo travel can lead to personal breakthroughs.

Learn a little more about Shannon Walker:

Shannon Walker is the Founder and Podcast Host of Your Hair Made Simple, a platform dedicated to sharing authentic stories and information to help people embrace their natural hair with clarity, confidence, and courage. She is also the founder of Elise Enablement Services, where she facilitates strategy development and planning workshops for entrepreneurs and leadership teams. With a professional background in Strategy, Enablement, and Operations, and a foundation in Business and Education, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. An adventurer and a lover of life, she finds joy in exploring new places and inspiring others to embrace their journey with confidence.

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About the Podcast

Random and Wonderful: Conversations about Travel Anxiety, Wellness, and Mindset Shifts
Travel Stories That Inspire Bold Living
Travel isn’t just about new places—it’s about personal growth, mindset shifts, and embracing the unknown. Hosted by Grace Simmons, a confidence coach and travel enthusiast, this podcast is your go-to guide for overcoming travel anxiety, building confidence, and discovering the wellness practices that make travel transformative.

Each episode blends inspiring travel stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you step out of your comfort zone and travel with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time traveler feeling hesitant or an experienced explorer seeking deeper self-discovery through adventure, you’ll find encouragement, motivation, and real-world advice here.

Expect engaging interviews with travelers, mindset and wellness experts, and personal stories about navigating fear, finding freedom, and embracing joy on the road. Grace’s down-to-earth approach makes travel feel accessible, empowering you to explore the world without self-doubt holding you back.

New episodes every other Tuesday! Hit subscribe to join the journey, and don’t forget to share your own random and wonderful travel moments on IG @random.wonderful.

About your host

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Grace Simmons

Hi there friend,

I'm Grace Simmons! I teach women to travel with intention, from sacrificing their dreams to confidently creating a life that reflects joy, curiosity, and growth. My journey from a U.S. Army Veteran to a travel mindset coach and entrepreneur taught me resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others unlock their full potential. I founded the Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC to empower individuals to discover new personal and professional horizons.

Listen to the Random & Wonderful Podcast, where I share travel stories, interview other travelers, and offer confidence-building tips.

You can find out more about me here (https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile).