Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayona Arnold.
Hi Rayona, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Raye. I grew up in Pennsylvania where I went to school k-12. I’ve always been into performing since a very young age. I have danced on NBA basketball courts, performed in front of thousands at a theme park, and been on national television many times. I moved to Florida for college and to pursue my dreams of working at the theme parks. Growing up an only child and not having much of a father figure in my life, my mom and I are very close. We bonded over traveling and that’s when I knew I loved to travel. We have been across the world to Paris, Barcelona, multiple cruises, the Bahamas, and much more. She created a travel agency (Dreamy Vacation Trips) and I knew I wanted to take that opportunity to become a travel blogger and create content everywhere I go to not only help her small business but show that you don’t have to be rich to travel the world. Since Covid and being an Orlando local now, I took an interest in vlogging and creating content at the theme parks. I am a performer at Seaworld and Universal, but in my downtime, I love to go to all the theme parks and local Orlando areas to vlog and show new things to do. Stepping into the travel content creating world there were not many African Americans doing it, though I’m not the first, I try to at least make it aware that we can also do whatever we set our mind to.
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?
There are some challenges due to the fact that there are many travel bloggers and bloggers, especially in Orlando. I had to find something that was different about myself and stood out from the rest. I think that my experience working in entertainment at the theme parks really helped along with having the flexibility to travel all around often.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Travel Vlogger and content creator. I plan, film, and edit all of my videos myself. I would say that I specialize in theme parks, but I do travel all around the world. Sometimes I am asked to create content for other companies, but at the end of the day, I love doing it for fun. There are two sides to my content. One is the theme park and travel tips and new updates of things happening. The other side is more personal talking about my experiences working at the parks and tips on how to audition to get to where I’m at.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is to not compare yourself to others. There are many people who do what you do, but being yourself will help you stand out. There will be other creators that have more followers and subscribers but don’t worry too much about the numbers. All that really matters is your engagement and if you enjoy doing what you are doing then the numbers will come.
I didn’t start out with fancy equipment so it is okay not spend thousands to get started. All I had was my iPhone and my videos still did well.
Pricing:
- contact dreamyvacationtrips@gmail.com to book a vacation, to talk about planning a trip is free
Contact Info:
- Email: dreamyvacationtrips@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rayonadonnay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamyvacationtrips
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCes7yQ-WBpjPbx7JvnwNs8A/videos
