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

Hi Loretta, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own private practice was to provide mental wellness and substance abuse counseling resources to employees in the transportation industry. My husband and I have owned and operated 18 wheelers for the past decade and one thing I noticed about safety sensitive employees is that there is little to no support for them, in regard to medical care, mental health or substance use recovery. My long-term vision is to continue providing direct services and become a nationwide resource hub for those in the transportation industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
A Ray of Sunshine Counseling Consultants is a multifaceted private practice that provides revolutionary services and support to employees in the transportation industry. What sets us apart from others is that we are purposed in this work, it chose us, we didn’t choose it!

I am most proud of being a first-generation business owner, I know my mother God rest her soul is smiling down from me. Every experience has shaped and molded me for where I am today, good or bad.

It has not been easy, but God’s grace is sufficient. I have learned a lot of lessons along the way about myself, others and business ownership in general. One in particular is to have systems and processes in place and strong boundaries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town, we would definitely go on a road trip to Dallas. Dallas is such a lively city and its where a few great friends of mine live. We would definitely go to the Spa, Eat Crawfish and sightsee all the main attractions. We would also go to church for spiritual enrichment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people see me out front, but trust that there is a strong support system! My husband Gary, who is the co-founder of our businesses is my biggest support. We have grown together, raised children/grandchildren together, buried loved ones together, weathered many storms and thrived in marriage and business.

My family and close friends have traveled this journey with me as well, especially Mama Pat, who labors in prayer over my life. My aunt Pam who supports me and is presently helping me raise my granddaughter has truly contributed to my success and overall wellbeing.

My 10-year tenure at the Salvation Army was an environment that fostered my development and growth in throughout my education and has contributed greatly to the professional and businesswoman I am today!!!

Lastly, I attribute my success to my late grandmother Verbie and Mother Fem, as I am living out their prayers for my life.

Website: www.rayofsunshinecounseling.com

Instagram: rayofsunshine_counseling

Linkedin: A Ray of Sunshine Counseling Consultants LLC

Facebook: A Ray of Sunshine Counseling Consultants LLC

Other: Tik Tok : rayofsunshine_counseling

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