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

Hi Soraya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am BIG on taking risks and stepping out on faith. Taking risks to reach your goals requires the courage to face the fear of uncertainty. Whatever the outcome, we grow through the process and grow more resiliently and confidently. Even better, by acquiring these skills, you can take more risks and increase your chances of achieving your future goals.

For me, how will I know if it works out if I don’t try it out? I took a risk when I uprooted myself from New York to Houston to follow a dream. I haven’t looked back since. I took a risk when I left my corporate job to start my business and take my content creator side hustle seriously. Me walking into the unknown and taking risks has allowed me to grow my business in a place I’ve never thought I would be in, to gain the confidence to start my business, and reach/connect with people who are helping me expand and grow my business. It has allowed me to pivot in many different areas and understand the needs of my audience. Taking a risk has allowed me to not be afraid of what’s to come.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m Soraya Orelien, Self Love Coach and entrepreneur of SheisSoloraya LLC. I help plus-size women break up with their insecurities and walk in confidence. ​I know what it feels like to not feel beautiful or happy in your own skin. Being a dark skin, a plus-size woman has not always been easy for me. My confidence has been dismantled and ripped apart! My body began to change and people began to make comments and made me feel indifferent! Enough was Enough!​ I strictly focus on helping women ​​​ rid themselves of feeling like they are not good enough, not worthy enough, and not confident enough. Whether you are struggling with your self-image, depression, negative thoughts, etc., I want you to understand that you can attract the life you desire! I will help you rebuild your confidence in the areas you are struggling with. I want to help you remove all the negativity and barriers that are keeping you from flourishing into your true self. I want to help you embrace yourself in a way you never did before. To feel confident and love the person you see in the mirror daily. I will help you attract and manifest the life you’ve been dreaming of!

What makes me excited about my work is connecting with women on a daily basis, listening to their stories, and being able to provide them insight and be a listening ear. Being in this business shows me I am not the only one who feels or felt insecure about myself and hidden for so long. Being a coach allows me to help break those barriers!

It is not easy being an entrepreneur, however, when you are passionate about what you are doing and creating, it makes the job less challenging and more engaging. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in this business is to take a leap of faith. You won’t know if something will work or not if you do not take that first step and do it. I’ve learned that in order for you to build your community and platform, you must be consistent with your work. Even on the days when you do not feel like working or creating content, get up and do it. You’ll be surprised at how effective you can be if you just push through.

I want the world to know that Soraya is coming. I am coming to help women around the world love themselves and change their perspective and outlook on life through the lens of being confident and THAT girl! Walking with Confidence and leaving those insecurities at the door.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Girl! Houston is the place to be for all the fun spots!

Bars:
Present Company
Flight Club
Cielo
Bloom
Shot Bar
Ador
Clutch

Activities:
Horseback Riding
Escape the Room
Bike Riding through Herman Park or Midtown
Rooftop Cinema
Seismique
Andretti
Game Show Houston
FAO Houston
Visit Love Wall Houston
Truck Yard
Palace Social
Fomo Factory
Urban Air

Turn Up!
Address
Parma
Atomic Bottle
Prospect Park
Kamp
Chapman and Kirby

Relaxation:
Spa World
Marriot Marquis Houston Pool/Spa

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?
I want to SHOUTOUT to my amazing support system! These people I am mentioning has helped me expand, grow, and increased my confidence and knowledge throughout my business journey. Without these people, I do NOT know where I will be. I want to shout out the following people, Ursala, Brittany, Trish, Matt, Connie, Tonya, & Machaela. Each of you all impact me in several ways and I truly thank you!

Website: www.sheissoloraya.com

Instagram: SheisSoloraya

Linkedin: Soraya Orelien

Twitter: SheisSoloraya

Other: TikTok: @Soloraya_

Image Credits
Images were taken by @TarfPhotography and @jennyyyjenn

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