Life & Work with Shalese Heard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalese Heard.

Hi Shalese, 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?
I was diagnosed with Autism at two. I was nonverbal until age five.

My special interest throughout childhood was Geography and places. I struggled socially to make friends and relate to my peers, but always found an outlet in encyclopedias, geographic books and reading about places I want to visit. It was an outlet where I felt I could escape the feelings of being ostracized for being different.

My love for places is why travel became my special interest.

Due to my ongoing experiences with struggling socially, I developed an obsession with learning about Autism, meeting other Autistic people and learning as much as I can about what made me SPECIAL and worthy.

I took that same passion and channeled it into starting a campus Autism Advocacy group, attending Autism advocacy conferences and eventually creating social media channels designed for our empowerment.

Because I knew I wanted a career in my special interest of travel: it occurred to me to combine the two:

Creating content about traveling with Autism as well as using my travels to advocate and educate the world about issues affecting those of us with Autism.

My passion has since taken me to 11 countries to date, I’ve spoke on various podcasts, been featured in a major travel outlet: Fodor’s travel, been a panelist speaker for Autism entrepreneurship conferences. I’ve written two books and have a growing youtube channel.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely was NOT a smooth road.

Being able to build income streams to afford my travels has been the biggest challenge.

Another big challenge has been maintaining a positive mindset. When things got hard; it was difficult to keep the vision and at times, I considered giving up.

Lastly, having confidence in myself was a challenge as well. I often felt like an imposter because I didn’t come from the same privilege or have the same resources as other travel and disability influencers.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Autistic travel blogger, speaker, YouTuber and life coach.

I write life skills books for an adult Autistic Audience.

I create content on traveling with Autism, as well as entrepreneurship and adulting as an Autistic adult.

I also speak about finding your self-confidence and self-worth as an Autistic individual in a society that’s always telling us we aren’t enough.

In the travel space, I consider myself a pioneer. I’m the first Autistic solo travel blogger who publicly shares her experiences with traveling and exploring new cultures. I’ve been to 11 countries to date.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice is to be YOURSELF when networking. Being YOURSELF (rather than trying to mask and be who you think others want you to be) will help you attract opportunities that are in alignment with who you are.

Pricing:

• Book me as a speaker: starting at $500
• Podcast talks: starting at $100
• Panelists in workshops: starting at $100

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://linktr.ee/Autistictravelgoddess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistictravelgoddess/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/autistictravelgoddesssnh