We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Rhea Woods and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Rhea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The inspiration for launching my business stemmed from my personal experiences and the desire to empower others who share a similar background. Growing up, the concept of travel was foreign and discouraged in my environment due to fear. As a young woman, I was not conditioned to see traveling as a viable option for myself—it appeared to be an elusive dream, particularly for someone from my community. Aware that numerous individuals have been influenced by similar perceptions and limitations, I founded my company with the goal of enabling them to achieve what once seemed impossible: exploring the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business was created with the intention of guiding those who harbor fears of travel, offering them the necessary encouragement and support to embark on their adventures. What distinguishes me in this space is my personal empathy towards the apprehensions and perceived impossibilities associated with travel. My company takes on the heavy lifting of planning and research to provide our clients with a hassle-free experience, acknowledging and addressing their budgetary and logistical concerns to craft ideal vacation experiences tailored to their needs. My journey to this point has been fueled by experiences that mirror those of the individuals I aim to serve. Overcoming these challenges has not been easy, yet the rewards have been immeasurably fulfilling. Moreover, the recognition of my growth and achievements by those who have witnessed my journey amplifies the impact of my work. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity. In a world saturated with similarity, especially on social media, I’ve realized that my unique story and experiences are what truly set me apart and resonate with those who share similar backgrounds. My driving force is a passion for enabling others to explore the world, a journey that has profoundly transformed my outlook on life and facilitated my personal development.

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 give a heartfelt shoutout to an organization that played a pivotal role in my journey when I first ventured into the digital advertising sector. Despite coming from a markedly different background than my colleagues, I was incredibly lucky to land a position there. The true inspiration came from witnessing my coworkers embark on journeys to corners of the globe I had never imagined visiting myself. Observing their willingness to take time off for travel ignited a belief within me that I, too, could explore the world. It was at this company that I met my best friend, whose endless positive affirmations pushed me to pursue the extraordinary. But the encouragement didn’t stop there; another colleague, an elder friend, motivated me to embrace solo travel, advising me not to wait for others. These experiences and the remarkable people I met at the company profoundly transformed my perspective on the world, and I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

Website: www.asteriatravel.com

Instagram: @asteria.travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsteriaTravels/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsteriaTravel

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asteriatravel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.