WE GRWN? WE Out Here Solo Traveling?
Oct 22, 2025
Join solo traveler and entrepreneur Shalaya (Tsolaye) as she shares her thrilling adventures across dozens of countries. Discover her insights on the challenges of solo travel, including safety as a Black female explorer and the nuances of teaching in Taiwan. Shalaya also dives into her preference for staying in hostels and connecting with locals, as well as lighthearted tales like a sneaky hot springs escapade in Spain. Plus, get practical tips for solo adventurers and hear about her recruitment business, Sengwa Mina, that connects job seekers with opportunities.
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Solo Storage Run Sparks Independence
- Shalaya drove alone nearly seven hours to clear a year-old storage unit and only kept what she needed for an upcoming trip.
- She handled the move solo despite a friend's comment that "that's why you need a man."
Education Can Come After Exploration
- Shalaya returned to school later in life to earn an associate's degree and plans a bachelor's to satisfy family expectations.
- Her decision shows travel and nontraditional paths don't preclude formal education later.
Unexpected Preschool Assignment
- In Taiwan Shalaya was hired for older kids but reassigned to teach three- and four-year-olds on her first day.
- Her early class experience included a child smearing feces on a table, which was both shocking and challenging.