Meet Ray Symmone

We were lucky to catch up with Ray Symmone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ray, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by actively engaging in service acts within the melanated community. Volunteering at local cultural centers and participating in community events allows me to stay connected to my roots and draw inspiration from the vibrant diversity around me. I also mentor young creatives, helping them to find their own voices and encouraging them to pursue their passions. By giving back, I not only nurture the talents of others but also fuel my own creativity through shared experiences and stories. These interactions provide fresh perspectives and keep my creative spirit thriving.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My brand, Thurl Complex, represents the organization of life and the commitment to embracing our life purpose and journey with love and the grace of God. What excites me most about Thurl Complex is how it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their paths while finding beauty and meaning in every step. Our focus is on fostering a deep connection with oneself and the community, promoting growth, and celebrating achievements both big and small.

We have some exciting new developments on the horizon. We’re launching a series of workshops and events aimed at empowering individuals through self-discovery and creative expression. These initiatives are designed to inspire and support our community, providing tools and resources to help everyone live their best lives. At Thurl Complex, we believe that by embracing our unique journeys with love and grace, we can create a harmonious and fulfilling life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking. Resilience allowed me to navigate challenges and setbacks with a positive attitude, always finding ways to learn and grow from difficult experiences. Empathy helped me connect deeply with others, understanding their needs and perspectives, which in turn enriched my work and strengthened my community bonds. Strategic thinking enabled me to plan effectively, make informed decisions, and continuously align my actions with my long-term vision.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing these qualities through deliberate practice and self-reflection. Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and maintaining a mindset of perseverance. Foster empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their experiences and emotions. Enhance your strategic thinking by setting clear goals, staying informed, and being adaptable in your approach. Remember, it’s about quality over quantity—invest deeply in these areas, and you’ll build a strong foundation for your future endeavors.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a significant role in my development is my own work, “BECOMING HER,” a self-discovery and unconventional love poetry book. Through writing and sharing this book, I’ve uncovered profound insights and wisdom that have greatly impacted my journey.

One key lesson from “BECOMING HER” is the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. The poetry explores themes of identity, growth, and love in a way that encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and find strength in their individuality. Another impactful nugget of wisdom is the power of vulnerability. By sharing my personal stories and emotions, I’ve learned that vulnerability can be a source of connection and empowerment, both for myself and for my readers.

For those interested in delving deeper, “BECOMING HER” is available on my website, www.ThurlComplex.com. Through its pages, I hope to inspire others on their paths of self-discovery and creative expression.

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