We were lucky to catch up with Grace Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.
Grace, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
You have to be intentional about knowing yourself, understanding your values, and keeping an open mind. When I was younger, my mom, a Liberian woman full of wisdom, would always say, “Goat’s luck is different from sheep’s luck.” In other words, mind your business and don’t try to emulate others—especially if they’re taking shortcuts or ignoring the rules. I understood this early on when I was unfairly singled out in elementary school.
One morning in the fourth grade, after my mom dropped me off at school, I stood at the front of the line waiting to enter the classroom. Suddenly, a fight broke out at the back of the line, creating a domino effect that knocked students over—eventually toppling onto me. But instead of being sent to the nurse’s office for hitting my head on the concrete, my teacher grabbed my arm and marched me to the principal’s office, accusing me of starting the fight. Crying from pain, I kept insisting that I had nothing to do with it, but they only released me after my mother left work, came to the school, and called out their incompetence.
That experience stuck with me. If I could get in trouble when I wasn’t even at fault, how could I stand out as “one of the good ones”? I spent years trying to appear non-threatening, friendly, smart—but not too smart—until I lost sight of who I was. It wasn’t until my first international solo trip to Iceland that I began shedding that weight. Being outside of an environment where I felt I had to perform as a “different kind of Black person” gave me the freedom to simply be me. I used my voice, chose activities based on what interested me, and embraced the realization that I wasn’t obligated to make myself more palatable to others.
Since then, I’ve learned that clarity, authenticity, and confidence are key. When I started approaching work with curiosity and joy instead of trying to prove my worth, people took notice. I went from hearing, “Grace, you talk too much,” to “Grace, we really value your input.” Colleagues began asking for my perspective because they knew I would provide feedback with both honesty and compassion.
If you overwhelm yourself with the pressure of representing everyone who looks like you, you’ll burn out—and then there will be no one left in the room who looks like you. The most important lesson I’ve learned? It’s not my responsibility to convince others that I belong. My only job is to use my gifts to help at least one person have a better day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a travel advocate! My mission is to convince everyone I meet to travel solo at least once. Growing up, I traveled alone or with my parents, but it wasn’t until I met people who had never traveled that I truly understood the perspective that travel provides. Beyond adventure, travel connects you to diverse people, places, and cultures, fostering both independence and a sense of global community.
Through my business, The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC (TAPH), I serve as a confidence coach for individuals seeking guidance in self-awareness, communication, and personal growth. TAPH offers coaching sessions, wellness retreats, travel guides, trip consultations, and The Random and Wonderful Podcast. Each service is designed to meet travelers where they are and help them take their next step toward confidence and self-discovery.
One of the most rewarding moments is watching someone go on their first solo trip after doubting themselves—and then return with revelations about their own strength and resilience. Of course, they’re always eager for their next trip!
My coaching journey started during my military career when I noticed that many soldiers had tied their self-worth to their rank. When they transitioned to civilian life, they felt lost. At the time, I didn’t realize I was coaching—I just knew they needed to take a step back and remember who they were beyond their titles.
Recently, I launched the Traveler’s Mindset Course, a step-by-step guide to planning your next trip. Travel planning can be overwhelming, so this course simplifies the process, allowing people to move at their own pace.
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?
1. Faith – My faith keeps me grounded through seasons of doubt and reminds me to practice gratitude. When I feel pressured to “catch up” or keep up with content creation trends, I pause and thank God for how far I’ve come. That gratitude creates space for peace, and I’ve found that creativity flows much more easily when I’m not stressing myself out.
2. Therapy – Therapy is a gift! Not exactly a skill, I know, but recognizing when you need professional support is. I started my business in 2020—a year of chaos, from the pandemic to social justice protests to unresolved personal struggles surfacing. I found a therapist, and we worked together until I transitioned to an “as-needed” basis. Business ownership is still stressful, but without that support, I might have quit before I even got started.
3. Emotional Intelligence – Emotional intelligence is a layered approach. First, you understand yourself. Then, you navigate interactions with others. Finally, you recognize your place in the larger community. As you grow in self-awareness, you build stronger relationships—at work, with friends, and even with those who disagree with you.
One mistake people make is shaping their identity solely based on their community. We’re all influenced by internal and external forces, but we must define our own values and contributions. Even if you aren’t religious, spiritual wellness is one of the eight dimensions of holistic wellness that shape a well-rounded life. For me, that means drawing strength from my faith, but for others, it might be journaling, meditation, or spending time in nature. If you want to work on emotional wellness, partnering with a life coach or therapist can help you create a roadmap for growth.
How would you describe your ideal client?
While my podcast, travel guides, consultations, and wellness retreats are open to everyone, I am especially passionate about working with women of color—particularly Black women ages 27-57—who are ready to embrace all that life has to offer.
My ideal client sees herself as the main character, not the supporting act. She is generous, constantly giving to others, but now she wants to experience peace and adventure for herself. She desires empowerment, stability, and freedom—without isolation or financial instability. She’s financially stable, open to growth, and ready to partner with a coach to step into her boldest, most confident self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amethystpalaverhut.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amethystpalaverhut/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetravelmindsetcoach
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therandomwonderfulpodcast
- Other: Journey to Wellness Waitlist: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/retreatwaitlist
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