Check Out Tonya Graddy’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Graddy. 

Hi Tonya, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being anywhere but where I was. My dad had an atlas that I would look at for hours. As I would turn the pages from state to state, I would imagine what it was like to be in those places. How would Nevada be different from Indiana? Colorado looked like it was covered in mountains that I wondered if someday I would be brave enough to climb. Was California full of sophisticated people who all walked along the beaches every night. My imagination took me all across this country, as an adult, I am trying to put this into action. 

Along with a love of travel, I also always had a desire to write. Creative writing was one of my passions. I have always been told that I was a born storyteller, however, I was also crippled with the fear of failure. 

After working in cooperate America for many years, I discovered that I felt my life was stagnate, that I no longer had any desire to climb the ladder. I felt trapped and just plain unhappy. 

That is when The Graddygadabout was born. If other people are following their dreams, why not me? Afterall, you cannot fail if you never try. I was going to be a travel blogger like millions of others, but mine was going to be different. I would tell the whole story, not just photographing heart hands in epic locations. 

My blog takes us to some wonderful places. I do not just document the fun times though, I tell the good, the bad, and the ugly with everything in between. I have been to places that will take your breath away, but I have also been trapped outside in a mudslide, electrocuted by nature, and have had lodging disasters. Sometimes the best trips are the adventures you never knew you wanted. 

I travel along with my husband, and sometimes our grown children. We travel domestic in the United States as of right now. Our goal is to see all 50 states by the time we are 50. Once we see the country we may expand our travels, but right now we still have plenty of adventures awaiting us in the states. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Writing comes pretty natural for me so that part of the picture is very easy. It is the tech that gets me. I tried to set up my website, forgetting that I do not know how to set up a website. After several failed attempts and frustration, I through money at it and hired a web designer. 

Ron has been a gem, he has guided me through how to maneuver through the website, to posting. I recently also had him add SEO to my site as well. After a brief tutorial, he sent me videos to help teach me even more. 

I also have realized the time commitment involved in maintaining my travel blog, my social media sites, and trying to expand into other platforms that may drive traffic to my site. I was trying to publish two posts a week, but with the time constraints, I have scaled back to one. 

There is a learning curve to try to be an influencer, and as Bob Ross says, “This is your bravery test”. Before I started my blog, I was a pretty private person and very introverted. I never would put myself out there, let alone try to grow a following. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the creator and of The Graddygadabout. This is a travel blog that documents the adventures of my husband and myself as we try to see all 50 states by the time, we are 50. We explore the United States staying in camp sites, vacation rentals, and hotels. Sometimes we may even sprinkle in a road less traveled. 

Travel blogs are a dime a dozen right now. It is hard to stand out. I document EVERYTHING! Travel is sometimes hard, disasters happen, sometimes there is disappointment. But the joy you have while you are there is all about prospective. I have had bouts with mother nature, pandemics, poor lodging, vehicle failure, and crazy people encounters. These road bumps sometimes make the adventure. 

I am most proud of developing my brand and taking the leap. Whether this brings me opportunity to make this my full-time job and change my life, or if it is just something I end up doing for pleasure, I took the chance and I am doing something I love. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You cannot fail if you never try. 

For years I have buried my desire to write. “Success in the creative world does not happen for people like me,” these words ran through my mind over and over again. Finally, I got the courage to tell that voice to shut the hell up. I am going to do what sets my soul on fire, so look out here I come! 

So many people out there are afraid of their potential. I wish I would have taken this step years ago. Don’t be afraid to stand out and follow your dreams. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graddygadabout.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_graddy_gadabout
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Graddy-Gadabout-106824195438222/

Image Credits
Tonya Graddy
Korey Graddy