About Me

dude ranch

Hi! I’m Lauren and I’m a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure, to use nature as healing and therapy, and to embrace outdoor recreation.

I’m a first year millennial and a single mom with a propensity for adventures, travel, nature, new and unique experiences, theme parks, and food. I’m also an avid Harry Potter fan which contributes to some of the adventures(or misadventures) I find myself in. I like being outdoors in nature and I absolutely love being anywhere near water.

I’m also a podcaster, published photographer, and creator of Lauren R Gay Consulting where I offer professional consulting services for blogs and podcasts, courses, as well as curated group trips.

Because I’m a single mom, I wear the hats of every day moms plus dads. I’m a cook, coach, driver,planner, maid, nurse, counselor, stylist, advisor etc. I’m also a diva of sorts: Sorority girl, shoe shopping, outlet bargain hunting, jewelry loving, girly girl. You could say I’m a walking contradiction because I like so many different things.  By trade I work in healthcare information systems.  I’m also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Through all of this I’ve somehow managed to still carve out a life and identity of my own. I’ve made it a point to expose my son to as much of the world as I possibly can. I haven’t always had the means to venture as far as I’ve dared to dream but we always manage to make our own adventure. Now that he’s older and I’m more seasoned in my professional career, I’m afforded the opportunity to see more and do more.

I don’t believe we were put on this earth just to exist. We are here to learn as much as we can and leave our imprints as we go. People have always been encouraged and even surprised at the things I’ve been able to expose my son to. Especially, because as a black single mother, exposing my son to things like hiking, snorkeling, and camping are seen as out of the ordinary in our community.

I decided that a life this blessed deserved to be shared. If I inspire anyone at all to pursue a dream, to step out of their norm, and to really take time to appreciate the beauty of the world we live in then it will all be worth it. Being the “Outdoorsy” type doesn’t mean you wear cammo or that you’re any less feminine. And being feminine and liking designer purses doesn’t mean you can’t connect with nature, even if you make a fool of yourself in the process. If this girl can get in touch with her outdoorsy side then so can you!

Life is about creating moments and I look forward to sharing my moments with all of you. Adventure is a lifestyle!

“It’s only the great outdoors….what are you afraid of?” 
Lauren G. – Outdoorsy Diva™

Click here to find out how we can work together!

If you would like to contact me fill out the nifty form below or you may email me directly at OutdoorsyDiva@gmail.com

23 Comments

  • Reply
    oureverydayadventures365
    October 6, 2013 at 3:02 am

    Thanks for stopping by our blog

    • Reply
      outdoorsydiva
      October 6, 2013 at 3:03 am

      Enjoyable especially since you’re on the other side of the globe.

      • Reply
        oureverydayadventures365
        October 6, 2013 at 3:13 am

        Yes indeed! I’m enjoying seeing all the amazing kayak places to visit around the world

  • Reply
    Trenika
    May 22, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Love the pic Lauren

    • Reply
      OutdoorsyDiva
      July 18, 2014 at 11:34 am

      Thank you so much Trenika for checking out my page!

  • Reply
    Joi
    July 18, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Thanks for checking out my blog! I love the layout of your blog!!!

  • Reply
    ddominikwickles
    July 22, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Details at: http://ddominikwicklesromance.wordpress.com/

  • Reply
    Diann
    October 17, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Hey Lauren…sorry it took so long for me to contact you, I’ve been working these crazy hours…After speaking with Earl and seeing your blog, we have to chat!!! I see we share the same common interest… Feel free to contact me at 646-474-6700 look forward to hearing from you Diann

  • Reply
    Diann
    October 17, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Correction 646-474-6722

  • Reply
    Takisha Nesbitt
    October 21, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    I can’t remember how I found you but I’m glad I did.
    Let’s keep in touch. I’m in St. Petersburg.

    • Reply
      Lauren
      October 22, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Takisha I think it was #SITSBlogging Instagram link up! I just saw your name in a comment. LOL I’m happy you found me too!! Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out. I’ve got some fun things in the works here locally!! I will check out your blog too.

  • Reply
    nadeen
    December 10, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    Stopping by from Black Travel Blogger Network! I love the theme and look of your blog. Looking forward to reading your posts!

    • Reply
      Lauren
      December 11, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you so much Nadeen! I really appreciate the support.

  • Reply
    GinaB @ Mirror Watching
    July 21, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    Lauren, I love your blog. As soon as I saw the title with the fro I was hooked. I’ll be subscribing. Now I need to back up and comment on the post I’m here for. lol

    • Reply
      Lauren
      July 21, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      LOL Thank you so much Gina!! We have a Facebook group too! Come Join the Outdoorsy Diva and Friends. Most of our events are based in Florida but you may get inspired to explore.

  • Reply
    Christa
    August 12, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    Hi Lauren, I’m really enjoying looking around your site! It’s so cool! You’ve been having quite the adventurous life! And I can see your personality shine through so vividly! Looking forward to continuing to learn from your adventures and start going on some of my own!

    • Reply
      Lauren
      August 13, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Yay! Thanks for visiting Christa

  • Reply
    Misadventures of an Outdoorsy Diva | A Solo Theme Park Traveler Episode 19 - ThemeParkHipster
    June 1, 2018 at 9:15 am

    […] Connect with Lauren over at OutdoorsyDiva  […]

  • Reply
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    […] to see or do anything in particular. I love the freedom to wander at my own pace.” – Lauren of Outdoorsy […]

  • Reply
    Tourism Currents® Travel content creators - let's get real - Tourism Currents®
    October 20, 2022 at 11:50 am

    […] The Outdoorsy Diva, Lauren Gay, giving advice to travel content creators at the TBEX North America 2022 conference in Lafayette, Louisiana (photo by Sheila Scarborough) […]

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