Today we’d like to introduce you to LaVonia Tryon.
Hi LaVonia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m spent much of my adult life in a relationship. I call myself a Reformed Serial Monogamist, I was either in a relationship, getting out of one, or going into another one. I was never alone because I didn’t know how to be. After breaking off my first engagement to a man that I didn’t love, I knew I didn’t want to live like this anymore. So I started searching for books, seminars, podcasts, sermons anything that could assist me in learning what to do as a Single. And I didn’t find anything about this season, only about what to do to get out of this season. So I felt the calling – ‘you write it’. And I did.
I wrote my first book, NOT Another Singles Book (NAS Book) in 2013 and recently updated and re-released it in 2020. NAS Book is a practical and witty guide for living Single in a Dating World. There is so much richness and purpose locked into the Single season, a time to discover who you are in light of Christ, becoming whole and fulfilled, lacking nothing. Out of the book, I’ve birthed a Singles Movement – a group of individuals that aren’t afraid of fully actualizing this season even as we anticipate a next one. Singleness is not where we just happen to be, but where we have been divinely placed by the Creator of the universe. Being Single again, after going through a difficult divorce, my goal and passion is to empower Singles, especially women to truly embrace this time and to grow through mentorship, group and individual counseling, resources and focus groups.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been a journey for me, both literally and figuratively. After breaking off my first engagement, I did a lot of soul searching to ‘find myself.’ What does that even mean? But nevertheless, I discovered that I didn’t really know myself outside of a relationship, so thus the journey began. I wrote my first book in 2013 but didn’t know anything about publishing or marketing, so I basically paid to print and went to events and poetry spots – to sell them. Whenever I would speak, I would always sell out, but I didn’t know how to book speaking engagements so they were few and far in between. Then I went through a series of tough relationships and then got married. I knew my ministry wasn’t over, but I didn’t know how to balance it, so I struggled a lot and didn’t do anything for my ministry, book or even any writing for five years. My marriage was so emotionally draining that I couldn’t create during that time, I had nothing left. Although my marriage ended due to infidelity, I still struggled with the shame and stigma of a divorce. It took a lot of healing and counseling to get back to a healthy headspace and realize that although the circumstances weren’t good, they are all working together for my good. Since the divorce was finalized, it’s like the creative block has been lifted and all that God is pouring into me has been pouring out. I’ve since written another book, started a women’s mentorship program and working on several other projects.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Author, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Counselor and Mentor. As a dynamic speaker and session leader, I am known for being interactive, witty and practical. I believe a life coach helps you feel better, but a mentor helps you get better. My goal is to give you the training, resources and empowerment to make lasting life changes in every area of your life, not just relationships. Being faith-based, I tie scripture and insight into Biblical examples to make them practical for today’s life applications. I write books based on my experiences and expertise. I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and I’m working towards my Licensed Professional Counselor credential. I use my education and tie it with my relational experiences to provide mentorship and counseling to Singles.
I host virtual weekly experiences via Zoom through a monthly subscription call, where we discuss topics that all Single women face including contentment, purpose, identity, and relationships. I specialize in helping Singles finding wholeness, no matter how they have found themselves in this season and no matter how long they will be here. This Singles Movement, entitled But-I-FLY ministries, teaches Singles (unmarried) to choose to embrace this season and all that it has to offer. I am most proud of the resilience and hard work I put into my own healing and rediscovering of myself to get back to wholeness. I believe my ministry is distinct because first, it’s Singles talking to Singles. Many times, married people seeking to encourage Singles only accomplish rocking our contentment boat because they’ve often forgotten what was like to still be Single in a world of dating or even how to date. So I teach from a ‘my struggle-your lesson’ perspective. Learn from my mistakes so that you don’t have to repeat them.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I recently joined Self-Publishing School founded by Chandler Bolt, which is a program that assists in teaching the skills necessary to write and market my books and author platforms. Since starting this program, I have been able to reach Bestseller in several categories on Amazon as well as giving the tools and confidence in my abilities needed to launch my mentoring program. I have also joined EveryDay Seminary founded by Dr. Dharius Daniels which is taking me deeper than I’ve ever been in my spiritual journey and understanding. I love speakers/ministers Christine Caine, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Lisa Harper and Priscilla Shirer. I’ve just recently gotten into podcasts, so I’m excited to glean in these communities.
Pricing/Products:
- Not Another Singles Book, NOT Another Singles Workbook & NOT Another Singles Devotional are all available on Amazon. If you would an autographed copy, visit my website.
- Single NOT Alone Weekly Group Coaching Call – $40 a month
- Individualized Mentorship & Counseling – 4-6 weeks (weekly sessions)
- Curriculum Courses
- Workshop, Book club, and Keynote speaking engagements
- More information can be found at www.lavoniartryon.com/journey-
with-me
Contact Info:
- Email: lavonia@lavoniartryon.com
- Website: www.lavoniartryon.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lavoniartryon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlavoniartryon
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/lavoniartryon
Image Credits:
Vandi Moore Photography
