The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BEING fired from the same job twice would be enough to make anyone want give up and hide away from the world. However, Oralee Smith took this unexpected opportunity to start an entirely new career.

The 55-year-old former beauty queen has launched her own travel agency, which she said is off to a flying start.

Shortly after being terminated from her job at a local dental office last December, Oralee started FlySunshine Travel, a company that seeks to help people book unique vacation experiences.

She had been fired from that same job once before. In the time between her dental assistant jobs, she spent 10 years working as a VIP guest services agent at Atlantis. She also showcased her skills in the pageant world, wracking up 30 years of experience on the beauty scene.

She has held many national pageant titles, including being crowned Miss Commonwealth in 1982. Oralee represented the Bahamas on the Miss World 1982 stage in London and competed in Miss Caribbean World in New York, where she placed in the top three. During her pageant years, she was also chosen as the face of Symba products; starring in their televised and print ads.

A former concierge at Atlantis, Oralee received many awards over the years for providing outstanding customer service. After resigning from the Paradise Island resort in December 2015 due to health reasons, she took a year off to travel, relax and rejuvenate. Upon returning to the corporate world, she accepted an offer to rejoin the team at an orthodontist’s office where she had been previously employed; this time she worked as a scheduling coordinator.

“After processing the initial shock of being terminated from the same company twice, it became resoundingly clear to me that God did not want me there. That job was just meant to be a part of my journey but not my final destination. I needed to revamp and re-evaluate the direction that my career was going in. It was difficult at first to remain positive, but I pushed through with God’s grace,” Oralee told Tribune Woman.

“While still working, I had taken a formal training course to become a certified travel agent and created my travel company, FlySunshine Travel. Upon being terminated I made the decision to dive head first into my passion and devote my full attention to the success of my business, which is off to a great start with a sold-out ‘Divas on the Sea’ Carnival Celebration Cruise scheduled to sail October 2019.”

Having to start over at age 55, she said, did not frighten her, but it was a challenge.

“I was not concerned about not ever being able to work again. I did, however, know that whatever I chose to do moving forward would be something that I truly enjoyed, was passionate about, and would give all honour and glory to God,” she said.

Oralee said her confidence comes from being fortunate enough to have the support of her loving husband, family and business partners.

“Plus, I know that no job is permanent. And I refuse to allow any person or company to steal my joy or dictate my future. I’m also a member of Living Waters Kingdom Ministry, where under the mentorship of Apostle Raymond Wells I gained additional support and encouragement,” she said.

Oralee said she enjoys travelling, especially with her husband Rodney, which was one of the main reasons she started her travel agency. And planning wonderful escapes for her customers is one way she believes she can bring happiness to the people of her community.

“I love the fact that my career as a certified travel agent helps to bring happiness to a vast majority of people. A change of scenery and atmosphere brings about a sense of calmness and relaxation, which in turn promotes a healthy mind and lifestyle,” she said.

Not many people may be as fortunate as Oralee to get back up so quickly after being knocked down. But for those currently struggling with unemployment she has this piece of advice:

“Get up out of bed and start each morning by speaking life into whatever challenging situation that you may be facing. Give God thanks for removing you from anything negative that you may not have been able to foresee. Invest in yourself, read, take walks and pray.

“Although it may be tough, try your best to remain positive. Find what you love to do and research the possibility of creating a business of your own. If that is not an option, prepare yourself to be ready when opportunity comes. Be encouraged and know that seasons change, so your time of famine will not last forever.”

At 55 years old, retirement is not even on the horizon for Oralee and she doesn’t intend on slowing down anytime soon.

“I’m still very much a determined and vital woman with a spunky personality to match who has much more to offer the world,” she said.