In this inspiring and informative episode, we sit down with the incredible Melvin Reynolds , a blind travel agent who turned his story of vision loss into a powerful testimony of resilience and purpose. Melvin opens up about how he lost his vision, how he and his husband travel the world together, and how he’s been on over 32 cruises and counting.

Melvin shares how he helps others book unforgettable cruise experiences and trips, and how his travel agency is accessible and welcoming to everyone. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a travel agent yourself, he breaks down how you can get started with no upfront fees .

He also drops some great tips for blind travelers—from how to navigate a cruise ship to ways you might be able to save money on those pricey Wi-Fi packages . Whether you’re planning your next vacation or thinking about joining the travel industry, this is a must-listen episode.

We also catch up on our week, including how Vic and Rena supported the ACB Conference by helping at the DFW Virtual Lions table, connecting with amazing people and expanding the network.

📲 Connect with Melvin Reynolds Facebook, Instagram & X: Vacations and Beyond By Melvin 🌍 Website: https://vacationsandbeyondbymelvin.cruisebrothers.com/cb/ 💜 Follow The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Voicemail/Text: 682-730-2001

Tune in, travel smart, and celebrate pride with purpose!

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Welcome back to The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena ! July is here, and we’re starting the month with power, pride, and purpose. Happy Disability Pride Month to all our listeners! In this episode, we celebrate the strength and beauty of living a limitless life, regardless of disability.

We dive into our week and share some fun Fourth of July traditions, including our annual family casino trip—something especially meaningful to Vic, as it marks the last tradition shared with her father before his passing last year on July 9.

We also share our amazing experience at the American Council of the Blind Convention in downtown Dallas, where we volunteered at the DFW Virtual Lions Club table in partnership with the Laurel Wheeler Foundation. We made some incredible connections and left feeling inspired.

This episode kicks off our Small Business Spotlight Series for July! Rena sits down with Vic for an in-depth interview about her 10-year journey as a successful massage therapist and business owner. Vic opens up about what inspired her, the steps she took to get licensed, the obstacles she’s overcome, and how she built a loyal clientele. She also shares tips, education insights, and her vision for the future of accessible wellness.

Know a small business owner who uses accessible tech and wants to share their story? We’re looking for two guest entrepreneurs to join us this month! Reach out if you’re interested or if you have questions about massage therapy or entrepreneurship.

Want to book a massage with Vic? Whether you’re local or just visiting the DFW area, head to her website: www.majestichealinghandstx.com Don’t miss this heartfelt, empowering episode. Hit play now! Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 YouTube https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr Email shadesofpridepod@gmail.com To leave a voicemail or shoot us a text for comments, guest appearance, or feedback, you can text or call 682-730-200 one.

Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride

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This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.

We’re wrapping up our Pride series and celebrating the end of Pride Month in a powerful way—with none other than the amazing advocate for both the LGBTQ+ and blind communities, Chris Walker . Chris is currently the Vice President of the NFB Winchester Chapter of Virginia and will soon step back into the role of President this coming September.

Chris shares his incredible story of resilience, strength, and purpose. In this heartfelt episode, he opens up about: • Losing his vision in just three weeks • Finding life-changing resources and learning how to navigate his new world • Losing two partners and how he continues to carry their love with him • Being adopted and what that journey meant to him • Becoming a voice for change in the blind and LGBTQ+ communities • His love for cooking and creating connection through food • His work as a proud Lion in his local community This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you can rise, thrive, and lead with love and purpose. Chris is living proof of that. Be sure to listen all the way through and grab his contact info if you’d like to connect!

Vic and Rena also talk about their exciting week, including a magical experience at The Lion King play in Dallas, where they participated in a special touch tour. They’ll be in Dallas at the ACB Convention representing the DFW Virtual Lions Club —come find them if you’re in town! Connect with Us: 📍 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📍 YouTube: Shades of Pride on YouTube 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📲 Text or leave us a message: 682-730-2001 Join the Community: 🌈 All VIP Lesbian Women’s Facebook Group: Join here 🦁 Interested in joining our Virtual Lions Club for blind and visually impaired individuals and persons with disabilities? Email us and we’ll get you connected! 📚 Book Club + Women’s WhatsApp Group: Open to all the shades of the rainbow! Reach out and we’ll send you the details.

Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride

Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.