We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valiant Ray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Valiant , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve undertaken is my book A Tree Party, which was born out of my journey to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. While earning my Gold Award was a significant accomplishment and a fun experience, it was incredibly meaningful to witness the community support for the A Tree Party project. Though I had never written or published a book before, I entered a writing contest where I had to craft a fairy tale involving a fool and leftovers. The story I developed became the foundation for this book, which has already inspired readers and continues to teach universal truths in an entertaining way to people globally.

Previously, for my Silver Award project, communities came together to make blankets and knit or crochet little hats for mothers with preemie babies in the NICU. It was truly impactful to see people unite to help others, whether by creating comforting items for families in need or by purchasing a book that supports children globally. The support for A Tree Party has shown me the power of collective action, and it fills me with hope and joy to know that my work can uplift and inspire those who need it most. All proceeds from the book go to children’s homes and orphanages around the world, and I dream of having it translated into multiple languages to reach even more hearts. I published the book at the age of 17, and it is the first in my Universal Truth Collection. I invite you to join me in spreading its uplifting message to inspire millions worldwide!

Valiant , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in a loving family with two brothers who became my lifelong friends and partners in adventure. My parents, both life coaches and ballroom professionals, fostered a supportive environment where positivity and self-belief were at the core of our lives. Their mantra, “whatever you believe, you can achieve,” shaped my upbringing. As a homeschooler, I thrived in a dynamic learning environment, exploring my passions deeply—from sports to ballroom competitions, writing, and earning Girl Scout awards. This nurturing backdrop instilled in me a strong sense of self-worth and the confidence to pursue my passions.
Surrounded by music, dance, and creativity, I was raised in the entertainment industry, which fueled my passion for ballroom dancing. Being on the dance floor is one of my happy places, and I’ve had the honor of performing for many state and local leaders and organizations. One of my most recent accomplishments was performing at the “Dancing Under the Stars” Charity Event in November 2023, where my student, Wade Boyette, and I won both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.
Alongside dance, I have a deep love for nature, travel, and adventure. Whether it is hiking, exploring new places, camping, grounding with the earth or simply spending time outdoors with animals, I feel a deep connection to the natural world. I also have a passion for flying with the birds and soaring high above the clouds. Flying is one of my cherished hobbies, which is why my upcoming book collection, Life Lessons In The Sky, will focus on the aviation industry. It celebrates present day people’s aviation journeys, is full of real-life stories and life lessons that will inspire future generations. I invite anyone in the aviation industry to submit their stories and be a part of this collection to inspire others to reach for the sky and beyond.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing how my work inspires and gives hope to others, showing them that they too can achieve their goals and make their dreams come true. It’s incredibly fulfilling when adults share how my book reminds them of their childhood, rekindling memories they’ve long forgotten. Hearing children express how my creations resonate with their thoughts and feelings is equally heartwarming. The smiles it brings, the conversations I get to have, and the touching stories I hear are what truly enrich my experience. Watching children glow with excitement as their creative minds flow is a joy like no other! I’m so excited to continue to see the impact my work will make, the hearts it will touch, and the souls it will reach.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I aspire to be a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and passions courageously. Life is a journey of growth and exploration, and I believe that when we embrace our creativity, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities. I love watching others achieve their goals and dreams, witnessing them find happiness within themselves. It brings me immense joy to see the big smiles on their faces when they find hope, encouragement, and inspiration in my creative work. Have courage to follow what you love; you never know where it might lead you. My goal is to travel the world with my creations and have them translated into different languages, sharing these stories to connect with hearts everywhere, no matter where they live or what language they speak. I want to show that life isn’t about sticking to one path forever, yet about evolving and finding joy in every experience. I hope my work continues to teach and inspire for generations to come, reminding everyone to live with love and happiness, and together, we can turn our dreams into reality!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ValiantRayPublishing.com
• Instagram: @VaiantRayPublishing @ATreePartyJourney
• Other: Tel: 408-780-8733Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

These are Valiant Ray Publishing images.