Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Everett.
Hi Ayana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was at a point in my career where I knew I needed a change. I had been working as an international event manager, and while I learned a lot, I wanted something that felt more aligned with what I actually enjoyed. So I took a step back and made a simple list of what I loved most about my past roles. It came down to helping people, connecting people, and creating experiences that left them happy.
At first, I thought that might look like traveling with groups to international desinations as a host. But while I was searching, I came across a tour guide position and decided to give it a try. I applied, got the job, and during training, I started seeing my home city in a completely different way. I was learning about American history happening right where I was born and raised.
After my first tour, I was hooked. I loved the storytelling, the history, and the way you could bring it all to life for people in real time. But not long after, the pandemic hit and everything came to a stop. During that time, I moved further away from being a guide.
In 2023, a colleague I met during that time told me about a new tour company coming to DC and suggested I get back into it. I decided to try again, and instantly that feeling came back. It reminded me how much I loved it.
That is when I started thinking about what I could offer that felt different. I realized DC is often seen as just monuments, but there is so much more to it. Behind every building, memorial, and landmark, there are real stories. Some are happy, some are sad, some are surprising, and some people have never heard before.
That idea became Untold DC Tours. I wanted to show people a different side of the city by sharing the stories behind the places. The human side of history that makes it all feel real and memorable.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being a solopreneur means you are betting on yourself every single day. You are wearing all the hats, from marketing and sales to operations and actually leading the tours. It can be a lot to manage, especially in the beginning.
There is also a lot of competition in the tourism space, and the market itself can be unpredictable. Seasonality, travel trends, and even global events have impacted business in ways I can’t always forsee or control.
But those challenges have pushed me to be more creative and more intentional about what I offer. It has forced me to really understand my value and find ways to stand out in a crowded space.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Untold DC Tours?
Untold DC Tours offers private tours that focus on the stories people do not usually hear about Washington, DC. We create experiences that go beyond the typical tours. Yes, you will still see some of the well known sites, but it is really about how we bring the stories behind them to life.
I wanted the experience to feel more personal. Our tours are private and flexible, so it feels less like you are being talked at and more like you are part of a conversation. We can accommodate anywhere from one person to groups of over 100, whether it is a couple, a family, a group of friends, or a corporate team. We offer experiences for first time visitors who want to see the city for the first time, as well as for people who have been before and are looking for something a little different. Each experience is designed to feel intentional and memorable.
What I am most proud of is how true the brand feels to me. Untold DC Tours is not just a tour to check boxes. It is built around engaging storytelling, fun facts, and a bit of humor. It is not about listing facts, it is about creating moments people will actually remember.
What I want people to know is that DC has so much more to it than what you see on the surface. There are stories here that are not always told, and once you hear them, the city feels completely different. That is what I want people to walk away with.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I would not really call it luck. I have found that when I am intentional about building my business and taking action, things tend to line up. Opportunities usually come from movement, not waiting.
There have been moments that could look like luck from the outside, but for me, they came from putting myself out there, trying new things, and staying open. I have opened doors simply by moving forward, even when I did not have everything figured out.
So I see it more as action creating opportunity. The more I do, the more chances I create for things to work in my favor.
Pricing:
- 4 hour private tours start at $450 per tour for up to 5 people
- 3 hour evening tours start at $375 per tour for up to 5 people
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.untolddctours.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untold_dc_tours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551884376259
