We’re looking forward to introducing you to Norema Cecilia & Christina Mays. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Norema & Christina , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Typically, the first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to setting the right tone and energy. I start with breathing techniques to center myself and create a sense of calm focus. I then move into affirmations, which help me ground my mindset in positivity and intention for the day ahead. After that, I take my vitamins, which give me the physical boost I need to feel energized and ready.
This combination of breathwork, affirmations, and supplements provides a powerful start to my morning. If I have extra time, I’ll also include a short yoga session. That said, I usually prefer to practice yoga in the evenings as a way to unwind and transition into a more relaxed state before bedtime.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Norema Perry, co-founder of HerScape Adventures. I was born in Panama and raised in New York, and over the years I’ve come to truly appreciate the beauty of diversity and the different paths that shape us. I’m also a proud mom of three, and for a long time, my focus was on being the best mom and wife I could be. When my marriage ended, I began a journey of healing and rediscovery, and it was through hiking and time in nature that I found strength, clarity, and renewal.
One of my most transformative experiences was hiking the Grand Canyon with a group of women from all walks of life. In that space—surrounded by nature and honest connection—I realized just how powerful it is when women come together in vulnerability and support. That moment inspired me to create something bigger: a space where women could experience healing, empowerment, and sisterhood through adventure.
That vision grew into HerScape Adventures, a women-centered travel and hiking wellness organization. What makes it special is that it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery. Our experiences are designed to be empowering, intimate, and transformational, and I’m so grateful to share this space with women who are seeking inspiration, healing, and a reminder of their own strength.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a little girl born in Panama, full of joy, innocence, and wonder. I grew up in humble beginnings—living in what felt like a shoebox with my mom and brother, where even the bathroom was outside. But none of that phased me. In fact, I never thought of it as a struggle. To me, it was simply life, and life was still beautiful because it was filled with love from my family and laughter with my friends.
Some of my fondest memories from that time are the simplest ones—like when it rained. While others might have seen it as an inconvenience, for us it was magic. My friends and I would get so excited that we’d rush to change into our bathing suits and run outside, dancing and playing in the downpour as if the rain itself had arrived just for us. Those moments were pure freedom, pure joy—reminders that happiness doesn’t come from what you have, but from how you live and who you share it with.
I was that innocent little girl who wanted nothing more than to play, laugh, and love freely. I didn’t yet know what the world expected of me; I only knew the beauty of being present, the warmth of family, and the power of connection. Those early years—though lived in a poor environment—taught me resilience, gratitude, and the gift of finding joy in the simplest things. They shaped the foundation of who I am today: someone who still sees possibility in every storm and who carries that playful, hopeful little girl within her, no matter how much life has changed.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You are stronger than you realize, and everything you’re going through will shape you into someone resilient, compassionate, and unstoppable.”
As I got older, I came to understand that what I thought of as “normal” were, in fact, hardships. But I would tell that little girl: “Don’t let your circumstances define you. They are simply the soil from which your strength will grow.”
I’d remind her that her laughter, her curiosity, and her ability to find happiness even in the rain are gifts that will carry her through life’s storms. I would tell her that one day, she will look back and realize that the resilience she built during those years not only shaped her character but also gave her the heart to inspire and support others.
Most importantly, I would tell her: “You are loved. You are enough. And the world needs your light, exactly as you are.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the importance of community and gratitude for life’s simple joys. I believe deeply in the power of people coming together—supporting one another, celebrating wins, and showing up through challenges. True community creates a sense of belonging and trust that is irreplaceable.
Alongside that, I hold tightly to the value of gratitude. Some of the most meaningful and joyful moments in life are often the simplest ones—sharing laughter, being present with others, or finding beauty in small, everyday experiences. Gratitude keeps me grounded, and when combined with community, it creates a powerful foundation for connection, joy, and resilience.
That combination—cherishing community and honoring simplicity—is a value I live by and protect in everything I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was someone who loved deeply, lived authentically, and used my life to uplift others. I want to be remembered as the woman who brought people together, who created spaces where women felt seen, supported, and empowered to step into their own strength.
I hope people say that I left behind more than memories—that I left behind a ripple of impact. That I encouraged others to find joy in life’s simple moments, to lean on community, and to never forget their own worth. That through my work with HerScape Adventures and beyond, I inspired women to discover healing, adventure, and sisterhood in ways that transformed their lives.
At the core, my legacy isn’t about titles, accomplishments, or possessions. It’s about the hearts I touched, the courage I sparked, and the love I shared. If the story told about me is one of resilience, kindness, joy, and a commitment to lifting others higher, then I will have lived my life exactly as I was meant to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://herscapeadventures.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/herscapeadventures
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578992228432
