Surya: How ‘The Sunshine Ladki’ Became a Beam of Hope for Thousands (Solo Traveler & Photographer with 297K+ followers)

Surya Interview

“When someone told me my content feels like sunshine, I knew I wasn’t just traveling—I was touching hearts.”

1. How did your journey as The Sunshine Ladki begin, and what inspired you to start creating content?

My journey as The Sunshine Ladki began with my love for travel and storytelling. I’ve always believed that every place has a soul and every journey carries a story waiting to be shared. What inspired me most was the joy of capturing moments, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures that made me feel truly alive.

I wanted to spread that sunshine with the world, so I turned my passion into content creation. That’s how The Sunshine Ladki came to life—through my desire to share the joy of solo adventures, cultural explorations, and the little moments that make travel unforgettable.

2. Your content radiates positivity and self-expression. How do you stay authentic while engaging with your audience?

For me, authenticity comes naturally when I share what I genuinely feel. I don’t try to present a ‘perfect’ version of myself—I share the highs, the lows, and the unfiltered moments in between. That transparency makes the connection real, because my audience sees me as I am, not as I want to appear.

Staying authentic is really about remembering why I started—to spread sunshine and positivity. I focus on creating content that reflects my real experiences and emotions, and that helps me stay grounded.

3. What’s one moment or achievement in your creator journey that you’re most proud of?

One of my proudest moments was when a follower messaged me saying, “Your content feels like sunshine. You should keep a name related to that—like sunshinegirl or sunshineladki.” That was the moment I realized people were truly noticing and connecting with my work. It felt like a huge achievement.

Another milestone was collaborating with the U.S. Embassy for tourism growth and representing India. That experience was incredibly special and empowering.

4. Every creator faces challenges. How do you deal with self-doubt, criticism, or creative blocks?

Self-doubt and creative blocks are a natural part of every creator’s journey. When I feel stuck, I remind myself why I began—to share joy and stories, not to chase perfection. Taking a pause, journaling, or even going for a walk helps me reset and return with a fresh perspective.

Whenever I face self-doubt, I turn to my audience. Being open about those feelings makes me feel less alone, because so many people relate. It creates an honest connection—and together we remind each other that it’s okay to have slow days.

5. Who or what inspires your creativity the most?

My biggest inspiration comes from the places I travel to—the colors, cultures, and stories I encounter. Every destination feels like a new canvas that fuels my creativity.

I’m also inspired by people—the strangers I meet on the road, fellow creators, and even my own audience. Their stories, energy, and perspectives constantly remind me why I love creating.

6. How do you personally define success as a content creator in today’s digital world?

For me, success isn’t defined by numbers or going viral—it’s about impact. I feel most successful when my content inspires someone to take their first trip, lifts their mood on a tough day, or makes them feel understood and connected.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where likes and views fluctuate, I define success as staying authentic, creating with joy, and building a community that genuinely trusts and relates to me. That human connection matters more than any metric.

7. What advice would you give to young creators who want to share their voice and build a community online?

My advice is simple: stay true to your voice. Don’t chase trends just for quick growth—share your story, in your own way. People connect with authenticity, not perfection.

Be consistent, patient, and passionate. These qualities will always take you further in the long run.

Bio:

Surya, popularly known as The Sunshine Ladki, is a solo traveler and photographer who has journeyed through every corner of India and is now exploring the rest of the world. Her travel niche focuses on culture, indigenous tribes, hidden gems, and spiritual experiences. Through her lens and stories, she brings to life the vibrant soul of the places she visits, inspiring others to discover the world with curiosity and authenticity.

Instagram 

Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh