Dyersburg, TN - December 24, 2025 - Sherria Hester is the owner of The Surreal Experience, a business serving both Tennessee and Kentucky. Her company offers a wide range of services: event planning, private parties, corporate gatherings, sporting events, festivals, community and wellness programs, and nonprofit events, just to name a few.
“We offer anything you can think of—you name it,” Hester explained. “We also offer hospitality services such as bartending, wait staffing and concierge services, so all things entertainment—we do it.”
The Surreal Experience can provide anywhere from 10 to 30 staff members, depending on the size and needs of the event. With a background in public relations, sports, and recreation, Hester has earned the reputation of being the “go-to” person for both events and travel planning.
“I realized that I could take those skills and become an event planner and a hospitality provider,” she said. “I’ve just naturally went from the role of friend to businesswoman.”
Hester says the business name was chosen because it reflects both the facts and fantasy behind event planning. Her mission is clear: deliver safe, strategic, and organized experiences through professional, dedicated service.
The Surreal Experience prides itself on standing apart.
“Not only have I lived the experiences that I offer, but I also have the education—keeping up with trends—to meet the needs of economy. I take pride in meeting people where they are and still offering an experience that they weren’t expecting.”
For Hester, this work is also about community impact. She takes pride in boosting the local economy and inspiring others.
“It gives other people an opportunity to see that, no matter your background, where you’re from, where you’ve been, you can own something and begin something and follow your dreams. It’ll be a legacy to come for my family.”
Of course, starting out wasn’t easy.
“The biggest challenge was to get the business off the ground,” she admitted. “Finding funding and resources to get started. Just the necessary information to get started and be sustainable.”
Even so, the rewards have been worth it.
“I find it very rewarding to see those goals being met,” Hester said, reflecting on how she uses her skills and passion to help others realize their dreams.
Looking ahead, Hester has set her sights on taking The Surreal Experience global. Her goal is to grow into an international brand and collaborate with other companies and organizations.
To learn more about The Surreal Experience, visit their website at The Surreal Experience Web.
About The Mill Workspace: The Mill Workspace, a DBA of Northwest Tennessee Entrepreneurship, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entrepreneur center located in Dyersburg, TN and focused on serving entrepreneurs in the nine counties of Northwest Tennessee. They help businesses through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and multi-week programs all designed to help businesses in the region start up and grow.
Programs at The Mill are funded in part by a grant from LaunchTN.
