Sonya and Taressa, the dynamic duo of friendship, have shared an incredible bond for over three decades. Through the years, they’ve embarked on some of the most epic adventures together, forming memories that are as enduring as their friendship itself. From spelunking caves to navigating pristine trails, these two adventure enthusiasts have consistently pushed their boundaries and explored the beauty of the world side by side. Their remarkable journey is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the magic of the great outdoors. Join Sonya and Taressa as they continue to inspire and share their remarkable adventures with the world and bring you along with them.
Sonya Staples
Sonya Staples is the co-founder and CEO of Staples InTents, and organization designed to educate and inspire diverse individuals to participate in overlanding and other outdoor adventure. In 2021, Sonya launched Staples InTent’s signature event, “The Gathering,” an inclusive campout and outdoor experience designed to encourage a more diverse and inclusive and outdoors by creating safe space for everyone to connect with nature and each other.
In the few years that she has considered herself an “overlander,” Sonya (along with her partner) has explored 3 continents, touring 11 countries and 29 states. Most recently, she has adventured through Baja, mainland Mexico, and Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana), to explore the unique beauty, people, food and culture of each location.
Taressa Burge
Taressa, aka Glamp Queen, began her journey into the outdoors over a decade ago, driven by a need to escape the hustle of everyday life. What started as a simple retreat under the stars soon evolved into a passion for creating the ultimate outdoor experience. As someone who has spent over 27 years in healthcare, including 19 as a licensed physical therapist, Taressa is no stranger to adapting, organizing, and problem-solving in high-pressure environments. Her career spans from inpatient orthopedics to acute care ICUs and home health, so you could say she’s got a well-rounded toolkit.
Always prepared, Taressa is BLS CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Stop the Bleed certified, ensuring she’s ready for any outdoor challenge, while continuing her work as a licensed physical therapist.
Her knack for making things cozy—whether it’s in a hospital room or a campsite—evolved into creating glamping setups, sparking her passion for outdoor adventures like kayaking and hiking. This eventually led to the creation of Corine’s Glamp Queens, where Taressa, as co-founder and CEO, brings the comforts of home to the great outdoors.
Now, as the co-founder of Shades of Adventure, Taressa combines her passion for wellness with her love of the outdoors. She inspires others to embrace nature while prioritizing comfort and community. Whether she’s setting up a luxurious glamp site or guiding others on outdoor excursions, she’s on a mission to make nature accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Shades of Adventure 