Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I attended a Never Work Again Retreat that one of my business mentors (Yvette Mc Dowell) invited me to. That’s where I met a man named Sam Crowley. Who has a podcast named Every Day Is Saturday? After hearing is talk, I realized that this is how I can tell my story about how I overcame depression.
I have been dealing with depression since the summer of my 9th-grade year, but back then I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t identify it until 2003, so I was a 23 with a year 3-year-old child. I would have days where I would cry for hours after getting home from work, and I loved my job (that didn’t feel like work). I managed to go to work and take care of my child then let it out when my day was finished.
I started having panic attacks but didn’t know what they were. Through my job, which was dealing with public health I started attending training’s on how to identify depression, when someone is suicidal, and other mental behaviors so that I would be able to refer them to get help.
As I was learning more about depression, I was like oh, that’s what I’ve been experiencing. It was so bad that I found myself in a ball on the floor at home crying and not knowing why. My daughter was between 3-5 years old, and she was standing there looking at me asking, “What’s wrong mommy?” She didn’t know what to do so she cried with me.
I would wake up in the morning, get dressed and head to work and out of nowhere I would have this sudden urge to cry for no reason. I would have panic attacks right in front of people, and they wouldn’t even know because I masked it well. I knew that this couldn’t continue if I want to live. So, I decided I had to fight back. Which had its challenges?
I began thinking of it as if I was an alcoholic and owning my experience. Hi, my name is Teresa, and I suffer with depression, and my sponsor is God. Every time I would feel the depression coming on, I would force myself to play gospel music and dance to it until the depression would go away. Then I had to start to identify my triggers and do a lot of self-talk and praying.
Another way that really helped me deal with depression was facilitating Healing Art Workshops through Shepherds Door Domestic Violence Resources Center (Founder Linda Offray). She asked if I wanted to be the facilitator for the women and I said “YES.” I always say, “It’s a beautiful thing while helping others heal I can heal.” Healing Art has helped me heal from things I didn’t even know about.
Fast-forward to today I am a Healing Support Life Coach that will support people in their process to healing in a none judgmental way. I don’t guarantee healing, but I do guarantee that I can support people on their healing journey. I host Mindfulness Healing Art workshops where you can express yourself through art. I also am a podcaster and motivational speaker. I love what I do because it is my passion and my purpose.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been smooth because I battle with depression and had a fear of success. A lot of days I didn’t work on my business because I was just too sad and didn’t know how to pull myself out of the depression.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Being The Best Me – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I also am a pod-caster and motivational speaker. I love what I do because it is my passion and my purpose. I’m known for doing Healing Art Workshops and being authentic to others and my self. I am most proud of having the courage to speak out about dealing with depression and how I overcome it.
What sets me apart from others is I am being the best me the best way I know how everyday unapologetic and “Living My Best Life Ever NOW”.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that there are so may culture here and so much to do and see. Lack of parking. lol!
Pricing:
- Day Retreats are between $45- $100
- Touchstone starter kits $10
- Mindfulness Healing Are Workshops between $5-$20
Contact Info:
- Website: beingthebestmebtbm.com
- Phone: 6262985456
- Email: beingthebestmebtbm@
gmail.com - Instagram: beingthebestmebtbm
- Facebook: Teresa Smith
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
