Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomeka Harris.
Tomeka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
You may have heard my story in the media, where I was labeled as the “Kroger Lady” after surviving a traumatic kidnapping during a routine grocery shopping trip in December 2022. In that moment, fear took hold, but through God’s grace and my own determination, I fought back and survived. That experience, though horrific, became a turning point in my life.
Surviving has inspired me to not only celebrate the power of healing but also to help other women who have faced similar struggles. I’m passionate about supporting those who are working through the aftermath of victimization, helping them heal, and empowering them to embrace second chances.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey to finding my purpose began after surviving a traumatic event—the attempted kidnapping that nearly took my life. The aftermath of that crime left me physically, mentally, and emotionally wounded. I found myself questioning so many things, feeling frustrated while trying to manage the pain and challenges that followed. But as I began to heal, I realized that my survival was not just a victory—it was a calling.
The road has not been easy. My biggest challenge was finding my true identity and gaining a new confidence in life. I realized that my identity wasn’t defined by that one event, but by the courage and resilience I showed every day to keep moving forward. It was through God’s guidance that I found the strength to turn this painful experience into something positive, sharing my journey of redemption with others. Today, I embrace my identity as a woman of faith and resilience, refusing to let my past dictate who I am. I’ve reclaimed my voice and now share my story of overcoming adversity and finding strength through God’s grace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I recently became certified as a life coach, which allows me to offer support to women facing their own obstacles. My goal is to help them rebuild their lives after setbacks, discover their purpose, and overcome their challenges. In addition to my coaching practice, I am actively involved in my ministry, which is rooted in sharing stories of triumph and faith. I recently launched my blog, Life Resurrected, where I share insights from my journey and provide inspiration for those facing similar struggles.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to empower others to find their own strength and resilience. Witnessing clients transform their lives and regain their confidence is incredibly rewarding. My mission is to help people recognize their inner power and potential, even in the face of adversity. Before stepping into the world of ministry, coaching, and blogging, I was a very shy person and honestly missed out on the entire social media era. However, after the attempted kidnapping, my story was covered by several news networks and shared across many social media platforms. This unexpected exposure pushed me to embrace transparency and vulnerability in a way I hadn’t before.
Revealing my backstory became a necessary part of my journey because it allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, especially women who may have faced similar struggles. By being open about my experiences, I was able to build trust and credibility, showing that overcoming adversity is possible with faith, resilience, and support. Sharing my truth has been essential in establishing myself in this space, and it’s helped me build a reputation rooted in authenticity and a genuine desire to help others heal and thrive.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of lived experience and faith-driven coaching. I don’t just teach from theory—I’ve walked the path of adversity and emerged stronger, and I use that strength to guide others on their own journeys. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that no matter your past, no matter what you’ve been through, you have the power to heal, grow, and live the life you were meant to live.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Becoming more than an overcome has been my success, a year after the attempted kidnapping when I had to face my attacker again in court. It wasn’t just about surviving the incident—it was about summoning the strength to confront the man who tried to take my life. The emotional toll was immense, and I struggled to push through the trauma and develop a new normal for my life.
In those moments, I leaned heavily on my faith in Jesus Christ. I reminded myself that He was with me the first time I faced my attacker, and I knew He would be with me again. To prepare mentally and spiritually, I immersed myself in encouraging sermons, listened to inspiring gospel music, and prayed constantly for strength. It took more than just a will to survive—it required me to dig deep, trust in God’s presence, and find the resilience to continue moving forward. This experience taught me the true power of faith and resilience. It’s not just about overcoming one obstacle—it’s about enduring and thriving through every challenge life throws your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tomekaharris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomekaharrisspeaks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomekaharrisspeaks
- Other: https://mymentor.life/TomekaHarris
Image Credits
Carrie Evans Photo