We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claresa Baggs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claresa below.

Claresa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I stood at a crossroads that was as much about my past as it was about my future.

The decision to share my truth was not a mere moment of choice; it was an odyssey, a journey back through the darkest corridors of my memory. The risk was not just about the act of telling, but the consequence of being heard. I was considering exposing wounds to a world that had shown itself to be both cruel and dismissive. To speak up was to invite the potential for ridicule and the sharp sting of public judgment. I knew this all too well.

As a survivor of child rape, I knew that sharing my story would open wounds for not only myself but for members of my family. If I am honest, I will tell you that the decision was not without an immense amount of fear from the potential added judgments.

In the silence of my contemplation, the echoes of my childhood reverberated. I had endured a landscape of abuse that should have never been my playground, where innocence was crushed under the weight of cruelty. My very essence was commandeered by an abuser who should have been my protector, and at the tender age of 12, motherhood was thrust upon me. The tapestry of my life was embroidered with society’s harsh whispers, accusatory glances, and full-throated accusations — a narrative unfairly scripted.

Why then, would I choose to unlock the gates of my past and let the world see into my garden of thorns? It was because intertwined within were also blooms of hope — my survival, my ascension to acclaim, my voice that had emerged from the silence — and this was what I ultimately yearned to share.

The moment I broke my silence, the tremors of my revelations sent ripples through the public domain. My voice, once quivering with the trembles of my past, now resonated with the power of my presence. Yes, some cast stones of judgment, hiding their fears behind the facade of criticism. But the fear that once would have silenced me now propelled me.

For with each story told, with every film screened, and every speech delivered, I became not just the narrator of my own life but the voice for those still searching for theirs. I transformed ridicule into dialogue, judgment into understanding, and my saga into a communal bridge over troubled waters.

Clarity emerged from the risk, and the outcome was a testament to the strength of my spirit. I not only changed my narrative but altered the societal lens through which stories like mine are viewed. My risks revealed a powerful truth: within the heart of vulnerability lies the strength to change not just one life, but many.

As I continue to speak, advocate, and inspire, I stand not just as a witness to my history, but as a testament to the transformative power of courage. I am fully aware that if I did not tell my own story, others would continue to tell their versions of my truths.

In a world where emotional exposition is often met with scorn, I hope my story remains a beacon, illuminating a path from the depths of despair to the pinnacles of triumph.

I pray that speaking my truth is a healing balm for both myself and hopefully my audience.

Claresa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, I endured a childhood marked by profound adversity and cruelty. As the eldest of twelve siblings, I found myself immersed in an emotionally and physically abusive household when my mother introduced a new partner into our lives during my second-grade year. Little did I know that this man would turn our world upside down and shake the very foundation of all that I thought was good and secure in the world.

The abuse I and my siblings faced took on many forms – physical, emotional, and psychological. Our family’s religion was abruptly changed, isolating them from their previous connections and support systems. In third grade, I experienced the heart-wrenching separation from my siblings, only to be faced with the unthinkable – enduring almost daily rapes committed by my mother’s second husband.

At the shockingly young age of 12, I became a mother to my daughter. The societal reaction was filled with judgment, blame, secrets, and shame, as people failed to question the abuser who had victimized me at such a young age. The burden of guilt and humiliation was unfairly thrust upon my young shoulders.

Living day to day with my abuser proved unbearable, as I was forced to perform demeaning tasks and show him undeserved respect. The weight of my traumatic experiences left me voiceless, with shattered self-esteem, and at times, devoid of the will to live.

Despite unimaginable suffering, my resilience and faith led me to recognize that she was not alone in her struggles. Through my involvement in the church’s vacation bible school, I discovered the need for support and resources for at-risk individuals. This realization prompted me to establish the nonprofit organization “All I Know Incorporated,” aimed at bridging the gaps between government and community resources for those facing similar challenges.

Driven to help others find their voice and inspire change, I founded Red Petunia Productions and also launched the award-winning talk show, “Still Surviving”. Through this platform, survivors of abuse share their stories, demonstrating that there is life after such harrowing experiences. Still Surviving has grown into a movement, encompassing conferences and retreats focused on mental health and emotional wellness.

Today, I am an award-winning filmmaker, producer, director, inspirational speaker, author, and humanitarian. My personal journey as a survivor fuels my advocacy for bringing awareness to childhood traumas and their profound impact on society. Through my various platforms, I seek to heal and empower both myself and others.

With an unshakable belief in the power of speaking truth, I continue my mission as an advocate for change. I fearlessly address the pressing issues of child abuse, sexual assault, and mental health wellness, striving to transform laws, conversations, and attitudes toward these critical matters. I am currently working on the documentary “Consequence,” which aims to shed light on child suicide and its far-reaching effects on global society.

My story is one of unwavering strength, hope, and compassion. Through my journey from victim to advocate, I attempt to exemplify the resilience of the human spirit and inspire positive change and healing in the lives of countless individuals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being open and honest about my failures and triumphs continues to help build my reputation within my market.

A significant part of emotional and mental health healing is trust. People like knowing that your experiences resonate with theirs. I cannot ask others to share their survival stories without being willing to show my scars and bruises. Teaching others that when we open our mouths and speak our truths, healing begins to take place.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It took me a while to realize that not everyone thinks the way I do. I’ve always been someone who goes the extra mile, aiming to exceed people’s expectations. I firmly believe that the positive experiences we offer to others leave a lasting impression.

I remember back in fourth grade, someone gave me such a memorable experience that it has stayed with me to this day. Inspired by that feeling, I vowed to make every event I host and every meeting I lead unforgettable. I’m passionate about creating extraordinary experiences. Yet, despite my best efforts, my events often had vacant seats.

Observing the events around me was eye-opening. Many of them offered just the basics, no frills or “extras”, but they were always packed.

These events charged higher fees and delivered less, while I did the opposite: lower charges with added value. It left me puzzled.

Eventually, I came to understand that what I deemed essential might not hold the same value for everyone else. I had to relearn how I approached events and the levels of expectation by potential employees.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ClaresaBaggs.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/ClaresaBaggs
• Facebook: Facebook.com/ClaresaBaggs
• Linkedin:LinkedIn.com/ClaresaBaggs
• Twitter: Twitter.com/ClaresaBaggs
• Youtube: YouTube.com/StillSurviving

Image Credits
Bracy Photos