We were lucky to catch up with Katy Tessman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Katy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
At the age of 39, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my first mammogram. My two sons were ages 3 and 6 years old. Since there wasn’t a book I could read to my children to help them understand, I found my own words to explain what was going to happen. I have fought the battle of my life; finishing the fight with children who stayed optimistic gave me the courage to write “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.” Since publishing my first book, I have received many honors including being named CHANGEMAKER by the Minnesota Women’s Press.
A decade later, I have written a song that sums up the everyday-hero’s journey; it’s called “Hero Now Crowned.” A cancer diagnosis felt like I’d fallen down a deep dark hole. Navigating the unplanned twists in the road can be extremely challenging. I’ve learned that I can find the bottom, inch up, and make my way back to the top. I now feel like I’ve summited a mountain! Releasing the song with an accompanying lyric picture book has been a dream come true. “Hero Now Crowned” is a celebration of the everyday-hero’s perseverance, which is so courageous.
During my battle with cancer, I received financial assistance from the Angel Foundation and in October 2022, I had the opportunity to give back. In celebration of my 13th year of being cancer-free, I hosted a fundraiser at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. My band and I performed to a full house of generous audience members. I am so proud I met my fundraising goal for this wonderful Twin Cities-based nonprofit organization that helps adults and families who are fighting cancer. In addition, copies of my book were purchased to be included in the foundation’s Angel Packs for the families they serve.
In February 2023, I was a guest on Star Studio’s special in-house TV station at Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota. This community-supported TV station provides light-hearted entertainment for kids facing a health crisis while they stay in the hospital. Because of sponsorships, copies of my books were donated to this little heroes.
Katy, 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?
Books and Music have always taken center stage in my life. As a child, weekly trips to the local library with my mom ignited my love for reading. Singing in choirs and performing in musical theater productions sparked my love for the stage. Combining my love of writing and performing, I earned a BA in Speech Communication from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. I started songwriting in 1993 and performed at venues in the Twin Cities and throughout the region for nearly a decade. I went on two national tours and released two albums which received accolades from fans and critics alike.
When I became a mom in 2003 (and again in 2006) I paused my music career and turned my focus to raising my two sons. Together, the three of us would attend concerts by family-friendly bands and I taught Music Together (an early childhood music program). I performed at my sons’ school for special assemblies and classroom concerts. In addition, I directed the summer reading program at their elementary school.
After a twenty year break, I am songwriting again and back on stage performing. Both my sons have proven to be talented music makers — from piano and percussion, to electric guitar and electronic music production. There’s always some kind of music pouring out of our home in Minnetonka, Minnesota. On Mother’s Day in 2022, I released my first single, “Piece by Piece (the best news of all)” a lullaby I wrote for my sons. We collaborated on the production of this song; it is about surviving breast cancer and reflecting on everything I have to live for. Currently, I’m in the studio working on recording an album with my older son who is the lead guitar player in my band.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The arts community is strong and flourishing in the Twin Cities and throughout the state of Minnesota. From literacy and music to visual arts and independent sellers, there’s always a wide variety of creativity accessible to the diverse communities that call this beautiful state their home. The support and encouragement I have received by fellow artists has been very validating as an author and songwriter.
I want to spread optimism through my music, and I feel like I am doing that! Selling out shows and meeting new people at my concerts has been so rewarding. I love hearing their personal stories of hardships and how my songs have uplifted them is why I want to share my music.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Talking about tough subjects can be hard. Stories and songs are helpful tools for navigating sensitive subjects. I hope my books and music will instill courage, confidence, and comfort … especially during times of uncertainty. Writing helps me find plateaus during life’s stumbles and summits. Using the wisdom I’ve gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, I aim to spread hope, strength, and joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katytessman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katytessmanmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurMamaIsABeautifulGarden
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatyTessman
- Other: https://katytessman.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Pete Pederson