Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Téa Emerald. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Téa Emerald , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As a kid, I always felt like there was no where for me to fit in. I didn’t really belong or conform and I have felt like an Alien for as long as I can remember. I would say the wrong things, get in trouble for being too loud and un-focused, and felt things so intensely that I was always just a volcano of emotions that I didn’t understand. Being Artistic and Creative really had saved me. Not only my soul, but I feel like it has saved my life. I have always worked with kids and had a passion for art, singing and dancing, but had started modeling at age 13/14. Being creative was always something I was actually good at and because I struggled in school due to mental/physical health, college never really felt like the best option. In my teens is when I really knew that I wanted to make a career out of being creative.

Téa Emerald , 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?

I was scouted at the local mall, and things really just blew up from there. My starter agency trained me and really got my foot in the door. I have always been a curvy, bigger girl and I really pushed modeling because I knew there were girls like me who needed to see a body like mine on the runway and in print. I had been diagnosed with type one diabetes at 9 years old, and throughout my life had struggled with self harm and mental illness. Doing little runway shows and photo shoots really built my confidence and helped me through some tough times. I think when I turned 18 I really started to be more serious with the modeling and at the same time I was diagnosed with ADHD, Borderline personality Disorder, as well as other mental health conditions. I think doubting me, really made me want to prove people wrong. I really built confidence and connections while also heeling myself. I stand for body positivity and am big on Mental Health Matters. As I kept pursuing my modeling/talent, I also continued working with youth as a nanny, after school counselor, teacher, and aba therapist. I have worked with kids of all ages and abilities. I enjoy making kids feel wanted and loved. I always want to be the adult that I needed when I was younger for children. It was nice because I could easily fit my love for kids with my creative/modeling schedule.
Fast forward to 2019, and I got a part time gig working with kids at a little kids spa. It was a blast just getting to have fun with kids without the pressure of teaching and I quickly fell in love with it. 5 years later, my Mom and I took over the business and are now the owners of the Little Princess Spa. We run parties, mini pretend spa days, princess events and more. We strive to build confidence and make core memories, and just love being a magical part of their childhood. Getting to do what I love in Modeling, while also getting to work with youth is such a blessing. I am most proud of my perseverance. Giving up or quitting is easy, but I worked and will continue to work to chase the things that make my heart happy.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect Is having the ability and opportunity to positively impact people and kids that I wouldn’t of gotten to reach if it wasn’t for being a creative.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society should keep an open mind and explore different artist regardless of how much money or followers they have. Society tends to focus on quantity rather than quality and I think sometimes we miss out on the important things by having a materialistic mindset.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tea_emerald
• Other: Business info:
  Insta: @littleprincessspasuperior
  Website: superior.littleprincessspa.com

Image Credits

Ellen Stokes
Ashley with The Yellow Morning

Runway Photos-
303 Magazine
Jeffrey Grounds