We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teresa Blount a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

The thing that impacted me the most or that I learned a lesson from had to be from high school. I recall entering into high school as a subfreshman (8th grade) And not knowing how big of a difference this was from elementary school.
I had to adapt very quickly. I was young and very naive. The issue was I had had a child at the age of 13 and didn’t know that people knew and were judging me based on what they heard. People who I thought were my friends from elementary school no longer wanted to hang around me, talk to me, even be seen with me. Instead of talking to me, trying to find out what the issue was or if I needed some help they laughed at me, talked behind my back, singled me out. I was labeled the easy girl and almost every guy approached me tried to get me to sleep with them. Some f the girls would even set me up to try to get me to sleep with the guys so they could talk about me. The lesson I learned was to never judge a book by its cover be kind to everyone no matter what.

Teresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a wife, mother, medical assistant, and Author. This is my first published book. I’ve always loved writing and wanted to write. I just didn’t know how until I learned about Shanine and the Books 2 Impact program. My book “Cliquish” is a tool to help people be aware of the impact of singling people out and bullying. I’m most proud of overcoming my adversities in these areas, telling my story, and being able to help encourage others through my story. I want people to know they’re not alone and it’s to talk about it and get help. Depression is real, suicide is real, bullying is real. We just need to know someone cares and are willing to help.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Inclusion is what’s driving me. I want everyone to feel included no matter if they are man, woman, boy, or girl. The color of their skin shouldn’t matter, their creed, or religion, they should feel included. I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re less than to not feel like they’re not enough, to skinny, to big, to light, to dark, or don’t have the right clothes, or not smart enough.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is to know I’ve impacted someone. I know that I gave them hope. To let them know that they are seen, they are loved and that they matter.That’s the most rewarding thing for me as a creative writer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: teresatheauthorpreneur
• Facebook: Teresa Blount

Image Credits

Bart Meriwether