We recently connected with Teresa Holmes and have shared our conversation below.

Teresa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

For a long time, I struggled to use my voice effectively, and as a result, I endured significant suffering. Growing up, I was taught that speaking up was not my place as a female. I faced many challenges during my teenage and adult years, and initially, sharing my experiences felt overwhelming. However, as I gradually began to open up and share my story, I discovered that it not only facilitated my own healing but also resonated with others. This realization ignited a passion for storytelling, leading me to create a safe space where others could learn about the power of storytelling and share their own narratives.

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?

As the Director of Human Resources and Education and Employee Development for a Federal Agency, I faced facility-wide staffing shortages that prompted me to get creative in developing upward mobility and mentoring programs. While overseeing these initiatives, I frequently shared my own personal and professional experiences, which ignited my passion for storytelling.

As a result, I started channeling this passion into creating self-help books and various training materials. I discovered that stories foster strong connections and resonate with many people.
As my passion expanded, I made the decision to leave Federal service to become a master storyteller and to launch a mentoring and coaching business.

I continued to expand and, at present, I help others discover their voices and harness their personal narratives to inspire others and connect with their own passions. Establishing the Soul-Stirring Storytelling Society stands out as one of the greatest highlights of my entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I lived in Georgia and was fortunate to receive support from colleagues, friends, and the community. As time went on and my mother aged, I relocated back to my home state of West Virginia to care for her.

Colleagues who had moved back to their hometowns had warned me that the support for my business might not be the same, but I found this to be an understatement. Those I expected to rely on the most were simply not there for me.
I encountered numerous challenges while trying to reestablish myself, but I was determined not to give up. I began networking beyond my local area, leveraging social media more effectively, and organizing speaking tours.
My resilience paid off in countless ways. I was divinely connected with individuals who helped elevate me and placed me in opportunities I had never imagined.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Carla Evans, our co-executive director, at a church after I moved back to West Virginia. Our personalities couldn’t be more different. I’m more direct, enthusiastic, and focused on business, while she maintains a calm demeanor that helps me slow down when I need it. She often offers suggestions that I gladly embrace.
If there’s a perfect business partnership, it would be Carla and me. Together, we’ve built a well-oiled operation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulstirringstorytelling.com
• Instagram: soulstirringstorytelling.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresalholmes?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

Images credit to Dawn D. Hester Photography and Shirley Williams