We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teresa Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Teresa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The name of my company, DQ Consulting, LLC, stands for “Don’t Quit.” The word “DQ” serves as a reminder to never give up, even in the face of challenges, and to keep pushing forward toward one’s goals and purpose. It reflects the resilience and perseverance we must embody and encourage in others. My focus is to assist individuals in their personal development and transformation journeys.
DQ Consulting’s mission is centered on helping people transform and reclaim power over their lives through practical, actionable steps. My experiences of overcoming adversity, such as surviving incest and trauma, shaped my perspective and drive to empower others. I believe in the power of transformation and self-development and encourage individuals to appreciate the present moment, embrace challenges, and prioritize their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I combine my love for cooking and coaching to inspire positive change in people’s lives.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am Dr. Teresa A. Smith, known affectionately as Dr. TAS. My life’s mission has been to empower individuals, encouraging them to strive for success and transform their lives. I am the proud founder of DQ Consulting, LLC, where “DQ” stands for “Don’t Quit.” With experiences in healthcare, counseling, rehabilitation, K12, and higher education spanning over 25 years, I have dedicated myself to improving the human experience. From a young age, I discovered a profound calling to help others. Initially, my aspirations leaned toward becoming an attorney or physician. However, as I immersed myself in healthcare, particularly in medical and psychiatric settings, I recognized the significance of proactive well-being support for children and families. This realization led me to pursue a degree in education counseling, and coincidently, I’d worked in the school counselor’s office during high school.
My journey continued as I worked with at-risk middle and high school students and clients with disabilities. Through these experiences, I witnessed the immense potential within individuals, even when it remained unnoticed by the individual and those around them. This realization ignited my passion for focusing on supporting and nurturing overall well-being. Inspired by this newfound purpose, I established an elementary afterschool program in a rural county. Its impact on the students, their families, and the community was remarkable and heartwarming.
Through my human services and education career, I understood that most people harbor a common desire: the yearning to create a better life or experience their lives differently. This understanding stems from my journey as an incest survivor and witness to law enforcement violence. These experiences have fueled my unwavering determination to manifest a more positive existence for myself and those around me. I have channeled my experiences, expertise, and commitment to personal development into various creative outlets, including writing, motivational speaking, hosting a talk show, contributing to radio programs, and coaching, all aiming to empower individuals to strive for success.
My personal triumphs and the lessons I have learned along the way were shared in my debut publication, “Stronger: How Overcoming Life’s Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose.” This book provides inspiration and advocacy for those who acknowledge their challenges but refuse to let them define their identity.
In “From Bravery to Victory,” I shared invaluable principles for maintaining focus during challenging times. Drawing from my own experiences of overcoming emotional paralysis, I provide a roadmap to victory, inspiring readers to transform their adversities into opportunities for growth. Additionally, “Transformation” offers practical insights for personal development and growth, guiding individuals on their transformative journey to becoming the best version of themselves. In “Transformation: The Bounce Back,” I explore how illness pushed me to reclaim my identity and provide a workbook and resources to help others do the same.
As a lover of cooking and healthy living, I also authored the Amazon Best Seller “Transform With TAS Healthy Recipes.” This book represents my passion for transforming beloved dishes into healthier yet equally delicious versions. This passion was intensified after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery and adopting a protein-focused diet.
Not only do I share my expertise through my writing, but I also host the “Transform with TAS Talk Show.” On this show, I feature inspiring guests who have triumphed over adversity and achieved remarkable success. Through engaging conversations, I share practical advice and tips for cooking nutritious meals that benefit the body and the mind. You can find episodes of the show on YouTube, where you can immerse yourself in motivation and embark on your personal transformation.
My commitment to personal development extends beyond my platforms. I have been honored to be featured on programs such as “Conversations LIVE” and “Positive365.NET,” further showcasing my dedication to enhancing the lives of others. My segment, “Talk with TAS,” has reached an audience of two million people worldwide, spreading positivity and encouragement.
In August of 2022, I had the distinct honor of being recognized as the Celebrate You Woman of The Month for my mission of improving the lives of those around me. I devote my free time to volunteering in my community through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and the Order of Eastern Star, PHA, where I have passionately served for over 30 years.
If you are ready to embark on your transformation journey and achieve success, I am here to be your unwavering motivator and trusted guide. Together, let’s create a life brimming with purpose and fulfillment.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Throughout my life, I have had to pivot and adapt to overcome numerous obstacles. One recent significant moment was when I battled an unexpected illness, which disrupted my plans and forced me to focus on my health and resilience. I navigated back to wellness and share my experience in my most recent book called “Transformation: The Bounce Back.” This book demonstrates my ability to pivot and find new ways to transform and reclaim my power.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was that I needed to have all the answers and control every situation. As someone who has dedicated her life to helping others, I initially felt the pressure to have all the solutions and be a constant source of guidance. However, I realized that it is unrealistic and unfair to expect to have all the answers. I learned the importance of vulnerability and allowing myself and others to learn and transform continuously. This shift in mindset allowed me to embrace the journey of self-discovery and accept that setbacks and mistakes are part of the growth process.
Contact Info:
- Website: askdrtas.com
- Instagram: @drteresasmith
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/teresa.smith.98871
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drteresaasmith/
- Twitter: @AskDrTAS1
- Youtube: youtube.com/@DrTAS
- Other: Linktr.ee/DRTAS
Image Credits
WIZPRO Imagineering