We recently connected with Teri Hearte and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Teri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I won’t lie, it’s extremely difficult. I absolutely love being a comedian and content creator but money gets tight sometimes. I can make a lot at once or none until who knows when. I always wonder if leaving my 9-5 as a preschool teacher was the best decision. When I have a great weekend of performing or my content has a check attached to it I feel like I’m on the right path. Overall, I’m happy and blessed. I’d rather this problem than having a job just to still be broke.

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 back background and context?

I have always known I wanted to be an entertainer, from a child I was sure about it. Entertaining has been the only constant in my life. I eased myself into Comedy after meeting Teddy Ray, Rest In Peace. He was the first person outside of my parents that I told that I seriously wanted to do Stand Up. He was the first comedian that I had ever had a conversation with. When I went back to Mississippi from California I put together a comedy show, never looked back. My entertainment career started in the church believe it or not. I would be the Mistress of Ceremonies for different programs. I always had the longest Easter speech because I could actually remember the whole thing. That later turned into doing beauty pageants, being in stage plays, hosting events for organizations, being the half time announcer for my High School band after I graduated & a series of other amazing speaking engagements.

I think something that sets me apart from other entertainers that I’m not really willing to conform. I’m so true to myself, my vision and maintaining my integrity as an artist. I value being myself and that being good enough. I pride myself on authenticity and originality. Those two traits are what I could only hope to be known for if nothing else. My goal when gaining fans, building a network and cultivating a community is to have people drawn to my original ideas and authentic delivery of those ideas.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The absolutely most gratifying thing on Earth is hearing “You’re such an inspiration.” That compliment is humbling. To think, just being yourself and being pure in your intentions has a major impact on other peoples lives. Rewarding might be an understatement for how that truly feels. Anytime anyone of any age tells me I inspire them my heart gets a little bigger, my flame gets ignited and I get motivated. It’s almost indescribable.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Wow, this is a brilliant question! Yes, I have plenty to say lol. I’d love for non-creatives or people that want to step into this space to know that it is a lot of work for little reward in the beginning. The beginning can last for years! People see creators pump out content, do interviews, work with brands, speak on panels etc and think we are making so much money or not struggling. The truth is, we know that it’s possible to live the life people think we are living so we just go hard and make the mess look good. I’ll do 50 videos and only 2 will doing well. Out of those 2 neither will go viral. Randomly do a video in bed and boom, million views. If I’m being honest, nobody knows what they are talking about. You literally have to create because it makes you happy not because of the “reward.” You’ll stifle your own growth and burn yourself out trying to feed the beast of content creation just to go viral.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @TeriHearte
• Facebook: Comedian Teri Hearte
• Twitter: @theog_pyt
• Youtube: Teri Hearte Tv
• Tiktok: @TeriHearte