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

Tori , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The idea behind the name came after the mission had already began. Our community of support was well underway over 6 months before God revealed the name. All I knew is that, we were a community committed to living again. A community that was built on prayer, encouragement and safety. I wanted something that would represent being revived. CPR came to mind. Permission to CRY. A center to PRAY. The encouragement to RESPOND differently to your pain, hurt, trauma, situation, and even your Joys. Sometimes if we’re not healthy mentally or supported, good things can seem like a burden. We are each others lifeline of support. Every conversation that reaches the heart, revives the man, and gives new life. That is who we are.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Tori Lewis, I am a Dallas native, striving to make a significant impact in my community. As the Owner/Founder of Con-Verse and Conversation (C&C) and the recent founder of CPR, I have dedicated myself to creating platforms that foster connection and provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences. Con-Verse and Conversation, established in 2017, is an organization that encourages open dialogue and meaningful conversations. Through C&C, I aim to bring people together to discuss various topics, explore different perspectives, and build bridges of understanding within our community.
In 2023, I introduced CPR, which stands for “Cry Pray & Respond.” This new community emerged from my desire to invite others to join me on a journey of triumph and resilience. CPR serves as a sanctuary where individuals can share their stories of overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of challenges. Through CPR, I/we have created a supportive community that uplifts and inspires others to persevere and thrive.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending time with my two daughters. I am an avid journaler who shares virtual excerpts from my journal on social media, offering glimpses into my thoughts and reflections. I also engage in activities I find fulfilling and rejuvenating like writing, container gardening, volunteering, and my new found hobby of yoga.

My unwavering faith is a cornerstone of my life. As a God-fearing woman, I seek to remind others of God’s goodness and the blessings that unfold each day. Seemingly, my commitment to living out my faith with faithfulness and obedience has transcended as an inspiration to those around me.
One of my favorite scriptures that encapsulates my unwavering belief in God’s plan is: Matthew 6:33

If you’re seeking hope, healing, and a sense of community, I invite you to join me/us at the Mountain. Through stories, prayer, and fellowship, my initiatives /community offer an opportunity for transformative experiences that uplift the spirit and ignite the path towards growth and resilience, placing God at the center of it all.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my community was consistency and being a committed source for those around me. I have always believed that in order for people to believe in what I do, I must demonstrate unwavering commitment to my work that God has assigned for me to do. As a leader, I consider myself a walking billboard, showcasing through my actions what I preach and talk about and this is daily.

By consistently showing up and authentically living out the foundation I advocate for, I have been able to make a significant impact in building a strong community around my brand. People appreciate seeing that I practice what I preach, and this has helped establish trust and credibility. I’d like to note, that even in my mistakes, and imperfections, people get to see that, as a way to learn. This path isn’t always pretty. Like Beyoncé song says…Pretty Hurts.

In addition to consistency, I believe that respecting others, being kind, and spreading love and positivity have played a vital role in building my reputation. These qualities attributes and contribute to fostering genuine and trustworthy relationships with individuals I encounter each day of my life . When people feel respected and valued in their interactions with me, it builds a foundation of trust and strengthens my reputation.

All in all for me, consistency, demonstrating commitment, and embodying qualities such as respect, kindness, and positivity have been instrumental in building my reputation within my safe space community.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the concept of shame and the belief that I had to have everything figured out. In the past, I used to carry a lot of shame, which hindered my ability to express myself and be open within a support group or community. You cannot have a support group/community, where there is shame I realized that shame has the power to silence your voice and prevent you from seeking the help and support you need.

To overcome this, I had to unlearn the desire to constantly please others. Instead, I started embracing the positive affirmations and encouragement from those who were on the journey with me. I learned to give no power to the voices of shame, doubt, and fear that would hold me back.

Additionally, I had to unlearn the notion that success can only be achieved if everything is perfect from the start. Totally untrue! I came to understand that perfection is an unrealistic expectation and that there is always room for growth and improvement in each area of my life . I now believe that success is a continuous process, and some days you may not have all the answers or have everything figured out. … and that’s quite alright ! It’s okay to take steps forward even when the path is not completely clear because sometimes the way is made while you’re on the way.

Overall, these lessons taught me the importance of self-acceptance, embracing imperfection, and seeking support from others without the burden of shame.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cry.pray.respond
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationCpr23

Image Credits
Marcus Owens