We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teoy Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teoy below.
Teoy, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
From Bayou roots to bold journeys. I come from parents born to the rich culture of Louisiana. Growing up in Houston, TX the southern roots and strength of my ancestors were called upon often. Being raised by a highly educated but underpaid single mother, taught me the essecne of survival and the art of bouncing back against all odds. Born with a passion to help and support others to be great, I am learning to provide the same support for myself.
Life took an unexpected turn when, much like my mother, I found myself a single mother, living paycheck to paycheck. Despite my childhood plans of being an actor and traveling the world, I was caught in the same spinning wheel I witnessed growing up. Yet, it was these very circumstances that ignited a fierce determination within me. Drawing from the resilience embedded in my Creole culture, I embraced the lessons of my childhood, turning adversity into a powerful force for my life and others to change. Without the confidence, but the insistence I began my entrepreneur journey I continue to this very day.
My personal and professional journey’s not just about survival; it’s about transformation. The strength of my ancestors flows through my veins, reminding me of the endurance and perseverance that was passed down through generations. I continue to focus on creating multiple streams of income ensuring my children’s children will not have to follow the same survival path. Through my trials of single motherhood, marriage and divorce, I will remain stradfast in my committment to build a better future for my family.
My journey of becoming a successful entrepreneur and a ray of positivity is evident. I’m creating a legacy of strength, determination, and unwavering hope.
As the founder and CEO of Ignite Speaks and I Speak Solution, I channel my resilience into inspiring others, spreading positivity and sparking possibilities. I sincerely believe my story, like many others is another reminder that with courage, determination, and a deep connecion to our roots, contrast can be overcome. We can create a life filled with purpose and meaning and share that experience to inspire others.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m thrilled to share my journey and what I’m currently focused on. Professionally, my work is a blend of passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering others. After 15+ years as an IT Program Management Consultant, I decided to take a leap and expand my expertise into my very own firm, I Speak Solution. We specialize in helping businesses navigate their most challenging projects, and I’m excited to announce that we’ll soon be launching a suite of digital products designed specifically for small businesses looking to launch new campaigns, projects, or even entirely new ventures. These tools are crafted to provide the strategic edge and support needed to succeed in today’s dynamic market.
In addition to I Speak Solution, I’m re-branding my jewelry and apparel line, Ignite Speaks. This isn’t just about fashion—it’s about creating pieces that inspire and uplift. Each item is infused with positive energy and intention, turning everyday wear into a powerful statement of self-expression and empowerment. Keep an eye out for our new collections that embody this mission of sparking positivity and possibility.
Beyond my businesses, I am deeply committed to giving back through volunteering. It’s important to me to contribute to my community and support causes that align with my values.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m excited for what’s next. Stay tuned for more updates and join me on this journey of growth, empowerment, and positive impact!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have shaped my path are resilience, strategic thinking, and continuous learning.
1. Resilience: Growing up with the challenges of being raised by an underpaid single mother, I learned early on the importance of bouncing back from setbacks. Life is full of unexpected turns, and resilience has been my anchor. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Understand that setbacks are not the end but a chance to learn and come back stronger.
2. Strategic Thinking: Whether in my corporate career or running my businesses, the ability to think strategically has been crucial. It’s about seeing the big picture, planning for the future, and making informed decisions. For those starting out, I recommend honing this skill by staying curious, asking questions, and always considering how your current actions align with your long-term goals. Seek mentors and resources that can provide you with different perspectives and strategic insights.
3. Continuous Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means never stopping in your quest for knowledge. From personal development with Byron Katie and Eckhart Tolle to professional skills in IT and project management, continuous learning has kept me adaptable and innovative. My advice is to make learning a lifelong habit. Read widely, take courses, attend workshops, and always be open to new ideas and experiences.
Developing these qualities and skills takes time and effort, but they are incredibly rewarding. Stay persistent, be strategic, and never stop learning, and you will find yourself well-equipped to navigate and succeed in your journey.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always excited to partner or collaborate with talented people and unique businesses. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and I’m constantly looking for ways to expand and enrich my ventures.
I’m particularly interested in partnering with professionals and businesses that share a passion for innovation, positivity, and empowerment. Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a creative artist, or a tech enthusiast, if you have a vision that aligns with mine, I’d love to explore how we can work together to create something extraordinary.
Additionally, I’m on the lookout for male models and influencers who are passionate about showcasing our unique jewelry and apparel from Ignite Speaks. Your influence and style can help us spread our message of positivity and empowerment even further.
If you’re interested in collaborating or partnering, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s connect and create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ignitespeaks.com
- Instagram: Ignite Speaks
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