An Inspired Chat with Dr. Tierra Graves of Washington, DC

Dr. Tierra Graves shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Tierra, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now! Currently! At the present time, I am learning from ME. Yes, you heard it right. I am learning from me, myself, and I. I am learning to listen from a deeper place within my soul. Sometimes we hear things but do we really listen. In order to learn we must listen. I am in a season in my life where I am learning to listen to myself. I am learning boundaries, awareness, likes and dislikes. Learning from myself means healing from the things I have hidden from myself and others. I have to be in consent awareness and openness to truly learn what works best for me and my life. Learning to cancel out the noise and appreciate the beauty in silence. The bible teachers, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1 Timothy 2:11 KJV In addition, “Women should learn in silence and all humility.” 1 Timothy 2:11 GNT It is a humbling experience to sit at Jesus feet and listen from a place of silence. I have learned over the years that there is great power in the stillness. Learning to uncover in order to grasp and discover my true purpose in life. To understand and study in ways that add deeper meaning to life. What am I studying? Glad you asked. I am studying the word of God so that I can absorb everything God has for me. Once I master what God wants me to learn then I can master learning myself and from myself. Everything that I need to know can and will be revealed through the stillness.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dr. Tierra Graves was born in Washington, DC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in
English from Trinity Washington University. In addition, a master’s degree in
Secondary Education and a master’s degree in teaching English to Speakers of
other Languages, from Grand Canyon University. She earned an Honorary
Doctorate from Vermaro Christian University. She completed a 25-week Grief
course under Canaan LandSteward University and is now a license Grief
Specialist Coach.

Dr. Graves is a renowned published author. She published Prism of Me (2020), A
New Twist on Old Traditions (2020), A New Twist on Old Traditions
Workbook (2020), Depression Before Tea: Journey A to Z (2021), My Testimony A
Declaration of Deliverance (2024) and Breathe Again (2025) with Christian Living
Books, Inc. She published, I Lived to Tell It Testimonial Anthology (2023),
alongside of eleven women of God as a Co-Author with In Due Seasons
Publishing Company. In addition, she is a Co-Author in Rising Through the
Pain (2025) with Life U Imagine. Her bonus book is The Record (2015) which was
published with Trinity Washington University.
Dr. Graves currently she works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the
Potomac teaching English as a Second Language and English Composition
Courses to international and domestic students.

She is a dedicated member of the Household of Faith Ministries where she has
been since 2012. Her relationship with God is her strength. She is a motivational
speaker and liturgical dancer where she uses her testimony of overcoming
obstacles to uplift others through her relationship with the Lord and the word of
God. She occasionally teaches bible study classes and is the church secretary.
Tierra uses her education and personal experience to inspire others and motivate
them to reach their full potential in life.

After many years of suffering with depression and grief, Tierra began writing to
express the pain about which she often could not speak. In finding herself
through her prayer life and writing, she can be a light and an example of hope for
others. She knew at an early age that she wanted to be a teacher and a writer.
Being an author has opened many doors and gave opportunities to speak openly
about the struggles and show the glory of God to others through her testimony.
She continues to use her voice and gift of dance to bring encouragement and
inspiration to all who get to witness the gifts.

She is recognized on several online platforms: NewBeing Queen Talk Show,
Women Business Connect Talk, Conversations with Celena Podcast Talk Show,
Blossoms of my Life Radio Show, Voyage Dallas Magazine June 2024 Issue,
Voyage Baltimore (2025), Gleaming Dreamers Magazine Summer 2024 Issue,

Emergence Radio Talk, Youth Building Conversations, Praying and Preaking
Podcast, Amazon Live, and Gleaming Dreamers April 2025 Issue. In 2026, she will
receive an Author’s award and will be seen on a billboard in Kenya.
Dr. Graves writes poetry, short stories, essays and so much more. Stay
connected with the Author on social media platforms (Booksbytea).

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
For most of my adult life, I never felt powerful. It wasn’t until I began writing books, which gave me my voice and a place to heal from what was once unspoken. My mom gave me a random card one day. It wasn’t any special day like a holiday or birthday. But it said on the cover, “you’ve got a powerful voice”. I need this reminder to assure me that I was powerful and that I could use my voice for purpose in a meaningful way to inspire others. After many years of feeling unseen, unheard, and overlooked because of my mental struggles with depression and grief, powerful never crossed my mind. It took many years of prayer, therapy, and reading God’s word to remind me of the person God created me to be. I often reflect on the scripture, “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV) My power gave once I surrendered it all to the Lord. Once I stopped trying to figure everything out on my own and I leaned on the lord, I was strengthened in ways that is often challenging to put into words. So, no real earliest memories of power for me but my greatest strength and power come from God. God gives me power to endure, overcome, and face all obstacles with grace and wisdom.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After a 10 year battle with depression and failed medication, I turned from pain to power when I put my focus on God’s will and not my will for my life. For many years, I was hiding behind depression, anxiety, panic attacks and racing thoughts because I believed that was my life. I couldn’t see my life beyond the pain and suffering I endured. I hit a moment with depression where I believed that I would die with this diagnosis and I accepted that outcome. A few years later, I wrote a book title, “Depression Before Tea Journey A to Z”. It was then I knew I was no longer hiding the pain and I started to use my voice and testimony for purpose. What could have destroyed me now drives and motivates me to live out loud. I no longer hide behind my struggles, disappointments, or anything that will hinder me from continuing to walk in my power. I gained great strength and power in telling my story through this book. I took ownership of the decisions I made as a result of the chemical imbalance I once had. I had many therapists, psychiatrics, and mentors that tried to support me during this difficult time. Now, I continue to share my story of victim to victory, pain to power, tears to triumph, and gloom to glory. This is just a short piece of the story please get my book and read more about my journey.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Cultural values I protect at all costs are: importance of religion, tradition, and community. These three are important because they helped shaped who I am today. Being a member of a church that allows you to learn, grow, and use your gifts is empowering. Also, having a community whether through family, church, neighborhoods, work or school, it helps keep me focus and rooted in my cultural values. Being amongst family and friends is a critical part of life that helps guide, motive, and mature me in all areas of life. Traditions hold memories for years to come and help remind me of who I am, whose I am, and where I belong. Through cultural values I have gain insight into my role in society, learned my identity, and have grown to be a well-rounded woman of faith. I protect these cultural values at all costs because these values are a reflect of me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I would like others to tell when I am gone is that she endured until the end. She overcame many obstacles and fought a good fight. She was kind and caring. She loved to help others in need. She used her voice to uplift, inspire, and encourage others. She was a Christian and tried to live the life she spoke so often of. She turned her pain into purpose by writing books. Her books were a light to many even if she didn’t receive the monetary gain she deserved. Everything she did was from her heart and she never did anything for anyone looking for something in return. She always tried to treat others with respect and dignity. She achieved many great successes in life. She was highly educated and loved being an educator to all the students who lives she impacted throughout the years. She loved writing, teaching, dancing, and singing for the glory of God. Her gifts and talents were used to edify the Kingdom of God. She tried to accomplish everything God placed in her hands to do. She lived a life that was meaningful and purposeful. She hopes her legacy of love, hope, and faith lives on through her family and friends who remember her and all she has done in ministry, family, business and her career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Booksbytea
• Linkedin: Dr. Tierra Graves
• Facebook: Booksbytea
• Youtube: Booksbytea

Image Credits
God’s Child Photography