Meet Tpretty Smile

We were lucky to catch up with Tpretty Smile recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tpretty, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Never have I been shy in starting conversation with strangers. I have always been a person who “pushes the envelope” and take chances against society norms. I found my purpose while going through the most difficult times in my life. Not only did I discover my purpose with each trial and tribulation past or present, but it helped to discover my reason and goal for my passion. I became a single mother and shortly after I was diagnosed with a brain condition that sometimes made it difficult to speak at times and caused plenty of days of severe headaches. I found it difficult to communicate with others and began to see my self-esteem drop to an all-time low. I needed a support group and like-minded people who understood me. I soon found a support group online for my newly health condition and also single mothers. This truly helped along my journey to get me back on track and back to me. After building my self-esteem back up and feeling comfortable to speak again, I began to discuss topics at work that I knew others were going through and not discussing. I found I was on to something. More and more people would come around my cubicle just to hear what topics they could relate to and discuss each day. I found that having these conversations and adult dialogue would create a safe zone for people to express their feelings, thoughts, and opinions. I realized I was on to something bigger than myself. I would begin to keep a notebook with me everywhere I went to jot down anything that would bring a topic of conversation to mind that I wasn’t hearing society bring to the forefront. I would soon take these topics and use friends to create a safe setting for adult dialogue to happen outside of work. Not only was the outcome productive but very impactful to see and hear the diversity in thoughts of others and how there are so many people scared for the opportunity to speak and share as myself once was. I was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and I am determined to continue to use my journey, purpose, and voice to speak on topics as such to bring more norm to things unspoken and bring awareness.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I love being a podcast host. I am such an extrovert and love to talk with everyone. It is very important for me to truly think deeply on the topics and discussions as well as match my guests and their energy for all to be comfortable. My favorite part of being a host is having control on what the topic I choose and being able to see my guest’s reaction when finding out the topic moments before we record. I am all about authenticity, especially discussing things people feel most uncomfortable in sharing. I find this to be most effective with the topics I bring up because it’s the only way we get peoples true unfiltered responses, hints why I named the show, “Real Raw Let’s Talk.” After a few months of podcasting, I was discovered to host interviews as well. Though this was a little different and out my league I definitely took the opportunity to expand. I would go on and interview actors, models, comedians, and various business owners. I love the interviews because I get to freestyle and be more connected to the individual and more personable. Being a single parent, I felt like I always had the short end of the stick when it came to me finding out information for my child or a mother in need. I began to interview businesses and business owners to bring more awareness to resources, opportunities, and knowledge to anyone who may be in search of various things.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities I would say that has been most impactful to me would be transparency, capable of adhering to change, and diversity. Being transparent is often hard to do because we don’t want people too close in our business. However, I wanted my guest to be unfiltered and “REAL” and I would need to require the same for myself. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer it was easier to be transparent because I truly wanted to use my story with my platform to help cancer warriors, women, and others who were/are struggling with health issues and reaching their full potential, so being transparent is very important. Change is something we have no control over sometimes. In this business you have to be ready for any issues. Things have happened to me and being able to accept the change and learn to have a backup plan on standby at all times no matter what you have planned for.  Being diverse is important because I never wanted to be put in a “box” or limit myself to what I say or who I bring on my show. I wanted a platform that has a well-rounded variety of various cultures and people. This really made me pay attention to the topics I chose to speak on because we all have various opinions, lives, religions, and standards. Advice I have for those who want to podcast definitely be yourself, write things down, and don’t be scared to elevate!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did was give me a foundation of a relationship with God. I come from a Christain household where we were in church as a kid more than the pastor lol. I may not attend faithfully now; however I make sure to keep the relationship I have with him to guide, provide, and heal me on the journey of life I’m on. Losing my biological father and then years later losing my stepfather who raised me as well was a trying time in my life. I thank God for the mother he gave unto me because I honestly know it’s only because of him my mother was able to continue forward in life and smile again. My mother has taught me so much about moving on and keeping my head focused. I have had plenty of trials and tribulation and my mom has been there for all of it without a complaint. She has taught me not only how to be a mother but also how to survive in life when things are falling apart all around you. She taught me to hold on to God’s unchanging hand and to keep the faith because losing it will have you in the devil’s hand. I thank God for my parents each day because they all played an important role in creating and raising me into the unapologetic me, I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://realrawletstalk.com
• Instagram: @realrawletstalk
• Facebook: @realrawletstalk
• Youtube: Real Raw Lets Talk
• Other: Spotify: Real Raw Lets Talk Podcast
  IG: realrawletstalk

Image Credits

JFL Productions