We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teharah J. Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Teharah J., thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
It wasn’t easy to overcome imposter syndrome, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I can say that I’ve completely conquered it. However, I am very aware of its presence, and its power over me has significantly weakened. It’s a constant battle, you know? I have to constantly keep reminders in front of me that I am truly amazing and not only have I accomplished a lot, but I am also deserving of those accomplishments. My faith and my relationship with God have been instrumental in grounding me. Alongside therapy, affirmations, using my product (color psychology) and visual reminders on my wall, I use these tools to keep myself in check. It’s a lifestyle of redirecting my thoughts. When that moment of doubt arises, I have a choice to make. Do I allow it to linger? Do I dwell on that thought? Or do I fight against it? The more I choose myself, the things I know, and the reminders I’ve given myself in the past, the easier it becomes to shake off imposter syndrome. It takes a lot of effort, but it is definitely worth it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
So here’s a little more about me, Teharah J. Smith, actress, producer and entrepreneur, Mental health advocate/certified Mental Health first aider and owner and creator of Power by Teharah J.
However, before all of these titles, I am a woman who knows first hand what it feels like to feel powerless. You see, I experienced trauma at a young age, growing up with someone who suffered from mental illness forced me to grow up fast. I’ve been sexually assaulted, verbally abused and then there are the things that come with life. Which then created a struggle with anxiety and depression that eventually led me on a journey of healing and discovering the power that God has given me. Now, I do a lot, I’ve been on tv shows, films, walked red carpets you name it. Imagine trying to do the things you love, living your life when you are battling so much. Eventually it began to spill over to other areas of my life and I couldn’t have that. It was time to fight. My mental health became more important than anything and I vowed that I would continue to keep it first as I’ve seen first hand what it can do to someone if left untreated. I mean, if you broke your arm, you would go see an orthopedic doctor right? Therapy is simply that, just for the mind.
One thing that has helped me outside of going to therapy and prayer, is my love for colors and yea you guessed it, lipstick! We all know that when we push ourselves to get “made up” it can change the way we feel at that moment. That’s what lipstick has been for me! Did you know that colors have their own meaning, and when applied, looked upon or worn can impact your mood? I have taken my love for colors and merged them with lipstick and psychology to create a therapeutic experience and option to help with mental wellness. I want each and every woman that reads this, that purchases a lipstick that if no one has affirmed you, here I am with every shade letting you know, YOU ARE THE ISH GIRL!!! If you’re the woman who is on the journey of discovering your power, or if you’re the woman that is realizing it’s time to do so or if you’re the woman that’s on the other side of the journey. Wherever you are, I’ve been sent here to remind you that you have exactly what you need to be whatever you want. To live a life authentic, free and filled with love and happiness. Know you are enough, You are amazing and you have POWER!
This journey has not been east at all. I always wanted my own cosmetic brand so when the opportunity came, I went for it. Birthed in the middle of the pandemic, I had lost my job, acting was pretty much at a stand still like the rest of the world, it really hit me how time doesn’t wait for anyone so I why am I waiting? So I went for it! It was a tough decision as being locked down unlocked more of my own personal issues that I had to unpack. However, as I healed I became stronger and it became clearer that this couldn’t be just a regular cosmetic company, It had to be impactful. Developing this brand, I would think about the times I would be at my lowest and how much lipstick helped soon I realized that colors is one of the things that helped picked me up. I overcame my challenges by being honest with myself as well as returning back to therapy. I’ve had a tough life, so I’ve been healing and building what I like to call my “mental wellness toolbox) for years. With faith and determination I knew that it was time to use my journey to empower others. Along the way, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it is ok to not be ok! I used to pretend, but now I simply have accepted myself for who I am and my journey. I love everything about me! I want the world to know through this brand that no matter if you are the one who lost their Power, gave your Power away or if it was taken from you that you can take it back! Turn pain into POWER, you can find yourself and keep yourself again! Its never too late!
p.s. A portion goes towards covering on going therapy for women in need of mental wellness care. In one year, we helped 10 women take their Power back! We are headed into year 3, and that number has tripled!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Phew, alright, I’ll give it my best shot to narrow it down! In my journey, I found that problem solving, work ethic, and determination were the three qualities that made the biggest impact. If I were to give advice to someone starting their own journey, I would say it’s crucial to be authentic and true to yourself. In today’s age, social media has a strong influence, and it can make people feel like they have to conform to what they see, even if it doesn’t align with who they truly are. It’s important to embrace your own discoveries, stay true to them, and work on strengthening them. Take classes, study, read, and ask questions, but most importantly, don’t change just because it doesn’t seem to fit. Remember, there is a place for you, so focus on being the best version of yourself in that area.
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?
Absolutely! I’m constantly seeking opportunities to partner or collaborate with like-minded individuals. I’m particularly interested in working with makeup enthusiasts who are also passionate about empowering others, content creators, and individuals connected to mental health platforms. I’m in search of driven, self-motivated individuals who are truly dedicated to their craft and willing to give their all to advance our mission. Let’s join forces and make a difference together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.powerbyteharahj.com
- Instagram: @powerbyteharahj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerbyteharahj?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: ticktock-@powerbyteharahj
Image Credits
Photography of Models: Chan C. Smith LA/Chicago
