We recently had the chance to connect with Terrica Joy Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Terrica Joy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I prefer to front load my day with all kinds of life-giving wellness rituals—mind, body, and spirit. Quiet time to journal and pray, taking my supplements and electrolytes, a morning hike to wake up well followed by a nutrient rich breakfast and protein matcha… all the good stuff. Those first 90 minutes are a crucial foundation to the rest of the day flowing well!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder and editor-in-chief of Eden & Vine, both a business and ministry dedicated to the cultivation of beauty & truth. We create and publish stunning publications and curate immersive international events. We’re currently launching a new project based in Tuscany, Italy, with a heart and focus to support and inspire artists & creatives.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had an incredible 4th grade teacher, Ms. Wilson, who provoked me deeply regarding my gifts and talent. She pushed me into writing and the depths of powerful imagination in a way that directly impacted my confidence and purpose. I’ll never forget the day she called me into her classroom and gifted me a beautiful journal with the admonition, “You have to promise me you’ll write in it every day!” (She wanted to ensure I was cultivating my gift of writing.) I stumbled upon that ancient journal a few years ago and was stunned to read an entry at the tender age of 11, where I penned my hopes and dreams of being a wife, mom, and writer who traveled the world. Those words turned out to be entirely prophetic in every way.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of man, fear of opinions of others. When you’re someone who values the spirit of excellent and strives for it in every area of life, you tend to hold yourself to a sometimes ridiculous standard. And THAT really sets you up for failure when the masses start weighing in on your work. If you aren’t careful you’ll start creating from a place of pleasing the crowd verses what’s authentically you. Experience and maturity have taught me well that what sets you apart is likely the very thing that will be most rejected and criticized, but again, it’s what makes you unique. Embrace it fully, and you’ll find your true tribe, power, and purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
That things will get better and better as times goes on, gloriously so. Most people live with a doomsday perspective that the world is ending any moment. Fear, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness rule the day. I can’t even begin to identify with that mentality. My Christian values and understanding of the Word of God make it undeniably clear that while yes, the world is a daily heavy and overwhelmingly heartbreaking place, there are glorious days ahead when Jesus returns to make ALL THINGS NEW beyond our wildest dreams. He will eradicate darkness and restore life beyond what we can even comprehend. Eden & Vine exists to continue pointing to the immeasurable hope found in that truth.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Writing more books, taking more risks, starting more projects and businesses, reading more books, etc. I’m a pretty risk-tolerant person and tackle quite a lot, but I’m sure someday I’ll look back and wish I’d stepped out even more! Possibility is addictive…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.edenandvine.com
- Instagram: @terricajoy
Image Credits
Leslie Brown Photography
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