TeNari Parker of Summerville on Life, Lessons & Legacy

TeNari Parker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

TeNari , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is most important to me because it represents who I am when no one is watching. It means doing the right thing even when it’s not the easiest or most convenient choice. Whether in business, school, or personal life, I believe that integrity builds trust and trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship and opportunity. Upholding integrity ensures that my work, my word, and my actions align with my values, and that consistency is what allows me to grow with confidence and credibility.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In today’s fast-paced world, self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. But here’s the problem: most body care products are either packed with harsh ingredients or lack the nourishment our skin truly needs, especially for those with sensitive skin.That’s why I created The Imperial Body — a body care brand built on the belief that self-care should be luxurious, fun, and safe. My name is TeNari, and I am the creator of The Imperial Body. I handcraft body butters, oils, and scrubs that deeply moisturize and restore your skin. All while wrapping you in fun filled scents that make every use a moment of joy. The Imperial Body is set apart from other beauty brands because we don’t just sell you a product. You become apart of a community of women and girls who indulge in self care products while adding to our confidence. The long work hours , taking care of kids , school , and wanting the best for ourselves can be overwhelming. We are here to take a little bit of stress off your skincare/ body care needs. As you purchase our elegant products you’re gaining healthy glowing skin along with upgrading your self care routine.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me clearly before I could see myself. She always recognized my potential, strength, and purpose long before I understood them. Even in moments when I doubted who I was or where I was headed, she reminded me of the person I was becoming. Her belief in me helped shape how I see myself today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and humility. Things success could never teach. It showed me how to find strength in stillness, gratitude in struggle, and faith when nothing made sense. While success feels good, suffering shaped my character and reminded me that growth often happens in silence, not celebration.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
An important truth that very few may agree with me on is that you don’t have to limit yourself to one path to be successful. As a 22-year-old young woman who just graduated with a degree for Paralegal Studies, whom also works in healthcare , while also owning a business. I’ve learned that being multidimensional is a strength, not a distraction. Society often tries to box us in . Telling us we can only pursue one dream at a time—but I’ve found that each role I hold feeds into the other. My studies and work in healthcare has sharpen my attention to detail and compassion, while entrepreneurship pushes my creativity and leadership. I believe success isn’t about choosing one identity. It’s about showing up fully in every space you’re called to.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating products for my business. There’s something grounding about the process of mixing, testing, and bringing each idea to life. It’s my quiet space where I can disconnect from everything else and pour my energy into something meaningful. Creating reminds me of my purpose, allows me to express myself freely, and gives me a sense of calm knowing that what I’m making will help others feel good in their own skin.

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