In the face of life’s greatest challenges, Dr. Tedra Jackson, ABD, has emerged as a living testament to resilience, determination, and faith. From her early days of hustling as a young girl with a talent for hair-braiding to becoming a successful entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, Tedra’s journey is one of overcoming adversity and transforming her struggles into stepping stones toward success. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter the circumstances, the human spirit can rise above and achieve greatness with unwavering determination and the grace of God.
As a single Black mother who faced an array of obstacles, from teen parenthood and domestic violence to bankruptcy and substance misuse, Tedra refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she channeled her pain into a relentless pursuit of education and entrepreneurial success, all while remaining deeply committed to giving back to her community. Now, as the founder of International Business & Legal Services and a staunch advocate for underrepresented entrepreneurs, Tedra’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration. In this interview, we delve deeper into the mindset and motivations that have driven her remarkable journey.
Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Dr.Tedra, Dr. Tedra?
Dr. Tedra: My SwagHer is my unwavering resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle that life throws my way. What makes me Dr. Tedra is my faith, my entrepreneurial spirit, and my commitment to giving back to the community. From a young age, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance, and these qualities have been my guiding principles throughout my journey. My experiences, both good and bad, have shaped me into the person I am today—a successful businesswoman, educator, and advocate for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Christina: In the face of challenges such as domestic violence, bankruptcy, and substance misuse, how did you find the resilience to overcome these challenges?
Dr. Tedra: My resilience comes from a deep-seated belief in God’s grace and mercy, as well as an unyielding determination to create a better life for myself and my children. Each challenge I faced, whether it was domestic violence, bankruptcy, or substance misuse, was a test of my strength and faith. I refused to let these obstacles define me or dictate my future. Instead, I used them as fuel to drive me forward, knowing that my strength lay in conquering adversity. My children were also a significant source of motivation; their well-being and future were always at the forefront of my mind.
Christina: The decision to leave your parents’ house at a young age marked a turning point in your life. How did this decision contribute to your determination to create a better life for yourself and your child?
Dr. Tedra: Leaving my parents’ house at a young age was pivotal in my life. It was a decision that came with immense challenges, but it also ignited a fire within me to prove that I could rise above my circumstances. The responsibility of motherhood at such a young age forced me to grow up quickly and take control of my destiny. I was determined to provide a stable and loving environment for my child, and this determination fueled my pursuit of education and entrepreneurial ventures. It was a turning point that made me realize the importance of resilience, hard work, and faith in overcoming life’s obstacles. In the moment, it was pure defiance and rebellion, but looking back, it was necessary and all part of God’s plan.
Christina: How did you manage to attend college full-time while working, and what role did strategic financial decisions, such as investing in used cars, play in your journey?
Dr. Tedra: The short answer is my support system; shout out to my village! My grandparents, parents, siblings, aunt/uncles, and friends would watch my boys for me while I worked and went to school full-time. Of course, attending college full-time while working was incredibly challenging, but it was a necessary step in achieving my goals. I had to be extremely disciplined and resourceful to balance my responsibilities. I literally felt like I was living a triple life during that time because I still wanted to go out on the weekends and party. I remember weekends when I would leave class and go out with my friends until the wee hours of the morning, but instead of going home (like everyone else), I’d pull up in my job’s parking lot to take a nap so I could still make it to work. Strategic financial decisions played a crucial role in my journey, and that’s why I had to work so hard, investing my financial aid refunds in used cars. Instead of using the refunds for day-to-day expenses, I worked and saw those lump sums of money as an opportunity to generate additional income. I would buy used cars, use them for transportation, and then sell them for a profit. This shrewd financial decision allowed me to accumulate the funds needed to purchase my first house at a city auction by age 24. It was a major turning point that boosted my confidence in my business acumen and set the stage for my future ventures.
Christina: As an entrepreneur, you expanded your ventures, eventually establishing International Business & Legal Services. How does your commitment to addressing the under-representation of minority-owned businesses align with your entrepreneurial pursuits?
Dr. Tedra: My commitment to addressing the under-representation of minority-owned businesses is deeply intertwined with my entrepreneurial pursuits. Establishing International Business & Legal Services in 2017 was a direct response to the systemic inequalities that minority entrepreneurs face. I wanted to create a platform that provides the tools, knowledge, and support necessary for these entrepreneurs to thrive. My ongoing research into the under-representation of minority-owned businesses in the global economy further underscores my dedication to this cause. By empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape where everyone can succeed both domestically and globally.
Christina: You have made such a commitment to giving back to the community domestically and abroad. How has your philanthropic work evolved, and what specific initiatives have you undertaken to support non-profit organizations, orphanages, and schools in India and Zimbabwe?
Dr. Tedra: My philanthropic work has evolved significantly over the years, driven by my belief in the power of compassion and the desire to uplift others. Domestically, I have worked closely with non-profit organizations to support various community initiatives. Internationally, I have focused on supporting orphanages and safe havens in India and a school in Zimbabwe. I assisted these organizations in filing their initial paperwork to be able to receive corporate sponsorships and government funding. Then, I worked with them to secure the sponsorships and
grants needed so that they have the resources needed to provide for the children in their care. We are currently on track to launch at least three more boarding homes over the next year.
Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Dr. Tedra: I would like to emphasize that my journey is a testament to the power of God’s love, faith, resilience, and the human spirit. No matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem, with God’s strength, determination, and perseverance, it is possible to overcome them and achieve greatness. I hope my story inspires others facing adversity, reminding them that they have the strength to rise above their circumstances and create a better future. My life’s mission is to continue empowering others, advocating for underrepresented entrepreneurs, and giving back to the community. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
