Tera Carissa Hodges enjoys being of service to all mankind. An empowerment champion through her speaking, media appearances, coaching, and mentoring, helping people become empowered despite their past and mistakes is her passion. She enjoys serving the community through outreach initiatives and organizations she supports.
From her Life Now Luncheons where she encourages women of all ages to press pass their pain and live their best life now, to anti-bullying campaigns for teens, and more, she travels extensively domestically and internationally to minister in speaking, media interviews and more.
Her international invites and international media outreach includes: South Africa, England, Ghana, Australia, Bahamas, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago and more. Tera has also appeared on numerous national television programs, radio shows, and magazines such as: Essence Magazine, The Word Network, Stellar Award Winning Radio 1000, and more. The media maven also has several titles under her belt.
While most of us have been inspired in some way or another by Tera Carissa and her social media posts, it was really enlightening to learn more about her. If you ever questioned your purpose, you will certainly gain some clarity below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Tera, Tera?
Tera: I am loud (LOL), forceful, unapologetic, driven, and unashamed. I embrace who I am and am excited about where God is taking me.
Fancy: You wear several hats professionally, but in one sentence how would you describe what you do?
Tera: I empower others through ministry, media, and the marketplace.
Fancy: What sparked your interest in life coaching?
Tera: I was called to it. After I would get done preaching-2019 marks my 10th year anniversary, I would be overwhelmed with women standing in line to speak to me or who were sending in e-mails to speak with me. I knew I needed to find a way to serve them on a more intimate level. It has been a success since Day 1. I stopped counting at the 1,000 mark of women–and men, I have successfully coached since 2011 in over 25 countries.Â
Fancy: How did you know helping others find their purpose was part of your own purpose?
Tera: I tell people your purpose is a combination of your past, your pain, and your passion. All three work together to produce purpose. I have always had a heart for the underdog. I know what it feels like to be mistreated. So, when I kept seeing cycles of mistreatment in my own life, I knew there was a purpose in it for me to learn from and to teach other people. When I began to study the cycles, study me, and study how to break free, I knew the strategies God was giving me, were necessary to share with others, so they could break free. Nothing we go through is just for us. There is an audience attached to our breakthrough that God has called us to minister to.
Fancy: You often speak on being an individual of faith and waiting in your season of singleness, and you have a series dedicated to it, but how did you acquire this knowledge? What experience led to your wisdom?
Tera: All knowledge is acquired through what you had to live through. Beliefs are what you have been told. Wisdom is what you have gleaned from the outcome of circumstances and situations, but knowledge comes from what you know due to first hand experiences. I could teach on singleness because I was living it; the balance of singleness in the world while having a relationship with God.
Fancy: You have secured several unique brand partnerships and collaborations. Can you share a few tips for securing partnerships?
Tera: Be your authentic self. When you are yourself, brands know what they are getting and what to expect, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to play a role.Â
Fancy: To what or whom would you attribute your success?
Tera: God…He is the one who taught me through scripture, how to identify mentors who would not operate in jealousy and competition in an attempt to try to limit me. The Bible says there is wisdom and victory in the multitude of counselors, so I dare not attempt to start naming some and not others (laughs). However, I make sure every mentor I have knows how much I appreciate their wisdom.
Fancy: What’s one fun fact about Tera that most do not know?
Tera: I cannot wait to go skydiving. It’s on my calendar for this year.
Fancy: Do you have any tips for confirming you are operating within your purpose?
Tera: Purpose wakes you up and keeps you going. Even when I am tired, I never think about not doing ministry, not empowering, or coaching. It’s in my DNA.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Tera: Yes! I am working on several media projects now, while wrapping up my PhD. It’s the reason I have had to cut back on preaching on the road so much this year. Stay tuned for the announcements.
Follow and connect with Tera Carissa below.
www.facebook.com/speakteracarissa
