Rising Stars: Meet Tei Pearson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tei Pearson. 

Hi Tei, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was a kid that was born to parents that mostly chose the streets over me. As you can imagine, at an early age I learned so much about how to entertain, communicate and socialize with various groups of individuals. It was in these atmospheres that I learned the power and impact of laughter and living in the moment. Although these “life lessons” contributed to my trauma and triumphs, the grace and strength of my grandparents and village helped develop and raise me into the woman I am today. 

After getting put on academic probation from Morgan State University (my freshman year, 1998), I knew I had to make a quick decision before my grandparents (I was raised by my paternal grandparents) received my grades… lol. That decision of joining the United States Army in June 1999, changed the trajectory of my life. 

After being medically discharged, due largely in part to service-connected injuries, my quality of life was vastly different. These injuries cause me daily, constant pain with several neurological and rheumatology disorders. Because of the limitations these diagnoses place in my life, I’ve lost several jobs as a result. 

In 2020, after several health crisis and hospitalizations, I lost a job where I was working with the homeless population, female sex workers, and those that are being sex trafficked. One of my elders came to me, in this moment, and told me to listen for God’s guidance during this time. She further told me “ITS TIME” and reminded me that I have all of this natural talent and gifts. From this conversation, “The Tei Pearson Experience” (TPX) was birthed. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Wow, has it been smooth??? Heck no, but it has been worth every tear, dollar, and minute. The greatest challenge has been to overcome my own fear of failure. I often think, “no one is going to pay me “x” amount of dollars to host or produce an event”, but then my team tells me to not minimize the amount that folks will pay for quality and expertise. 

It has been amazing to see my testimony and comedic personality turn folks “Trauma to Triumph” while they laugh through their pain… at a TPX hosted event. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I got discharged from the Army, I turned my attention to non-profit work. It has always been my thought that I was “Born to Serve” and that my life experiences (including: multiple sexual assault victimizations, several suicide attempts, Opiod & Sex Addiction/Recovery, etc.) were not mine to hold, but to share. With this in mind, I began to work in those underserved communities that folks normally shy away from. I’ve worked with youth that are/ have been sex trafficked, folks that have been victimized, folks that have with mental health diagnoses, those affected/affected with/by HIV and AIDS, at-risk youth, those battling homelessness, and other disenfranchised populations. Even when not working as an employee, I’ve personally donated my own resources to the individuals within these groups. 

Before “The Tei Pearson Experience” became a “thing”, I was doing my community work under my LLC, Love Advocates. This work includes public speaking, community workshops, mentorship, consultation, training,s and curriculum building. Within this work, I’ve donated thousands of dollars with of time to help the greater community…1 person at a time. 

In 2020, Love Advocates, LLC started doing business as (dba) “The Tei Pearson Experience” due to the need to add certain services. It is with these two entities, that work together, that I feel that I’m doing what I’m meant to do. The events that my company is involved in, allows me and the guests to leave our pain, worries, anxieties, and expectations to the side while laughing, networking, crying, advocating, team building, educating…collectively. What other host can bring all of this into one space? 

What sets me apart from other event hosts? My 20+ yrs. of community engagement and non-profit work mixed with my passion to help others “Live Unapologetically ” makes your consumers feel valued, seen and engaged. My rates are the lowest in town, as I do this for my own “Laughter Therapy” (stay connected to learn more about this) and not for celebrity status or financial gain. Helping others, allows me to focus more on enjoying the life that I’m blessed to have and less on my daily constant physical pain. Because of this intentionality, 

I show up in every space completely transparent and focused on helping others do the same. Through God’s financial blessing and a village that keeps me accountable, I am given the space to operate freely within my own abilities. If I can’t do an event, because of my medical challenges, the great thing is that I don’t have to accept the contract versus dealing within the attendance policies of a traditional employment. The great thing about my “Experience” is that it also includes connections to a vast array of my personal resources. I have a team of folks that can be consulted and hired to make your event a greater success, whether virtual or in-person. The freedom of financial security has helped me to understand the importance of self-care, self-awareness and self-appreciation…by simply recognizing the power of giving myself permission to “unapologetically apologize” for my limitations. It is the intention of TPX to show others how to do the same… one event at a time. 

If asked, folks will tell you that I’m known for my ability of making folks laugh despite their current pain. As a Disabled Army Veteran, I suffer great pain 97% of the day but that has allowed me to realize the true power of laughter. It doesn’t matter where I’m hosting, speaking, training, etc., I bring my true self to the environment. That’s going to include my high energy, my non-judgmental attitude, and my bright smile…all which makes me the self-proclaimed “Vibe Influencer”. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The main advice that I can offer someone, is to be your most authentic self and to use your power to fuel your passion, and then your purpose will be revealed. 

Money will come but remember that somethings are free and can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Discover your purpose and operate within that space because people value authenticity. The currency that you receive from your work, 

might not always be financial but I’ve learned a while ago that those currencies hold more value in my life. 

Don’t worry about what others are doing and give yourself “grace” as you journey to figure things out. Create your own unique lane from the blueprint that others have provided and give yourself permission to be different. Some will support you and some won’t… either way, you keep doing what you do and the impact will be recognized. 

“Unapologetically Apologize” in advance to others, as you live your most authentic self and know that YOU GOT THIS! 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mycrd.is/theTPX
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEIPEARSONEXPERIENCE/

Image Credits
Kiya G
Movement Church Philly
Alexia Doumbouya
Vee Green
DJ Yanski
Brandi Elizabeth and Associates