We heard recently from a young woman named Tenisha Edwards who has a business making inspirational t-shirt for girls.
Tenisha’s Story
Back when I was just a young girl, I remember being taken away in the police car, my mother had been missing in action all night,” recalls Tenisha. “From that day on for a very long time, I felt I was born to win but left to lose in this thing called life. My journey of not feeling Loved and low self esteem began.
My first foster home was a devastating experience, they always called my mother “crazy” and for a 9 year old girl, if mom is crazy then I must be crazy too. They always talked bad about me as if I was not even there, they laughed at me because I didn’t know how to put on a training bra at the age of nine. The other kids in the home got new clothes and I got hand me downs.
The next foster home was absolutely unhealthy … my foster dad wanted to have sex with me and would peek in on me while I was taking a shower. He told me that I was lucky to even talk to a man like him and I remember thinking if that’s lucky, I don’t ever want anything to do with luck. He also told me that I was too dark and my hair was nappy and my nose was big … oh yeah, lets not forget That I would amount to “NOTHING” in my life.
It was in that moment that I decided that even though my parents left me and no one wanted or loved me and everyone in my life at that time made sure I didn’t forget it, that I would “BREAK THROUGH” and do great things with my life.
I have a line of inspirational t shirts. My mission is to Inspire Real Life success for girls. My passion for this came from my experience growing up in foster care from age 9 until I was 18 years old and having no positive role models in my own life.
I want to help young girls live life with purpose, passion and positivity and to know that no matter where you come from success is achievable. I give a percentage of the proceeds to Girl Talk www.desiretoinspire.org. I have designed my shirts to inspire and lift the spirits of all who wear them, as well as those who see them. Our Inspirational Tees were created from our hearts to yours as a tribute to celebrating life, embracing change, taking risk, and experiencing peace and joy.
Naturally there is nothing more important for you to do than to be … There is nothing better you can be than you naturally … Inspiring Real Life Success for young girls!
Dr Nancy’s Comments
I asked Tenisha what made it possible for her to rise above these tough times, and this is what she said:”Everyone in my life growing up told me that I would end up just like my mother and that was my motivation to rise above … I was determined not to be like her and people also told me that I would amount to “Nothing” in my life and that motivated me to do great things with my life and make a difference.”
Personally, I have to thank a high school counselor who told me to not even think about college and that I should instead consider a technical school or being a secretary…nice to prove them wrong isn’t it?