In this episode, I sit down with Teresa to talk about growing up as an “Xennial,” that in between generation with an analog childhood and a digital adulthood, and how that shaped her relentless work ethic and creative drive. We talk about social media, not as a strategy, but as an extension of her real life and how sharing that journey has quietly built a massive audience without ever chasing the “influencer” label.

Teresa opens up about growing up in New York City, navigating both its magic and its danger, and how that environment forged the kind of toughness it takes to survive in the performing arts. From getting mugged as a teenager to navigating Times Square today, she reflects on how the city has changed, how COVID shifted public behavior, and how street smarts and self-awareness have become survival tools, especially as a performer who’s always moving between jobs, auditions, and late night commutes.

We also dig into her early creative life from school plays and church programs to believing for years that she “couldn’t sing” because of one bad audition while sick. That self doubt pushed her into mastering multiple instruments, becoming a top student musician, and eventually circling back to singing in a big way, including performing at Carnegie Hall at just 17. It’s a powerful reminder of how easily we can write ourselves off, and how often teachers and mentors see potential before we do.

At its core, this episode is about momentum: saying yes, staying in motion, and letting passion lead even when the path doesn’t make sense yet. Teresa’s story is a reminder that confidence is often built backwards, after years of doubt, and that sometimes the only real strategy is to keep going, keep auditioning, and trust that the work compounds, even when you can’t see it yet.

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