Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Matthews.
Hi Mercedes, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my meditation practice in 2017 after my only brother was murdered. I found meditation as a safe method to not only deal with my grief but the anxiousness, fear, and anger that came along with it. I realized that so many people in my community were dealing with the same type of trauma and needed a safe space to heal, so I started Trance Meditation Studio. Although I was very afraid to start something such as a meditation studio which was almost far and few in my hometown of Memphis, TN, I knew that it was a need. I received a lot of positive feedback and support and that’s why Trance Meditation Studio is what it is today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. Starting anything new and out of our comfort zones will be challenging. I have struggled with imposter syndrome and not believing that people will receive or understand my story. I have had to have constant self-check-ins to make sure that I am being authentic with my audience and with myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of Trance Meditation Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Trance Meditation Co. LLC is a meditation center that offers both in-studio and virtual guided meditation classes. Trance offers an array of class types from mindful meditation, loving-kindness, and transcendental meditation. Trance Meditation Studio specializes in guiding women of color to put down their title capes and back to their inner tranquility through meditation practices and community.
What I am most proud of about Trance is that we get to introduce and service those who wouldn’t normally think of meditation as a needed skill. Trance Meditation Studio is now offering a fully virtual community with a library of meditation so that individuals can learn and practice at their own pace.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was traveling during the summer with my grandmother’s social club. My grandmother was a part of a travel/social club with other professional women and they made a point to travel with their families during the summer. These early experiences of exposure both domestically and abroad helped shaped how I viewed myself in the world and helped lift any limitations that I wanted to put on myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@trancemeditationstudio.com
- Website: www.trancemeditationstudio.com
- Instagram: trance_meditation
