Theresa Tha SONGBIRD of South Fulton on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Theresa Tha SONGBIRD . Check out our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
As a creator and a maker of things, I find that anytime I get to create a new piece of art time begins to stand still. Especially in the space of creating a piece of art that requires me to stretch or learn a new skill set, in those moments I find the truest and most enjoyable version of myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings! I am Theresa tha SONGBIRD. Spoken word, artist, vocalist, actress, writer, producer, educator, and all-around creative. I’m grateful that I get to live a life where my art is my life. Every idea that I have the courage to put on paper, somehow makes its way into reality. I’m honored to have penned a piece of artwork that has made its way across the globe and back again, and garnered me multiple awards as a writer. I am currently working on a stageplay production and preparing new book and music projects to offer my community.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother taught me the most about work. Coming from a small town in Mississippi and making her way into corporate America, I’ve always admired my mother‘s intellect and work ethic. When I was 10, my mother suffered a brain aneurysm that subsequently caused her to retire from her position. Watching my mother pivot after retirement help me understand the difference between the importance of work and the importance of moving in your purpose. I know what it is to be of service to my community and directly effective in my environment, as well as having an internal understanding of how to use my God given talents to spread light in this world.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve lived in Atlanta now for about 17 years. The first five years were really difficult for me in terms of housing and stability. When I finally got the keys to the first place that I could call home I was relieved and anxious. I was relieved to be in a space that was mine, but I was so anxious about how I would be able to handle all of the new responsibility, especially as a spoken word artist and entertainer. When money got tight and it seemed like I wouldn’t be able to manage. I had a breakdown which quickly turned into a real “ come to Jesus moment.“ I thought to myself in order to keep this house I’m going to have to give up my dreams and get a normal 9 to 5 like everyone else. But I heard a voice internally telling me “Theresa if I put you in this house with the gifts that I have given you, what makes you think I can’t keep you in this house with those same gifts? “And from that moment forward, I have leaned heavily on my gifts making room for me at all times.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends know what matters most to me is cultivating spaces of love and spaces that allow myself, and the people around me to grow into their best selves. I enjoy seeing love and peace and contentment all around me. Even when it’s not my own, I get joy in watching other people express their joy.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I am most at peace in three places. First, on stage. There’s something about being up in front of the people that makes me feel connected to everyone in the audience, connected to my ancestors, and connected to my highest myself.
Second, in my work studio. The time that I spend creating feels like stepping into a different dimension, where time doesn’t really exist, or where the passing of time does not seem to affect my desire to pour into the thing that I am making.
Third would be anywhere where my family and friends are. There is a genuine recharge in my heart space when I am in fellowship with the people who I know love me just as I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thasongbird.com
• Instagram: @thasongbird
• Twitter: @theresathabird

Image Credits
Desmond Champion
Derrick Dean
Actively Black