Daily Inspiration: Meet Treanna Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Treanna Thomas.

Treanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Starting high school, I dreamed of being my boss and pursuing entrepreneurship, but my path wasn’t always straightforward. Like many, I faced challenges that shaped my journey. Back then, I had a passion for capturing moments. Whether I was out with family or friends, I was always the one behind the camera. My first camera was a Kodak, and I would print photos at convenience stores. Later, mobile phones made taking pictures and videos even more accessible, and I became the go-to person for family and friends who wanted me to share those memories.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was living out my entrepreneurial spirit. I was bringing joy and creating memories for others, all while doing something I loved. However, I wasn’t earning anything from it and lacked the experience to turn that passion into a business.

Life threw me some tough challenges. I faced the heartbreak of losing close family and friends, and it felt like the light in my life dimmed. My health took a severe turn, leaving me physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally drained. There was a period when I lost sight of my dreams altogether.

For a long time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or where to focus my energy, and I’ve learned that not knowing is okay. Finding clarity and purpose takes time; sometimes, life’s challenges help guide us to our vision. For me, it inspired me to push forward. My struggles reminded me of the strength and resilience I had within.

Everything changed when I shifted my perspective and focused on creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Entrepreneurship became more than just a career choice. A pathway to self-discovery and empowerment. It allowed me to own my life, channel my creativity, and turn my passions into something meaningful.

Today, I realize that entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business but a journey. It’s about finding a vision that aligns with your values, embracing resilience, and allowing yourself to grow through the process. While the road hasn’t always been easy, it’s taught me that you can turn any challenge into an opportunity with purpose and perseverance.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments that tested my strength. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes, it feels like everything is working against you.

For me, the struggles started with uncertainty. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. I carried the weight of self-doubt and the fear of failure, unsure if I’d ever find my purpose. Just as I started to explore what made me happy, life threw some of its most brutal punches. And the grief made me question everything, even the things I once loved.

Then came my health challenges. Facing a severe diagnosis was like hitting rock bottom. There were days when I felt like I had no more life in me, like my dreams were slipping away before they even had a chance to start. I lost touch with myself and my passions, feeling stuck in a cycle of pain and survival.

On top of that, there was the societal pressure to work hard and make something of myself. I poured my energy into jobs that left me empty, with nothing to show. Trying to meet expectations but losing sight of my dreams.

What pulled me through was realizing I couldn’t let these obstacles define me. I couldn’t give up. I wanted to show them that you can rise above it no matter how hard life gets.

In those moments of reflection, I realized the struggles weren’t the end of my story. They were the turning points. Each challenge helped me find my purpose and a vision for my future. I learned to embrace the uncertainty and trust that the road doesn’t have to be smooth to lead somewhere meaningful.

It taught me to value the lessons hidden in the struggles. It showed me the importance of creating something that genuinely matters to myself and others. While the road hasn’t been easy, it’s been worth it. Every obstacle became a stepping stone to discovering who I am and what I’m capable of.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Where do I even start? You could say I wear many hats, and sometimes, I make those hats myself! I’m pouring my creativity into Leonae Scents, where I handcraft luxurious body butter that makes your skin (and senses) happy. My website, leonaescents.com, is where I share these creations with the world.

But that’s not all! I’m also a children’s book author in progress, bringing to life the story of Nayah and Max Meet. The bond between my daughter and our beloved dog, Max, inspires it. Writing this book has been an exciting adventure. It’s like creating a time capsule of love and imagination.

Beyond that, I’m dipping my toes into the “truck world” game because why not? Life is too short not to explore new industries! Speaking of dipping into things, I also mix up flavored sweet lemonade drinks, and I dream of opening a space where I can serve those alongside my other love, ice cream! Because, let’s face it, everything is better with a scoop (or two).

In my past lives (aka careers), I’ve been a licensed esthetician, notary, candle maker, 360 photo booth, bartender, and even a little bit of everything. I’ve collected certificates and licenses, just as some people collect shoes (like me). Not all of them turned into full-fledged businesses, but they’ve shaped the person I am today: a curious soul constantly learning and creating.

I’m proud to leave a legacy for my daughter that family, friends, community, and customers can cherish. I also want to show her that it’s okay to dream big and try new things; everything I do is about creating something meaningful.

What sets me apart? My endless curiosity and willingness to turn life’s ups and downs into creative sparks. Whether I’m whipping up body butter, writing books, mixing lemonade, or capturing moments with love, one thing’s for sure: I’m here to celebrate life and inspire others to do the same.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see significant changes and opportunities across the industries I’m passionate about. What ties them all together is the growing emphasis on personalization, emotional connection, and sustainability.

The skincare industry has a rising demand for natural, handmade products that prioritize wellness and transparency. Customers are becoming more mindful about what they use on their bodies, and they value brands that align with their values. This shift creates an opportunity for small businesses like mine to connect with customers on a deeper level, offering products that aren’t just functional but also meaningful.

In the event experience world, I see technology playing a huge role. And other interactive experiences will continue to evolve with augmented reality, social media integration, and even virtual events becoming more prevalent. People want more moments they can relive, share, and cherish. The key will be creating experiences that are fun, innovative, and inclusive for everyone.

As an entrepreneur, I believe having an open mind is critical. Trends will come and go, but the ability to adapt, stay curious, and embrace change will always set businesses apart. Whether exploring new creative ideas, adopting emerging technologies, or listening to what customers truly need, being flexible and forward-thinking is essential to staying relevant.

I also think there will be a big focus on community and collaboration. Customers aren’t just looking for products or services; they seek experiences that bring people together and support their local communities. As someone who values connection, I’m excited about finding ways to create products, stories, and events that leave a lasting impact.

The future is full of possibilities, and I’m optimistic about the journey ahead. With an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow, I’m ready to embrace whatever the next 5-10 years bring.