We had the good fortune of connecting with Teharah J. Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teharah J., is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My company Power By Teharah J. is a lipstick (cosmetics), mental wellness and women’s empowerment brand. I’ve taken my love for lipstick, color psychology and mental health and created products that I call Power Shades. This was created to be used as a tool for mental wellness. Colors have meaning and when worn or applied, they can shift your mood. I’ve broken down each color and named them after its meaning, creating an affirmation so that while wearing them you’re not just feeling beautiful but affirmed! This brand brings awareness to mental health and the importance of finding and maintaining your Power. My company is making an impact as there isn’t a woman who has not felt the strain of juggling multiple hats, loosing themselves and/or having to heal after trauma. With the power of colors and high quality, vegan lipstick I’m helping women access their Power one shade at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So here’s a little more about me, Teharah J. Smith, actress, producer and entrepreneur, Mental health advocate/certified Mental Health first aider and owner and creator of Power by Teharah J.

However, before all of these titles, I am a woman who knows first hand what it feels like to feel powerless. You see, I experienced trauma at a young age, growing up with someone who suffered from mental illness forced me to grow up fast. I’ve been sexually assaulted, verbally abused and then there are the things that come with life. Which then created a struggle with anxiety and depression that eventually led me on a journey of healing and discovering the power that God has given me. Now, I do a lot, I’ve been on tv shows, films, walked red carpets you name it. Imagine trying to do the things you love, living your life when you are battling so much. Eventually it began to spill over to other areas of my life and I couldn’t have that. It was time to fight. My mental health became more important than anything and I vowed that I would continue to keep it first as I’ve seen first hand what it can do to someone if left untreated. I mean, if you broke your arm, you would go see an orthopedic doctor right? Therapy is simply that, just for the mind.

One thing that has helped me outside of going to therapy and prayer, is my love for colors and yea you guessed it, lipstick! We all know that when we push ourselves to get “made up” it can change the way we feel at that moment. That’s what lipstick has been for me! Did you know that colors have their own meaning, and when applied, looked upon or worn can impact your mood? I have taken my love for colors and merged them with lipstick and psychology to create a therapeutic experience and option to help with mental wellness. I want each and every woman that reads this, that purchases a lipstick that if no one has affirmed you, here I am with every shade letting you know, YOU ARE THE ISH GIRL!!! If you’re the woman who is on the journey of discovering your power, or if you’re the woman that is realizing it’s time to do so or if you’re the woman that’s on the other side of the journey. Wherever you are, I’ve been sent here to remind you that you have exactly what you need to be whatever you want. To live a life authentic, free and filled with love and happiness. Know you are enough, You are amazing and you have POWER!

This journey has not been east at all. I always wanted my own cosmetic brand so when the opportunity came, I went for it. Birthed in the middle of the pandemic, I had lost my job, acting was pretty much at a stand still like the rest of the world, it really hit me how time doesn’t wait for anyone so I why am I waiting? So I went for it! It was a tough decision as being locked down unlocked more of my own personal issues that I had to unpack. However, as I healed I became stronger and it became clearer that this couldn’t be just a regular cosmetic company, It had to be impactful. Developing this brand, I would think about the times I would be at my lowest and how much lipstick helped soon I realized that colors is one of the things that helped picked me up. I overcame my challenges by being honest with myself as well as returning back to therapy. I’ve had a tough life, so I’ve been healing and building what I like to call my “mental wellness toolbox) for years. With faith and determination I knew that it was time to use my journey to empower others. Along the way, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it is ok to not be ok! I used to pretend, but now I simply have accepted myself for who I am and my journey. I love everything about me! I want the world to know through this brand that no matter if you are the one who lost their Power, gave your Power away or if it was taken from you that you can take it back! Turn pain into POWER, you can find yourself and keep yourself again! Its never too late!

p.s. A portion goes towards covering on going therapy for women in need of mental wellness care. In one year, we helped 10 women take their Power back!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok! Here’s how that week would look! The first day I would cook breakfast for them as I love to cook and entertain. After that we would hit one the interactive pop ups in downtown Chicago. Then we would have lunch at Giordano’s and I would introduce them to what real pizza is! lol! The arguing ends here, we have the best pizza! LOL Chicago-ans go for thin crust but deep dish is a staple and both are amazing! From there the week would consist of visiting some of the Chicago landmarks, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain during the day. Have brunch at Batter and Berries, Wacon Bacon and stroll through Hyde Park. Hit up Jazz night for drinks at the Adler Planetarium. TAO, Ron of Japan, Havana grill and Joy District for drinks, dinner and dancing. We would definitely have to go to the sky deck at the Tower and do some shopping out in oak brook mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out the team! These ladies stepped up and helped me pull this brand together and I will forever be grateful to them!

Jessica LaShawn Consultants. She has been instrumental in my business . Jessica is everything and all things tech, social media branding and marketing. She has helped with building my website and any tech/branding things I’ve needed this first year of business. She is amazing, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing with out her.

Chan Smith, one of the baddest photographers/film makers in the Chicago/LA area. She came on board with my vision and took the amazing photos you see on the website/social media. She went above and beyond at our 8 hour shoot creating magic. I will be forever grateful for.

The Kiki J Experience one the coldest MUA in Chicago! She’s responsible for providing her make up service for all the models. She too went above and beyond creating art. I will forever grateful for her and her amazing heart and talent.

Website: www.powerbyteharahj.com

Instagram: @powerbyteharahj

Facebook: Power By Teharah J.

Image Credits
Photographer of Models- Chan C. Smith

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