Conversations with Dr. Teresa A. Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Teresa A. Smith.

Dr. Smith, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Absolutely, I am Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS. I’ve had two passions since I was a little girl, cooking and helping others. I started cooking with my momma, often standing in a chair to reach the counter since I wasn’t tall enough. I would play grocery store, purchase mom’s nonperishables, and rearrange her cabinets. When I was nine, I learned to bake cornbread from scratch. Shortly after that, my mom taught me to bake homemade cakes. My aunts would say, “Bake me a Cherry Pound Cake or Prune Cake,”; and I did for years. Even after I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I would bake their cakes. It was a labor of love, and I felt warm and mushy on the inside when they loved their cakes.

My other passion was helping people. As a child, I spent considerable time with wise neighbors and older family members. I loved listening to and learning how their lives evolved. As a middle schooler, several of my classmates shared the trauma they were experiencing with me. It became commonplace to be the keeper of secrets. This led to me receiving my master’s degree in counseling from North Carolina Central University.

As an author, I’ve worked in multiple industries, including healthcare, education, and nonprofits. My family knew I worked in healthcare and often shared their symptoms, seeking my advice and doctor referrals. These diverse experiences influence my writing and desire to help people create a balanced life.

In March 2022, I combined my two passions and launched Transform With TAS Show with a focus on healthy cooking and physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I have interviewed indie authors, entrepreneurs, educators, community activists, pastors, award-winning authors, business executives, movie producers, and global influencers. The show is streamed on my YouTube Channel at youtube.com/c/DrTAS.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I work a 9 to 5, and like most people, I had challenges while striving to make my dreams a reality. As an incest survivor, I learned early to advocate and take care of myself. During my preteen years, I lost my sight, and more recently, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and had Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

These struggles motivated me to create the best version of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually; and ignited my passion for well-being and my life’s work. In my books Stronger How Overcoming Life’s Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose, From Bravery To Victory, and Transformation, I draw on the life lessons I’ve learned to empower others.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I received my doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University and recognized the value of everyone having access to educational opportunities after high school.

As a creative professional with a servant’s heart, I share real-world knowledge so that as many people as possible can benefit. This includes my healthy recipes via my Instagram Live TAS In The Kitchen live cooking segments and Transform With TAS Show.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
No surprise, my favorite childhood memory was spending time in the kitchen with my mom as her sous chef. My mother always cooked for the family, church, neighbors, and the Eastern Star, or catered.

She has a way of making food taste unbelievable. When she cooks a dish, your taste buds tingle with pure enjoyment. I don’t think she has ever made a dish that was not amazing!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://askdrtas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteresasmith/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtastronger
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskDrTAS1
• Youtube: youtube.com/c/DrTAS