We had the good fortune of connecting with T. Grow and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi T., what is the most important factor behind your success?
From the time I became a single mom, my focus was on asserting all of my energy towards not being a negative statistic, the stereotypical “baby mama”. In the face of all the disadvantages laid out before me, I would fight for me and my son to win at life. It has been that mentality that has kept me from not only not giving up, but fighting for my success in life. I have something to prove. Before the fight was about proving my naysayers wrong but as I have grown more self-aware, reaching success has been about proving it to myself.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an author and brand, I’m committed to being a voice for those who sometimes find it challenging to project their own. I am unapologetically holding up space in a way that encourages and inspires. I see myself as an example that when you are self-aware and own your presence, you give yourself creative control over your storyline and how it plays out. I believe right now, establishing myself as a brand and still developing personally, I am currently writing the best part of my story. I have always identified writing as my first love, now it is my magical wand. From it comes ministry, encouragement, imagination, entertainment and a working legacy to leave behind long after I exist. At times, my writing has even been my weapon, but as I have grown as a person, using it as a weapon has been unnecessary. Writing has raised me, somewhat like a parent and it has carried me through some very tough times. Though I love writing so much and have journeyed with it, it has not been easy to chase the dream of being a reputable brand of authorship. Life circumstances have persistently gotten in the way. My fear of rejection and introverted personality has also been a challenge for me growing in my gift. However, my gift continues to make room for me and for that Im grateful because as long as I have room to grow I will.
Right now I am exciting about where my writing has me. I have just birthed my first memoir that uses my own story of what I experienced as a single mom to a source of relation and encouragement to other single moms who are fighting through their own journeys. What is most exciting about this book is the awareness that I’m not just selling a book. I’m on a path to help so many people, not even just single moms, find their way towards healing and self-preservation.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best time I could show my best friend or any young, gifted and black person visiting the Rocket City (Huntsville, Al) would not have anything to do with space despite the U.S. Space and Rocket center being a great and prominent feature of the city. I would take them to the campus of THEE Alabama A&M University to completely immerse ourselves in the culture, essence and camaraderie of an HBCU homecoming week. The Hill (campus) is the epicenter, but maroon and white takes over the city with events being held and alumni stimulating the economy on a grand scale. We would bask in the effervescent black joy that only an HBCU homecoming experience could deliver. Concerts, tailgating, meet and greets, happy hours, dinner with friends; we would just be on the go and having fun, no worries for the “moment” of that week.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
SHOUTOUT to my son, Jaden. When I fail myself, he is the reason I can never give up striving to be and do better. He has made me so much better! A SHOUTOUT also goes to my love, Dokk Savage. That black man loves him some me and it not only feels so surreal at times, but it gives me super powers to rise even higher. Last but absolutely not least, I will forever SHOUTOUT every person who’s ever been a part of my village along the journey.
Website: www.tdotgrow.com
Instagram: @authortdotgrow
Twitter: @authortdotgrow
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Image Credits
Headshot- Dokk Savage of Dokk Savage Photography cover photo of book also by Dokk Savage