Inspiring Conversations with Teniecka ” T.Drake” Drake of Gifted Voices

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teniecka ” T.Drake” Drake.

Hi Teniecka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey of being a public speaker,author and podcaster and business owner now. It has been a long road but, the journey has been interesting. Lord has placed in spaces I never thought I would be in. When I first started public speaking that was in 2006. That was part of my HIV advocacy work. That was not always easy with the settings I spoke at. I recall speaking at Lincoln University and that audience was not kind to speak in front of. At the time that was my very first time sharing my personal testimony. I was just ripped apart by questions that were not meant for understanding. It was a public speaking event I will never forget. Not because I was afraid and unsure in that moment. It was more so that audience really did not want to hear about my live experience. When I am stepping out to share my HIV+ status. That at the time was not any easy thing to do. That did however help me develop my the craft of storytelling about my testimony my story. Remembering and knowing I own my narrative not an argumentive or comabtive audience member or group. I leave disagreeable people alone that do not understand my journey nor do they care to.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As mentioned prior the road has not been an easy one. Yes, I have run into opposition and like anyone with a goal or mission. That is is going to happen. I have had family not be supported. I have had some friends I have had to step away from not be suppoetive. I have had relationships and people that were just not part of my destined path. I say that in these terms because the struggles I have had have always been a challenge. I realize as the word says, ” to whom much is give much is required”. I am created and crafted different I have known that for years. I find my value and my worth and my identity in Jesus Christ alone. There have been many people that have let me know to them I have no value. For them they do not see anything that is important to them. I hashtag really do not care. I have been set on a mission from the Lord. If they do not rock with that program of what I do so be it.I know the Lord has me on mission to share the Gospel which is the good news. One way I do that is by sharing my testimony. The other way by teaching and facilitating Bible studies and other classes. I volunteer my time and wherever the Lord placed me that is where I will be.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I provide podcast consultation. I assist people that have a podcast idea. There is a message and a certain audience they want to reach.
These are some of the items I will go over in a podcast consult session.

*Go over the idea
*Podcast Title
*Podcast #(hashtags)
*Podcast platform the easiest way to get started
* YouTube starting out what that involves
* Go live to introduce your upcoming podcast(Time/days & Platform)

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes, I am also working on another business that goes along with Gifted Voices,LLC called Shine & Radiance Event planning. This business is for small intimate gatherings. I also help promote Authors, indpendent Artist as well as Podcasters on social media. I bring a touch of sparkle to events. I cannot wait to bring glitter and sparkle to some new events.
I do locally in person launch parties in Arizona for now. I will wait and see if any other opportunities present themselves. I am walking by faith and believing in the Lord and myself in this new chapter.

Pricing:

• $75.00 an hour for a 60 min podcast session
• $697 for promotion: Shine & Radiance Event Planning

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ggthw18
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tendrake
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ggthw