Tess Traynor of Phoenix on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Tess Traynor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Tess, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Almost everything. To the outside world, the spiritual or witchcraft communities can seem intimidating or even unrealistic. However, once you delve into the practices and the history behind them, you’ll find they’re far more grounded than many realize. In fact, much of what we do in our daily lives carries a ritualistic element, we just don’t always recognize it. Think about blowing out candles on a birthday cake, knocking on wood, saying “bless you” when someone sneezes, or even the way holidays are tied to specific seasons. These everyday actions aren’t so different from the practices rooted in healing, tradition, and the belief that we have the power to create change in our lives through intentional acts.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tess, and I’m the founder of The Witch Summit, an immersive spiritual experience designed to inspire, connect, and empower. This one-of-a-kind event features engaging speakers, intimate meet-and-greets, hands-on workshops, and a vibrant marketplace, all curated to explore a wide range of spiritual practices. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are deeply experienced, there’s something here for everyone to learn and explore.

What makes The Witch Summit truly special is the in-person connection. Attendees have the opportunity to engage directly with experts, deepen their understanding, and walk away with meaningful insights and inspiration.

To celebrate the magic of community, we’re also hosting the Bewitching Ball that evening, an enchanting night filled with music, specialty cocktails, and fantasy-inspired gowns. It’s more than just an event; it’s an unforgettable experience.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My sister has taught me more about work ethic than anyone else. She’s been working since she was 16 and has always poured herself fully into every job she’s had. We share a similar drive—mostly because neither of us likes to sit still for long. She’s constantly thinking of ways to improve her company while also lifting up the people around her. She treats her employees like family and measures success not just by her own achievements, but by how well those around her are thriving too.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has been a great teacher. It has instilled in me resilience and the ability to adapt, reminding me that life’s challenges are often unpredictable. Through it, I’ve cultivated empathy for others, recognizing that everyone carries their own story, even if I don’t fully understand their experience. This journey has shown me that while I may not be able to change the people around me or my circumstances, I hold the power to choose my response and shape the course of my own life.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’ve discovered that it’s much easier to be authentic, both in person and online, rather than constantly trying to maintain appearances or worrying about how I’m perceived or what others might be saying. The people who truly resonate with me and my message are the ones meant to attend The Summit, and those are exactly the individuals I want to welcome.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m finally doing what I was born to do, which is why this event feels so profoundly right. There’s no anxiety about having everything perfectly figured out or meeting strict deadlines. Everything is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to, and this is the first time I’ve ever felt truly at peace with that. Looking back, I don’t think I ever fully followed the path I was expected to take, which, in a way, is exactly how I ended up here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thewitchsummit.com
• Instagram: @thewitchsummit
• Facebook: @thewitchsummit