Meet TÉA | Recording Artist & Songwriter

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

Hi TÉA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Honestly, risk taking is something that I’m still growing in. I’m not a risk taker naturally. I’ve been one to lean more towards safe rather than a leap of faith, but I’ve often heard this saying — a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. It’s true. Fear is debilitating and it fights to hold us back. Wonderful things are often waiting on the other side of risk. I don’t mean to throw quotes and cliches at you, but “you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take”. We don’t have forever to live and it’s important that we use the time we’ve been given right now instead of waiting for tomorrow. Taking risks, however small they may seem, has allowed me to release music to the world that I am proud of. I recently took a risk by asking people through social media to fund the release of my latest EP and music video and it worked! This wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t take the step of faith to ask. Risk taking is key especially as a creative!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In May 2019 I released my first project titled “Anything Goes” and it carried an R&B sound mixed with a variation of pop, hip hop, and soul. In October 2020 I released my second project titled “Closed Chapter” and it was a 5 song EP. My second project was definitely an expansion of creativity in many ways and I am still so proud of it! Shortly after I released that I also released a music video. It’s all so exciting, but I have also experienced a lot of unknowns. I guess that comes with the territory of life. It’s all about getting creative and using what you have! We don’t have to wait for the perfect time because there rarely ever is a perfect time to take a risk.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For shopping I’d probably take them to the Northpark mall. If they’re looking for more of a spontaneous/chill night then I would suggest going to Bishop Arts on a Friday night so we could walk around, check out the shops, get some food (or ice cream, boba, etc.), and listen to some artists play live on the street. That’s always a good time! I really like karaoke, but I haven’t found a spot yet. I’m not a major foodie and I’m a fairly clean eater so if they’re looking for a place to go eat then I’d take them to Flower Child! Love that place. Tried The Henry today and that was a cool food spot (there’s also a few other restaurants surrounding the area so there’s multiple options) and I also got a grilled shrimp salad from Uno Mas the other day and it was reallllyyyy good! For more fun things I would take them to The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. I haven’t been able to go yet but have been wanting to for a while! Top Golf is also on my list of places to check out so we’d go there. Going to Main Event/bowling is always a good time as well.

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?
Oh man! There are so many lovely people that deserve a shoutout, but I wouldn’t be able to list them all. I’ll give this shoutout to my mom. She has invested in my life in more ways than one and I am forever grateful. I’ve learned a lot from her including what it looks like to take a risk.

Website: https://songwhip.com/tea2/closed-chapter

Instagram: @LifeWithChels_

Twitter: @LifeWithChels_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QGABklpK3g

Image Credits
Nico Demo x Lexi Sanchez, Sy’Kia, Trinity Young Adults