Writer Spotlight: teisha leshea

What started as a journey to practice vulnerability has turned into a healing portfolio and challenging one's writing muscle. Since 2018, Teisha LeShea has shared her most vulnerable stories that challenge readers intellectually that create talking points during Thanksgiving dinner. Since a preteen, Teisha started writing her thoughts in a journal about what else? Puberty, friendships, fitting in social circles, and school crushes. It wasn't until her junior year in high school she took a leap and wrote reviews for her school newspaper. After spending her early to mid-twenties going through the many challenges of life, it wasn't until 2018 that seeing a Vocal ad on Instagram made her pick up her pen and write again. Writing has allowed Teisha to be free from doubt and insecurities. It's a form of expression that has allowed her to come into her own.

Reader's of her work can discover what it means to be your true self and display authenticity in its purest form. Her passion for elevating black voices exposes the biases women of color face in the medical field, and gushing over her two beautiful nieces will make you think and smile.

On Her Background, upbringing, and becoming a writer:

I am the purest form of an introvert and a Virgo. I love and enjoy my own company, and I tend to ask more questions than have answers. I'm very intuitive and enjoy intellectual conversations. I love going out now and again, but I mainly watch movies and read material that makes me think about the "bigger picture." I was never the popular girl in school, but I enjoyed observing people's behaviors.

Growing up, I had a Barbie mentality of wanting to have these different careers. From being a nurse, surgeon, journalist, paramedic, business owner, and performer. It wasn't until a few months I realized that I shouldn't limit myself to anything. There was a question I heard or read a few months ago that stated, "If you know failure didn't exist, what would be some of the things you would want to do?" At this point in my life, I don't care about failure. My mission is to try at least. I have two sisters and a brother that I love and admire. Being their older sister has been such a joy. I constantly tell my mom that my siblings are like my kids. I've been present every step of the way. From pampers to graduations, I've been attending and supportive. I thank the universe for bringing these young men and women into my life to be their big sisters. My parents who've been present in my life since I came out of the womb.

During my junior year, I dream about being behind the desk of ESPN and taking it a step further, and writing for ESPN the Magazine. After watching Robin Roberts sit behind that ESPN desk, I wanted to be just like her when I grew up; once insecurities set in, I embraced becoming a medical biller and coder. My dad always taught us never to conform. We have the power to change any situation we don't feel comfortable in if you're unhappy with your job to leave if you're not getting paid enough leave. I get my rebellious mindset from him. I've left plenty of jobs when I felt devalued. My mom has always been the "follow your dreams, and I believe in you" type of mom. She tends to cheer you on while you're on your journey. She's all about knowing our worth and what we deserve. Plenty of times, she would suggest I do certain things because I deserve it.

I never knew a parent who encouraged her kids to play hooky. There were plenty of times she would drop me off at school, and before I would get out of the car, she would ask, "Do you have any tests today?" After I would say no, she would ask me if I wanted to go to school; after saying no, we would speed off like a thief in the night. Her explanation was simple "you worked hard, and you never missed a day of school; you deserve a break." I didn't make that a habit there would time she offered, and I would say that I wanted to stay at school crazy, I know, but I think that's why she allowed me to do it; I never took advantage of proposals.

On Writing and Finding Vocal:

As previously mentioned, I started writing in journals early in my preteens. My Aunt Eula would send me a journal before every school year, it seemed, and every year, every page filled with my thoughts, frustrations, and admirations. My growing pains live and in color. When I didn't quite see journalism in my future, I stopped writing. I had the mentality of "if it didn't make money, then don't do it." I didn't see many successful writers and authors who looked like me growing up, so it was hard to envision that for myself.

When I started writing for Vocal, I was battling depression and anxiety. I was so confused and lost that writing led me to write it out no matter how hard it was or if it didn't make any sense. It was an outlet, and I needed that to encourage another chapter in my book of life, therapy, and therapy, which led me to contribute to one of my favorite online magazines, xoNecole. Writing from xoNecole allowed me to gain enough confidence to walk away, continue to write, and create my own Vocal Facebook group Vocal Creators Saloon. The saying everything happens for a reason is cliché, but it's real, and I'm a testament to that. Communicating with like-minded writers has encouraged me to write my first fictional story and to write more poetry. When I wrote my first Vocal story, I didn't have a computer. When my first story went live, something awakened in me that I'd never felt before. I found my hobby and my calling.

When I started Vocal, I didn't see many communities that supported other writers, let alone members of Vocal. After joining a few, I decided to create my group, met excellent writers, and met some beautiful people. I came across the Vocal Support Groups later on in my Vocal career. They've been inspirational in my writing process and in the stories I write and make.

Here are a few

Ali SP- With her excellent poetry

Sofia Duarte- Encourages me to start the Short Story Series and many other things that I can't wait to share.

Courtney Capone- Who is humorous with her authenticity and has entertained me as I currently recover from carpal tunnel surgery.

Julianna Byrd- For just being a good human and helping me out in running the group.

C.R Hughes- For her beautiful writing that encourages me to work harder.

Christina Defeo- We met through Vocal Creators Saloon. We have so many things in common. She's genuinely supportive.

These lovely women are brave to share their stories and experiences, and I'm glad that I have a chance to read them.

Dedication To Writing:

For some odd reason, I enjoy writing more than I do talking at times. I don't have to think before speaking, and I can say what I want without significant consequences. With speaking, I make sure I say things to be understood and made clear. I tend to take long pauses and analyze what I say before saying it I want to be heard and understood. Writing tends to help me get my point across. I also discovered that I have an insane imposter syndrome that I constantly have to work through. It hasn't prevented me from writing, but it does take longer to write and be satisfied with what I wrote.

What's On The Horizon:

As of this moment, the Vocal Creators Saloon is still open for business. If you haven't joined, maybe you should. A Saloon is a place where like-minded individuals discuss and share. If you're a writer and enjoy sharing, then VCS is the best place to interact.

I do plan on writing a book or two in the future. I still have a lot to learn as a writer, so I'm taking my time with the process. I tend to be the admin for Vocal Creators Saloon for as long as I can. I enjoy meeting new people, and lastly, I continue writing on Vocal. Entering challenges and different communities has allowed me to gain the practice I need. I hope my words inspire those who need it and challenge the ones who don't. I will continue to use my voice to tell my testimony. I hope my words educate and start the necessary discussions.

One thing that I can't accept is forcing people to see me and my greatness. I can't sit around and wait for Vocal to give me a Writer Spotlight, Win a challenge, or even be a Top Story. I have to remind myself who I write for, and I will always write for me and me only. I will never do something that will jeopardize my integrity or not allow me to be my authentic self. Some will understand it, and others may not understand it, but my job isn't to constantly explain that because I have things to do. My rawness has been admired by many, which makes me confused because I'm only myself, but I will always be the voice for those who don't dare to speak. I don't care about rules, order, commas, or prepositions. I want to create my own rules and not follow always have and always will.