Mar 30, 2021
After working in a corporate position, Tanea Smith turned her passion for paper and writing letters into a business. Tanea describes the inspiration behind her stationery line and shares the steps to writing the perfect letter, after all, the mark of a good letter is the feeling someone gets when they receive it. Tanea also talks about the benefits of journaling and how she kept a journal called Gloria. She also shares ways you can get into the habit of journaling. Hear Tanea’s tips in this episode.
2:58 – Tanea explains how she started in corporate business but always knew it was not her passion.
3:58 - Tanea talks about her love of paper and writing.
8:36 – Tanea goes through the steps of writing a letter.
12:59 – Tanea describes the inspiration for her stationery line.
17:51 – Tanea talks about “Dear Gloria.”
22:50 – Tanea shares the greatest piece of advice she has ever received.
25:21 – Tanea describes the impact of sending handwritten notes.
28:10 – Tanea explains the benefits of journaling.
29:27 – Tanea gives some tips for getting into the habit of journaling and letter writing.
32:11 – Tanea shares her favorite book.
Quote
“My journal has saved my life. It has been the ultimate healer. It has brought me revelations. We celebrate together. It is a confidant. It is a free, non-judgmental space.” - Tanea Smith, inspirational speaker and stationery designer at She's Got Papers, LLC
Links:
She’s Got Papers: https://www.shesgotpapers.com/
Dear Gloria: https://www.shesgotpapers.com/pages/dear-gloria
Faith in the Valley by Iyanla Vanzant: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Valley-Lessons-Women-Journey/dp/0684801132
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About the guest:
As a teenaged mother living on welfare back in 1994, Tanea Smith made a conscious decision that she would defy the odds and not become a statistic. She began what eventually became a 21-year career as an executive assistant on Wall Street in New York City. With the acknowledgment that gratitude and ambition can dwell in the same apartment she knew that despite having a “steady” job, the click she felt in her spirit to do and be more was too strong to ignore. After the birth of her 2nd child in 2007, she used her creativity and life experiences to create a witty and empowering stationery collection, She’s Got Papers.
While the “papers” were keeping America connected one handwritten note at a time, in 2013 she expanded her platform. As an inspirational speaker and transition expert, Tanea motivates, inspires and walks alongside other women who are "in the hallway," a space that she knows all too well. If one pivot was not enough, in 2021 Tanea introduced the world to "Gloria" - a journaling series that gives her pen pals life lessons, writing prompts and a blueprint for life, love and everything in between.
Tanea has been featured in Essence, Ebony, More, Pen World, American Express Open, New York Live, Good Day Philadelphia, The Philadephia Inquirer, The Peacock Network and The Wendy Williams Show.
Tanea has spoken at St. John’s University, City College of New York, New York University and teaches workshops throughout New York City.
Looking to connect:
Email: tanea@shesgotpapers.com
Twitter: @inspiredbysgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/TaneaSmith
Instagram: @shesgotpapers