Tammy Smith’s Prayer Answered — “Someone To Love Me Right”
Photo Credit: Brandon Riley with Riley’s Graphic Visions
From Monticello, Arkansas. Where would you take a first-time visitor to your hometown?
Yes, I am definitely a small town, Southeast Arkansas girl!
Oh, my goodness, I would take a first time visitor to the little diner, Ray’s, that’s been family owned since before I was born and still owned by the same family and my former classmate.
I would get them a BBQ sandwich and a Frosted Coke, then head over to the Museum to share the history of my town! I am a huge history person!
Former Letter Carrier. Public Relations Director. Actress. Model. Singer/songwriter. Social Media Influencer. Vlogger. What advice would you give others seeking to find their best career path?
The best career path is what you can do today and do it with all of your heart and soul. Life is a journey and we may not see what’s around the corner or ahead in the future. I have learned that every single thing I did has led me to where I am today. There were no mistakes.
Founder and Creator of #TGIT, “Thank God It’s Today!” Domestic abuse survivor whose passion is to bring awareness to domestic abuse and to bring positivity and hope to people all over the world each day. The goal is to help one person each day to be grateful for TODAY as that may be our last day. “One of the most attractive things about a person is the way they look at life. … Life has twists, turns, ups, downs, highs and lows but it’s a journey we all must take. It’s not perfect and never will be. In my experience, the painful times have taught me to treasure the great moments. If I had not known that pain, I would not be who I am today.” What are some ways we can help a victim of domestic abuse?
There are many ways to help someone who is currently in or has been in an abusive relationship. #1 BELIEVE them. If someone reaches out it takes the ultimate courage. (Is it really that bad?) #2 Do not SHAME them. (Why don’t you just leave?) That was the worst question I ever got. There were six huge reasons I didn’t (my children) and mainly fear of my abuser, which was right in the end. #3 OFFER assistance or suggest an agency that can help. Make sure the person knows they have someone to count on if they need you. You never know when they may call. #4 GET INFORMED. I had NO idea I was suffering all the forms of domestic abuse. I wasn’t aware until I went through Domestic Abuse Counseling and Support Group following my near death experience.
Co-written with Corey Lee Barker, “God and a Job,” has gained critical acclaim. What is the backstory to this single?
That one is my “Female Power Anthem” for sure! Unfortunately, most survivors of domestic abuse statistically get right back into another abusive relationship. I did just that. Not being familiar with the dating scene after being in a 17-year marriage, was a rude awakening! I met a man online, and he portrayed himself to be many things: one who knew and loved God, single, established, and a successful long time business owner. He was jealous of my relationship with God, my kids, and even my fans, often sending them rude messages as if from me. You can make yourself out to be anything online these days, and I fell prey to that. I ended that relationship. I was on a plane to Nashville to record my EP and said to myself, “What will it take to get me after this?” I chuckled to myself and thought: first, you gotta have G O D and a REAL J O B! I jotted down some important lines for it, landed and finished it up with Corey, my co-songwriter. I decided to record this song before any other!
Releasing “Loving How the Leaving Feels” and now “Someone to Love Me Right,” both co-written with Corey Lee Barker. The latest was written as a prayer during the time you chose to be alone, learn who you were, what you deserve, what you want as you waited for the right one.
On New Year’s you got engaged. How do you make sure to take time to find balance between your career and your private life?
I learned from the past failed relationship. to keep more private until you know for sure. Especially on business pages/platforms. Personal is personal. After spending so much time alone, traveling, studying, reflecting, healing and working on my music. I took a different approach, as friends, hanging out with family and friends, etc. The balance is that he respects my career and is fully supportive as I am of his. We want to see each other succeed in all that each does in life and strive to support one another on that!
What’s that deep down, in your soul, desire that you won’t be fulfilled fully until you achieve it, see it, or have it, desire?
To show this world that you can rise again from nothing and become something. You can come out on the other side of pain and trauma! Let that desire be your fire, your fuel, to accomplish that goal! Many of our deepest desires are part of our ultimate destiny and journey in this life. It may take months, years or even decades to see it come to pass but do not give up! The flame is still there for a reason, and I have seen God bring things to pass that I am in awe of! If it’s His plan, no man can stop it, and He will make it happen!
What is on your career vision board that you hope to accomplish this year?
To take my mission of TGIT Thank God It’s Today, my story of hope and healing, along with my music, GLOBAL!
