TeKenya, what has it been like for you to have your efforts to make a difference be recognized?KBeing recognized has been profoundly humbling. I’ve spent years serving behind the scenes—pouring into families, marriages, young teens, women, men, and communities simply because it’s my calling. To see that work acknowledged reminds me that purpose is never wasted. Every moment of sowing, praying, encouraging, and lifting others up matters. This recognition affirms that when you move with authenticity and obedience, God will let your light be seen in the right rooms at the right time.
Mississippi has so much talent and heart. What do you want people to know about Mississippi from your perspective?
Mississippi is rich with brilliance, grit, and soul. This state has birthed innovators, leaders, creators, and world-changers who often go unnoticed because we’ve been taught to be humble even while doing extraordinary things. From Holmes County to Jackson, I’ve witnessed resilience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Mississippi is full of people with vision, compassion, and deep-rooted purpose. I want the world to know that we are not behind—we are becoming. We are rising. And our talent runs generations deep.
'We are not behind. We are becoming.' I love that! You are a change-maker, and Conversations was honored to recognize you as one of our 2025 Mississippi Success Honorees. What has helped you to let your light shine in the work that you do?
What helps me shine is staying anchored in who God created me to be. I don’t chase platforms—I build people. I build people up with truth, encouragement, accountability, and love. I affirm beauty, love, and value in others. I stay rooted in service, integrity, and compassion. My mission is to help others discover their identity, birth their purpose, and elevate their standards. My light shines because I refuse to dim it for comfort or comparison. I show up fully, authentically, and unapologetically for the people who need what God placed inside me.
As a change-maker, what advice do you have for others when it comes to letting their light shine no matter where they are in the state or the world?What helps me shine is staying anchored in who God created me to be. I don’t chase platforms—I build people. I build people up with truth, encouragement, accountability, and love. I affirm beauty, love, and value in others. I stay rooted in service, integrity, and compassion.
A scripture that guides my work is Proverbs 18:16 — “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” I believe when you honor your gift, steward it well, and use it to uplift others, God positions you before kings and queens—before the very people who can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
My light shines because I refuse to dim it for comfort or comparison. I show up fully, authentically, and unapologetically for the people who need what God placed inside me.
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
In 2026, I’m looking forward to greater expansion—personally, spiritually, and organizationally. 2026 is a new era—one that begins with the biggest change of the decade. I’m excited for more opportunities to build, mentor, travel, speak, and help others unlock their God-given potential. I look forward to strengthening marriages through My Marriage Is My Brand, expanding The Rosebuds Glow Girls, launching new coaching and leadership initiatives, being the difference as a mentor and coach for Bee The Difference Mentoring Program for Girls, continuing to uplift humanity through my “Dear Higher Self” letters for my listening audience, and releasing a new book—one that will undeniably shift perspectives, elevate lives, and change the world.
2026 is a year of elevation, new territory, and divine alignment.
So proud of you, TeKenya, and thanks for your support of my platforms this year. Congratulations again on being one of Mississippi’s success stories. How can our readers stay connected with you?
I would love to stay connected, continue inspiring growth, and help others discover their purpose.
Website: www.tekenyakjohnson.com
Facebook: Coach-Authoress TeKenya K. Johnson
Instagram: @authoresstekenyak
TikTok: @authoresstekenyak
LinkedIn: TeKenya Johnson
