Today we’d like to introduce you to Tenika Smith.
Tenika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph
I want to start by sharing where my story truly began as child in the bay area projects. When I was fourteen years old, I lost both of my parents in a tragic car accident. That moment changed my life forever. But even in the midst of heartbreak, there was a blessing in the storm my grandparents, Benjamin and Debra Wright, stepped in and became my foundation.
In March 2001, after my parents passed away, my grandparents moved my siblings and I to Los Angeles. From that point on, they made sure we never wanted for anything. Even now, as an adult, they continue to be an incredible blessing in my life.
Growing up wasn’t easy. I struggled a lot in school. I couldn’t read, comprehend, or even do simple math. Even with the encouragement from Mrs. Lawanda Rayfield as a child growing up in the projects I always still felt lost and disconnected. In high school I started ditching school. Sometimes up to 64 days a semester.
I’ll never forget one day walking into Spanish class after skipping for three weeks, and seeing my grandfather standing outside the door waiting for me. He was on tour at the time, managing Gladys Knight, and I had no idea he’d show up there.
That moment shook me.
It made me realize I needed to change.
I had about two years left before graduation and a lot of credits to catch up on. My counselor, Jamille Kenion, who later became the school principal, helped me get on track.
Around that same time, my grandmother would take us back to visit our old neighborhood in the Bay Area, just outside of North Richmond.
One weekend, while visiting the projects where I grew up, someone was shot and killed in the same unit we once lived in.
I looked around and saw people standing on the corners doing the same things — selling drugs, hustling, surviving. In that moment, I made a decision: I didn’t want that life.
When I got back to Los Angeles, I committed to turning things around. I worked hard, made up all my credits, and graduated on time with my class on June 29, 2005. That was one of the proudest moments of my life — proving to myself that a girl from the projects could do something great. After graduating high school, I still ran the streets for a while. I found myself caught up in the same patterns I had watched and despised my father for struggling with. I wasn’t breaking the cycle.
I was repeating it. It took time, pain, and a lot of self-reflection to realize that I was living below the purpose God had for me. Still my grandmother never left my side.
Eventually, I had to make a choice: either keep walking in the same direction or trust God to lead me into something better.
Later, I got married, then divorced in 2012 — the same year I found out I was sick.
I moved back home to California from Washington State and started working in the music industry, traveling with my uncle.
A few years later, I decided to open my own cleaning business in Atlanta.
It didn’t take off the way I’d hoped, but I didn’t give up.
One day, while landing in Las Vegas, I looked out the window and said to myself, “This is it — this is where I’m bringing my business.” Two weeks later, I opened my cleaning company “Meticulous Maids LV” in Las Vegas, and by the grace of God, the business took off with contracts and steady clients.
In 2018, I decided to go back to school and earn my first degree — something I never thought I’d be able to do. Despite all the health challenges I faced — including two breast surgeries and multiple operations on my legs and feet I kept pushing.
In 2021, I took all the journal entries I had written throughout my journey and began writing my first novel. I never imagined I’d become a published author, but I did. Today, I’ve written and self-published four novels.
In May 2022, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree — quietly, without telling anyone until the night before the ceremony.
It was one of the most emotional moments of my life.
After that, I began my nursing journey and became a trauma nurse — a calling that means everything to me. There are no words to describe how much I love taking care of God’s people. I know this is exactly where he wants me to be — serving, healing, and inspiring others while continuing to write and run my business here in Texas.
Through every high and low, God has carried me. Even when I didn’t acknowledge Him, He never left my side. His grace, mercy, and love are the reasons I’m still here — alive, healed, and telling my story.
I want to take a moment to honor the people who shaped my journey:
To my grandparents, Benjamin and Debra Wright — Grandma, I’ve been around the world, and I have never met a woman like you.
You are truly God’s angel on earth.
You are the prize, and I love you more than words could ever express.
Grandpa, your music continues to stand the test of time. Every song you’ve touched has turned platinum, and the sacrifices you made so that we had a roof over our heads will never be forgotten.
To my sister-cousin Ms. Ameral — What a beautiful sight it is to see the strong, intelligent, inspiring woman and mother you’ve become. I love you dearly.
My story is one of faith, resilience, and divine purpose. I’m a girl from the projects who refused to give up.
By God’s grace, I’m living proof that no matter where you start, your story can still have a beautiful ending.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve faced many struggles, but every one of them built my strength. Losing my parents at fourteen years old was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I struggled in school for years. I couldn’t read or do simple math.
after high school, I ran the streets for a while, repeating some of the same cycles I’d watched my father live.
Breaking those patterns and learning my own worth took time. I battled serious health issues, but God carried me through every single one.
Starting my business was another challenge.
My first attempt failed, but I kept going and eventually relaunched in Las Vegas.
Through it all, I’ve learned that my struggles don’t define me — my faith does.
God never left my side, even when I didn’t see it, and that’s what gives me the strength to keep going today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a trauma nurse, author, and entrepreneur. All roles that connect to my passion for healing and helping people. In my work as a nurse, I specialize in providing compassionate care during some of the hardest moments of people’s lives. I believe nursing is more than a job. it’s ministry. I take pride in treating every patient like family and being the calm in their storm.
Outside of nursing,
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I never gave up. I started from the projects, lost my parents, fought through illness, and still became someone who serves and inspires others. What sets me apart is my heart. I lead with compassion, faith, and authenticity in everything I do.
I’m living proof that God can turn pain into purpose.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years in the nursing-/trauma care/healthcare space, I believe there are major shifts underway and I’m excited to be part of them. I plan to continue my education and become a trauma surgeon. My journey in trauma has shown me how much impact one person can make when they truly care for people in their most critical moments. I want to keep growing, learning, and saving lives on an even greater level.
the future is all about purpose using every gift God has given me to heal, lead, and inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gods.trauma.nurse.213?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gods.trauma.nurse.213?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gods.trauma.nurse.213?_r=1&_t=ZP-916w0YXS6fe
