Behind the Scenes
On March 7, 2025, I declared on a stage that Theresa E Radley would become a brand. I stated I’d confidently promote my books and eventually become a speaker. In 2025, I focused on creating products and promoting them.
I published Lunch Break, redesigned Speechless, and T’s Telling the Truth. I attended 32 events and sold about 240 books. I created a website and hired someone to design a logo. Theresa E Radley became more than an idea.
The highlight of 2025 was hosting “Her Story.” Seven incredible, brave women stood on a stage for the first time and shared a piece of their stories. I knew Theresa E Radley’s mission had evolved. I wasn’t just an author or someone who wanted to be a speaker; I was the creator of a space for women to connect and heal.
As Quarter 1 of 2026 ends, I cannot express in words how much my little business has grown.
I hosted another “Her Story” event on March 21, 2026, and it exceeded all expectations. This time, 12 brave women took the stage and poured out their hearts. (It will get its own blog post soon.) We are already in discussion for another event later in the year.
I have been busy writing poetry for Shades of Love, a love story about my relationship with love. The collection explores love’s complexities, from my first crush to its greatest lessons. There are poems about romance and heartbreak, love from others, and love within me. I’ve already added over 50 poems, and I am still working on more.
But the most exciting behind-the-scenes piece has been setting the foundation for the next step in Theresa E Radley, the brand.
I defined my three signature workshops and created a one-sheet speaker summary. I emailed potential opportunities and applied to speak at events.
Fun fact: I already presented in January 2026. I have three speaking engagements for April of 2026. And I am still sending emails, contacting leads, and promoting my workshops.
The signature sessions are:
Identity Blindness: encourages participants to rediscover their identity in a new way and redefine the narrative they tell themselves.
The Power of Storytelling: inspires participants to develop tools and methods to share their story, find connection and healing
Women Empowering Women: Rewriting the Narrative: helps women learn their worth, understand their strengths, and define how they receive support from other women
This first year in business brought many challenges and rewards. I am thrilled to see what new lessons are to come and how success will be redefined. I cannot wait to meet more women and help them share their stories. But I am also looking forward to writing more novels about women who find strength in each other.
The biggest takeaway for me is the confidence I have gained. When I stood on that stage, I was shaking, and I didn’t think I’d make it this far. But I know this is only the beginning.
