The Beauty of Success

11Character, Allyship, and Finding Your People

My mother, Teresa, continues to play a significant role in my life. As her mother, my grandmother, Mary Talley, would say to her and she continues to say to me, “Love the Lord, do what is right, and do your best.” Her warmth and constant nurturing was ever-present when I was growing up. She is also quite practical and “real” that things in life will not always be fair, that people will not always treat you right, but that at the end of the day it is our own character, faith, integrity, and how we treat people that will guide us down the right path to live a blessed life. These are all lessons that I will continue to share with my own daughter as she navigates her journey in life.

Four generations: Teresa Bledsoe, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Tierra Ferguson, and Mary Talley

This lesson in integrity has been the foundation for me to build community, support others, and be of service. I am very blessed that my mother has been by my side cheering, celebrating, and encouraging me my entire life. She listens to all of my ideas, woes, joys, and ramblings.

We have been through so much, and at every turn my mother has shown tremendous strength and resilience no matter the situation we were in. When I think about these values from childhood, I equate them to character. At the core of my character, I am deeply compelled to do what is right. ...