Entrepreneur, mother, manager, and an all-around go getter! Now Ms. Teresa Caldwell is adding author to her list of accomplishments. Caldwell is well known for being the mother and manager of hip hop icon Bow Wow, but in her new memoir she gives fans another side to her. In “I Once Was Her”, young women and single mothers can read all that Caldwell has overcome and how she has become the phenomenal woman she is today. In an exclusive interview with Aman Magazine Caldwell discusses why she wanted to tell her story now and how the pandemic affected her book tour plans.
What inspired you to write this book? I have been asked numerous times over the years about writing a book giving insight into my life I felt that now was the right time, my moment to share my experiences, my testimony and hopefully help the young girl or woman in similar circumstances.
Has the pandemic interfered with the publication or writing process at all? I had a big book tour planned but with the pandemic all of those plans had to be changed.
Why do you want to tell your story now? I did a lot of praying and talking to God asking for guidance after those conversations I knew I had to tell my story and hope that my life experiences would help the young girl or woman in a similar situation.
Your book recounts past physical abuse. Do you feel this book will help victims that were subject to domestic violence during the shelter in place order due to the Coronavirus? I think it will definitely give them a sense of hope and strength to not give up and realize their true worth.
Which part of your story was the most difficult to write? I would say the most difficult was reliving parts of my young adult life because as children our parents should be our heroes that unconditionally love, protect, nurture, and prepare us for life experiences I didn’t have that type of parenting.
Is Bow Wow included in your book? I couldn’t tell my story without including my son in the book being his mother gave me the determination to survive.
What is the main takeaway that you want readers to have after they read your book? I want them to gain the strength and know their value as women. Most of all realize that their past doesn’t have to be their present and future.
I Once Was Her is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Amani is the Editor-In-Chief of Aman Magazine. Aside from managing the day to day operations of the magazine she is also a radio personality for Hits 92.3.
