Today we’d like to introduce you to Tera Stidum.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story dates back nearly 20 years ago, with me starting a career in television. I worked on Debra Duncan which appeared on ABC 13, and then I moved on to do court shows like Texas Justice, Judge Alex, and Divorce Court for 20th Television. My career took me from Houston to Los Angeles and I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in TV — including Dr. Phil, Suze Orman, Judge Alex Ferrer, Judge Lynn Toler and I even worked as the behind-the-scenes Producer on Steve Harvey’s final comedy show. During this time, I was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards and made relationships with some of the most creative, hard-working and amazing producers in the business! Little did I know, all of those relationships would come into play when I ventured out and started my business, She Dates Savvy, LLC.
Although my resume and TV credits are impressive to most, few truly understand the time and effort it took to reach those career achievements. There were plenty of early mornings, late nights and time away from my daughter and family. Which also meant, there was little to no time for a dating life which, is why online dating always made sense for me! I had no problem meeting men in the traditional way — at a party, at work or through friends — but again, TIME was what I lacked. Since online dating was so convenient and could be done in my free time, it worked for me! I’ve often compared it to grocery shopping because they are a lot alike! You go into a grocery store (log onto dating site), look up and down the aisles for what you want to buy (browse profiles and pictures) and pick out what you want/need (meet “your Mr. Right”)! Simple enough for me!
And for me, in February 2015, an online “shopping trip” on a popular dating website landed me the best find ever! I met the man of my dreams and by November 2015, we were engaged to be married. During that time, a girlfriend and I were chatting about my upcoming wedding and she expressed her happiness for me. I encouraged her to give online dating a try, but she was “shook” at the idea! She didn’t know whether or not to use her real name, was afraid to put her pictures online and the whole idea of dating online created anxiety for her! I very mattered in fact when I told her, “I’m going to teach you, ladies, how to do it!”
At that time I really thought I would host an online dating workshop, teach ladies how to create profiles, flirt…etc. and it would be a “one-and-done” type of event. Then, I would move on with my happily ever after married life! Ha! Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, then make some plans?” Little did I know, my “little plan” of just hosting a workshop apparently made God laugh out loud at me for real, because what was birthed has been something that I still can’t wrap my brain around! Even my husband told me I was thinking too small. But, since I’d never sought out to be an entrepreneur, I had no idea of what I had on my hands. It was so much bigger than what I could have imagined.
After a good talk (and a cry) with God about what He was birthing with She Dates Savvy, I slid into my high heels and started moving towards the goal of helping women navigate the world of online dating. I knew nothing about starting a business but I had two powerful things on my side — God’s blessings to walk what He had birthed in me and my husband Reginald, who was a master at business development.
She Dates Savvy, LLC launched in June of 2016 and the response has been so incredible from friends and strangers alike. I’ve hosted several workshops since opening and have had the honor of mentoring dozens of women in their online dating journey. And remember all those amazing, talented and creative TV friends of mine? Well, the minute I began promoting my new venture, the calls came rolling in! They already knew my outgoing personality would work for TV and I had relevant information to share, so it just all made sense. I’ve had the blessed opportunity to appear on the Book of John Gray on OWN, TD Jakes show on OWN, The Raw Word, FOX 5 in Dallas, FOX 26 here in Houston, Great Day Houston, 93.7 The Beat, Amazing 102.5 and even in the Houston Chronicle. I’ve also written my first book, Smart Girls Don’t Date Dumb and continue to work on projects.
Little did I know, that all those years ago God was writing a beautiful story for my life and business.
Has it been a smooth road?
As it relates to being a business owner, some parts of my journey have been smoother than I could have imagined. As I mentioned, people have been so receptive to “my baby” and I’m quickly becoming known as “that Savvy online dating Lady” which lets me know all the hard work is making an impact. However, since I never planned to be a business owner, there have been many learning curves that I’m still working through. I’m blessed that my husband is also my business partner and business wiz, so he’s taught me a lot and done a lot of the work to get “our baby” where she is today.
It’s an interesting road I’m on. I still have a full-time day job which means when I’m off at 5 PM, I go to my second job at She Dates Savvy. I spend my evenings on client calls and weekends are usually filled with more client calls or appearances. Since I’m my business and brand, there are just some things I can’t “automate”—It’s me or nothing at all. There are days when I’m tired and feel overwhelmed with my load, but I absolutely LOVE what I’m doing and I feel blessed to share my heart with so many people.
I’m working towards mastering the “work-life” balance you often hear entrepreneurs talking about, and I know I will get it all figured out one day soon. In the meantime, I’m rolling with it because I know it’s all so much bigger than me!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the She Dates Savvy, LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is She Dates Savvy, LLC. We specialize in teaching women (and some men) how to succeed online date! I’m known as “that Savvy online dating lady” because I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share my story of finding love online, with people worldwide! But, I don’t want to be the only one with a “story” to share. I want to help others create their own stories. You would be surprised at the number of single women who have pushed love to the back burner because they are afraid to get back out there, or don’t even know how to start. That’s where I come in. I empower women to put love back on their agendas. We create a plan, and then I hold their hand through the process. I’m “Coach Tera” to many of my clients!
I’m incredibly proud that I get to work in a business that I believe in and am passionate about! There is no part of She Dates Savvy that isn’t me! I’ve always been the good girlfriend ready to dish out relationship and dating advice to my friends in need. And now, I get to be that “good girlfriend” to the masses! And what sets me apart in the business world is ME! I’m the one thing any other business out there like mines doesn’t have!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I see more and more men and women using online dating as a method and tool for finding love. We keep adding more and more to our plates in business, so that means we have less time to do those organic things which allow us to meet people in traditional ways. So, I believe more people will be online looking for love.
The one big shift I’d like to see is people getting over the stigma of admitting they’re actually dating online. There’s nothing wrong with it and more people than you can imagine are “doing it.” I’ve actually heard of engaged couples who met online, trying to figure out a “story” to tell their friends and family about how they met. It’s absurd! Telling the truth will actually empower more men and women to give it a try. I share my story to give hope to anyone out there!
As for trends, I think we’ll see more specialized dating sites aimed at giving users a more exclusive community which allows them to find partners they are best suited with, much faster. A lot of the online dating process is “wedding out” what you don’t want. With more specialized platforms, that user’s time can actually be used to find what they are seeking.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9950 Westpark, 103B
Houston, Texas 77063 - Website: www.SheDatesSavvy.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @SheDatesSavvy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shedatessavvy/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @SheDatesSavvy
Image Credit:
Xclusive Images
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