Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Ferrin.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

Thank you! I’m a mom of 4. I’m married to an amazing man who is my rock. I’m a motivational speaker, best-selling author, and positive social media influencer.

I’ve had a life full of struggles. From teen pregnancy, to cancer, to divorce, to multiple health issues, to stinking thinking. I mean if you can think it, I’ve probably had to work my way through it. I thought it was just me but come to find out, did you know if you’re human, you will deal with seasons of struggle the rest of your life?

I started to notice some people regardless of their struggles, just seemed happy. What was it? Were they faking it? Were they putting on a show? Why were they so joyful regardless of their struggles?

This got me thinking about mine and I knew I was missing something. That something was my belief surrounding struggles and understanding why we have them. The thing is everyone struggles, some just do it better. And better is what I learned to do. And that is what I share with other women through my speaking and writing.

Look, struggles are like storms, we are either moving towards one, in one, or getting out of one. They aren’t going anywhere just because we don’t like them. Struggles are some of life’s best teachers so why not lean into them. I actually believe struggles lead to happiness, crazy right?!

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

Oh, my goodness, no it has not. People tend to see overnight success in others, but the truth is it takes time. I’ve been working on myself consistently for about 7 years now. I’ve had to overcome self-imposed limiting beliefs, self-doubt, self-sabotage, fears of not being good enough, the “who am I to” fill in the blank, guilt, I mean you name it, I’ve probably dealt with it.

I’ve had to work really hard on myself and I still do. I’ve had to learn how to not get caught up in the “worldly” things. The shiny bright things that in the long run don’t truly matter nor do they add any true lasting value to my life.

Having platforms on social media has opened me up for a little bit of criticism but I’ve learned that someone else’s opinion of me, says more about who they are and where they are at in life, than it does me. I no longer give any unkind person attention and I don’t take it to heart.

Someone once told me that my success would be a direct reflection of how strong my mindset is. I believe that. So, I am always striving to work on my mindset. It’s not a one and done, it takes consistent effort. I’ve come a long ways and I’m pretty proud of who I am today, and that’s something I haven’t always been able to say.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

Sure, I like to think of myself as multi-passionate. But my heart is invested in helping women struggle better so they can lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives. I am able to do this through my public speaking and writing.

I believe I have been able to achieve this because I keep it real and I’m vulnerable. By going first, it allows these ladies to feel comfortable dropping their walls which allows my words to penetrate their hearts and minds.

I think far too often people try to go right for the mind. I believe in going for the heart first because once the heart is touched, the mind is open and primed to absorb information.

People know authenticity when they see it. And they can feel it in my speaking and writing. My heart shines through in everything I do, and I believe that makes a huge difference in trying to determine which speaker to hire for an event or what book someone should buy.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

First, define what success means to you and when you feel yourself comparing someone else’s success to your own, just remember their definition might be different than yours and you don’t truly know how long they have been at it. We can’t go around comparing our chapter 5 to someone’s chapter 25.

Don’t chase the dollar signs! I mean of course we all need money to live off of and I don’t believe money itself is bad but put people first, serve them, add value to their lives, and then the money will follow.

Far too often people try making a withdraw before making a deposit and then they act all surprised when they try to make that withdraw from someone and nothing is available. Give more than you take.

Stay humble. Treat everyone as your equal. Show up to an event and instead of saying, “I have arrived!” with your arms wide open. Walk up to someone and say, “There you are, I was hoping to see you here and I’m so glad I found you.” Don’t lose your focus on what truly matters in life, relationships. I truly believe kindness opens doors. Consistency is key too.

I believe true success in any area takes time, don’t give up when you don’t see results right away, roots are taking hold. Don’t give up because it gets hard. It’s the simple small actions done over time that will bring you success.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Success to me starts in the walls of your own home! It’s having 4 walls filled with laughter, joy, love, happiness, fun, and of course….some good ole craziness to keep it interesting. I mean, let’s be real it’s the unexpected and the struggles that keep life interesting. Could you image a life with no bumps? Well, it doesn’t exist. So, enjoy the ride!

Kindness is success! Progress is success. Having an overall joyful spirit is success. A marriage lead with heart work is success. Peace is success. A positive mindset is success. Being able to serve is success. Pushing through the growing pains of discomfort, is success. Being able to figure something out is success. Learning something new is success.

Struggles are success. Falling flat on our face is success. Without failure, there would be no success. I believe as long as we learn from our struggles and failures, we are succeeding. Having a job that you enjoy doing is success.

I look into someone’s eyes for a certain kind of glow and when I see it, I know they are truly successful in life. It’s such a pure and genuine glow. Success isn’t all about your bank statement. What good is money if you’re a miserable, whiny, complaining, gossipy, negative Nancy?

What’s next for you?

Well, I’m working on building my speaking career. Which looks a little different right now since a lot is virtual. Again, sharing my story and struggle formula has helped a lot of women so far and I want to continue helping them through my spoken and written words.

Also, I released my first book called Up Struggle back in March of 2020 and I’ve got a few more in me. I’ve started working on my next one which is on marriage. I’m excited about it! People seem to be drawn to all the relationship content that I share from my experience, so I’m excited to get it out there into their hands.

I just launched a global wide community for women who are dedicated to giving back, lifting and supporting each other, working on self, building community, spreading kindness, and having some fun while doing it. Really looking forward to serving those ladies and watching that group grow.

And on a more personal note, I’m going to be a grandmother this year. My oldest daughter Elly married a Marine and they are living in California. My husband and I are excited and can’t wait to go visit. I know, I don’t look old enough to be a grandmother but remember, I was a teen mom. Plus, exercise, water, and happiness can do wonders to the aging process. Oh and of course a little Botox! Hahaha.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.

Oh, I would love to connect! I keep everything pretty well linked together so if they find me in one place, they will be able to find me everywhere else.

My website is a good place to start, which is traceyferrin.com They can shoot me an email at hello@traceyferrin.com

I’m pretty present on social media with almost ½ a million followers across all platforms so that’s a really good way to connect with me.

I’m on TikTok @traceydferrin, yes, I’m on TikTok and it’s been one crazy fun ride so far.

I’m on Instagram @traceyferrin, I share more my motivational stuff there. Facebook @traceyferrin

And my book Up Struggle can be found on Amazon.

I love connecting with people and hearing their stories or how something I said or wrote impacted them. I actually respond to my message so would love to hear from them.