Téa Smith grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the middle child of six siblings. She credits much of who she is to her parents and the values they gave her early. Her mother taught her not to judge people and to stay open to understanding those around her. Those lessons shaped the empathy, curiosity, and humility that still define her today.

From a young age, Téa felt pulled toward creativity. Music, film, and the performing arts gave her a deep respect for the work behind the curtain and the people who bring experiences to life. That passion led her to Indiana University Bloomington, where she studied Arts Management and minored in Black Cinema and Media Studies. She loved math, music, and film, which says a lot about how she thinks. She is creative, thoughtful, and drawn to both structure and storytelling.

Téa moved to Georgia in 2025 looking for a fresh start and more opportunity in entertainment. Before the move became official, she visited Your 3rd Spot and immediately felt the energy of the brand. One visit changed the direction of her journey. She saw a place built around hospitality, entertainment, and human connection, and she knew she wanted to be part of it.

She joined the team as a Connector and stood out quickly. She asked questions with confidence. She wanted to understand why things were done a certain way. More importantly, when new opportunities showed up, she did not sit back and wait for extra reassurance. She stepped in. She tried. She learned. She trusted her journey enough to bet on herself, and that mindset has been one of the biggest reasons for her growth.

Téa became a natural trainer before she ever held the title. She has a gift for making people feel comfortable, capable, and proud of what they are learning. Her support of others comes from a real place. She wants people to succeed, and she puts time and energy into helping them get there. Several Connectors she has supported have grown into trainer roles themselves, which says a lot about the kind of leader she is becoming.

Her impact with guests is just as strong. Téa connects with people in a way that feels personal and genuine. She creates moments that earn memories. Whether she is helping celebrate an occasion, writing a thoughtful card, or simply making someone feel seen at the right time, she brings care and creativity to the experience. Guests remember that. So does the team.

Her growth continued when her peers nominated her into the LEADS leadership development program. There, her influence expanded even further. She partnered with leadership on contests, projects, membership events, and represented the brand outside our four walls. Each step asked more of her, and each time she rose to it with humility, hard work, and a willingness to adapt.

Now, as Téa steps into her role as Senior Lead, she brings together everything that has made her journey special. She leads with empathy. She works hard. She stays humble. She keeps learning. She believes in the people around her and in the future she is building for herself. Her story should inspire anyone who reads it, because it shows what can happen when someone trusts the process, embraces discomfort, and keeps showing up with heart.

Outside of work, Téa enjoys live music, theater, dancing, and anything creative. She is saving a trip to Spain for the right moment. More than anything, she is proud of building a life for herself in a new city and creating the future she once pictured from far away.

Téa’s journey is still unfolding. And for her, this is only the beginning.