NEW TALENT: MEET TRE' L. BRYANT!

Tre' L. Bryant is a first time author whose forthcoming book "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" chronicles her experience as a domestic violence victim and survivor. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Tre' wants to use her voice and words in a powerful and positive way to speak on her experience for a passionate cause. She had a dream that was shattered and through her faith and family she overcame a life that was full of depression and meaningless. Now, Tre' is still here and standing tall while serving God's purpose with no intentions of stopping. To understand her struggle is to understand her journey.

Imani: Welcome to the Lounge. Let's start off with a simple icebreaker and begin with your story, just who is Tre' Bryant?

Tre: Thank you for having me it is truly an honor. Well Tre is a mom to two amazing kids (Kayla 19 and Larry 18) first and foremost and currently in pursuit of living out her dreams while helping people in the process , a business woman building her own brand and adjusting to life as a first time author.

Tell us more about your latest project. What's the inspiration behind this book?

Where there’s A Will There’s A Way was totally inspired by my personal real life events going as far back to the age for 4 years old. But mostly my experience being a Domestic Violence victim for 20 years which was half of my life and reliving some of those difficult moments. This book helped in my healing process and has allowed me to not be shameful of my past or blame myself for the things that I could not change. I always wanted to write a book but was discouraged so many times from doing so until I met my God sent angel that encouraged me to share my story and help others. It’s because of him I found the strength and courage to move forward and follow my dream and finally decide to share my story and not hide behind my pain any longer.

Briefly, explain what makes your book different from the vast choices in the same genre?

Because my story was my reality and I am here speaking to you as a survivor.

What were the challenges of writing this book?

Having to relive various moments in my life that I had emotionally detached myself from so many years ago. This book has helped me to finally deal with my pain while giving me the opportunity to help other’s in the process. Overcoming my fears and finally making peace with my past is really what this book is about and also letting people that have gone or are currently dealing with some of these same issues to assure them that they are not alone. I want people to be inspired by my story and say that it is because of me they didn’t give up.

What have you learned (or still learning) since being the business?

That it’s a lot of work and nothing like I imagined. Until you write a book you have no idea the hard work that goes into it and making it a success. I never knew it could be so demanding but at the same time I accept the challenge and I have been blessed with a great mentor.

What is your dream collaboration? With whom, and why?

I would be honored to work with Lakia Nichole on a project someday. She has been such an inspiration to me and has taken me under her wing and I am forever grateful and she has taught me so much already. She has become my hero professionally and personally she’s great.

Finally, share with us something you've never mentioned publicly since being an author; such as, a quirk or a hidden talent. I'm sure readers would like to know.

Cooking in the downtime is something that not too many people know about me. I also have very many business ventures in the works outside of my Domestic Violence organization Survivor Life’s Blessing which I have started to promote awareness and provide help to victims with the help of other survivors like myself as well.

Excerpt:

I still get vivid memories of being grabbed tightly around my neck and the tight grip of his hands preventing screams from escaping my lungs. Along with the continuous flow of tears, my breathing became shallow and I felt like I was slipping away. If I allowed him to think he could disrespect me in this fashion he was sadly mistaken. There was going to be some serious consequences and shit was about to get real ugly. Words started being exchanged and before long, shit started flying and breaking because I knew that this was one fight he was not going to win. I was ready to prove to him that I wasn’t having what the fuck he was dishing. We fought like two niggas in the street, and I remember he had me in an extremely tight head lock. I had full access to his arm and since that was the only part of his body I could reach, I locked down on it with my teeth like I was eating a steak and the end result was him in the emergency room having to get a rabies shot. My intention was to rip a plug out of his arm. Once the fight was over I realized that he still had not overcome his anger issues and felt he owned me. I was supposed to accept this kind of behavior whenever he felt the need to display it. I knew in my heart that I had love for him, but I started really asking myself if he was worth it. I developed thoughts of wanting to end my own life because of the stress, the drama, and him not choosing to acknowledge me. If there wasn’t verbal abuse, there were silent moments. I was the one who would end up hurt and feeling extremely alone, but then I would look at my babies and I would try to have a change of heart. As always and even to this day, I put them first. I continue to sacrifice for them what would ultimately be my entire life up to that moment and my much so desired happiness would be put on the back burner. During the first year of my son’s life there were many more fights, some permanent scars, endless heartaches, and feelings of being trapped with no outlet. I began to hate my life and went into a horrible depression. The recovery would not take place for a long time.

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