Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrell M Sumpter.
Terrell M Sumpter is 26 years of age originally from Philadelphia PA born and raised where he spent most of childhood and teen life. Terrell is the youngest of four and someone who once valued family more than anything. “Growing up in the worst parts of Philadelphia was a bit tough for us younger men”. One of the worst things occurred at the age of five Rell lost his dearest mother to cancer and it left him and his family in a world of hurt.
Terrell and his mother shared a very strong bond that could never be broken she was his best friend and someone who knew him mostly. It was a big loss for Rell and his family and it left them heartbroken filled with tears. He honestly didn’t know what the future would hold for him and after the passing of his mother, he had to split up with his siblings and relocate to North Philly and house to house. Terrell mentioned when his oldest brother El dropped him off he said: “I’ll be back to get you soon young man hold on”.
During this time, it will be tough because Terrell had to be away from his siblings. Rell says it was very hard losing his mother and before bed he will just break down. it just didn’t feel real and felt just like a bad dream. “You only get one mom, please cherish her to the fullest communicate, respect and love her unconditionally”.
Most importantly, tell your mom “I love you” after every conversation you just never know if that will be the last time you get to talk to her. Terrell had to deal with the pain for a while and just didn’t know how to overcome. He now knew he had to make his mom proud somehow someday.
For a period of time, Terrell struggled with anger and behavior issues. He also had a hard time with his education as well. Rell couldn’t write properly had a hard time with basic reading and math and with the support of his sibling he was able to gain focus. Another tragic event that occurred in his younger years where one of Rell closest friends Von had got shot and killed in the streets of North Philadelphia. Rell says this is somebody who many people had love for and just a week before his death Rell and his friend had a heart to heart conversation on life at the community pal center. “Von wanted to leave the streets alone and do right by his family and later the next week he was murdered. “It’s real sad that another mother lost her son to the streets”.
“When does it stop”. Terrell says “It was a hard pill to swallow and could not take it anymore with so much death and the passing of love ones could leave you really traumatized. It’s like when you want to change there’s people out there who will make sure you don’t be safe. A year later Rell brother Eltor kept his promise and came back to get Rell to later live with him. Eltor is someone who was a huge influence in Rell life and was there every step of the way.
Rell said “everything his brother used to say when he was younger went in one ear and out the other. As he got older he started to see why his brother was a bit tough on him and only wanted to see him make it in life. Growing up you thought being on the corner was the cool thing to do and it really wasn’t. Terrell and his homies had thought that’s where the real money was at and seen up close “real street hustlers” counting up lots of money that any young kid would be mesmerized to see”.
Later in life, those same people end up falling victim to the streets because of beef, jealousy or just didn’t have any plan to turn their lives around for the better. Later along his teen years, Terrell also started to become a poor decision-maker which led to constant troubles with the law. To be honest, Terrell main focus was to just live life, hustle hard and take care of his family because they didn’t have much was poverty was real. He hustled and saved every penny he earned. At this time Rell just wanted to take his own route and learn the hard way in and out of juvenile detention centers and youth boot camps throughout his teens years. Rell knew during this time he was letting not only himself down but his family as well. After a while, Terrell started to mature and started to learn from his mistakes and just knew there was no promising future in the streets. “You only live once when you live it right once is enough and make sure to never take nothing for granted”.
Terrell decided a different path as he got a little older and started to isolate from the distractions It was for the best. He started to think about the life he desired and During this time Terrell started to get the feeling that there was more out there than just “quarter hugs and alleyways”.
He made a decision at the age of 19 to just leave it all behind him and to leave the nest and move to where people vacation all the time where’s it palm trees and ocean views. Terrell saved up a lot more than the average male teen would have in the bank. Rell made a decision one day to book his ticket to go far away from home and “Nothing was never given but everything has been earned”.
One of the best decisions Rell said he made and noted it could lead to new beginnings. In the beginning of his journey, Terrell went the traditional educational route and attended private college where he studied Criminal Justice. He said it was a great experience and had been also awarded on the dean’s list four times. Of course, it had it’s ups and downs especially when you are doing the best you can it becomes quite the challenge just got to make sure you finish through.
Terrell plan was to go to the navy and travel the world but had some doors close because of past history but he knew deeply when “for every rejection is a redirection”. Terrell says he hit rock bottom many times and learned a lot about himself in the process to be a lot stronger. He started to learn “what you go through will grow you”. He later graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in the summer of 2016 which helped him later push closer and discover his true calling and mission along the journey.
Terrell is an overcomer, dreamer and one of the most passionate and authentic leaders of our time. He is super passionate about helping and guiding younger people out their comfort zones. He learned so much from his past experiences that the journey will never be easy not an “elevator you must took take the stairs”. Life is what you make it so please make sure you make it worthwhile. Terrell now spends time being an advocate and a mentor for at-risk youth guiding them through their every life challenge with speaking and teaching the principles he has applied to his life.
Rell have come such a long way and is now a full-time orator, community leader, and mentor who also spends time mentoring athletes and students teaching them the fundamentals of what it takes to be the very best you. To look at your mistakes as lessons and to know adversity and hardships will grow you through the process. “You may face pain but it’s only temporary you will later heal”. Rell have learned to take the extra mile and guides others to know it will never be “peaches and cream” but it is possible to reach new heights you never been and touch the people you never seen positively. “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work then to follow what matters most and that’s your passion, purpose and mission”.
Terrell have learned through this journey that it’s much bigger than him In a way that serves the world. The ability to help youth around the world will help you become a better and more present you. It is truly a calling and what makes the world a great place is the great people in it striving and thriving every day to make this world a better place. Our younger generation we must not belittle but let us lead uplift and equip them with the proper tools, techniques and leadership to become successful.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To be honest, it wasn’t a smooth road very rocky one but rewarding at the same time. Rell advised with every challenge open a lot more room for growth. A big struggle for Rell was being away from his family and not seeing his younger nieces grow up. Growing up Rell was a lot closer to his family compared to as he got older he has been more distant and out of sight. Terrell started to focus more on himself and his mission but later along the journey came to realization he has a lot more to live for and to never forget his family.
At Rell college graduation, there were only two people who came to support and that was his good friends Anthony Williams Jr and Ryan Plaza along with his mentor John Buck. Rell said he knew it wasn’t easy for his family to catch a flight to Florida from Philly but would of meant the world to see them in the audience. During his biggest moments family wasn’t too much there but Rell loves his family with his heart and although may not talk to them every day he wants nothing but the best for them.
Another big challenge Rell also mentioned for the past couple of years the passing of friends and family back home had put him in a very tough space. These were people who once were close to him and to hear that they no longer were here left Rell in tears. “It hurts a little more when you didn’t talk to someone you were going to reach out to and then see the sad news it can be traumatizing”. Terrell learned this was a very big challenge for him and he had to let the tears flow and just will reminisce about the good times he shared with those fallen angels and soldiers.
Terrell said he is beyond thankful and very grateful to come this far and to not only come this far, When he was a lot younger he didn’t know what the future would hold, especially with the loss of his dearest mother Donna Sumpter. The pain stuck with him for years but as he started to reflect and reminisce on all the good times and moments tears will flow down Rell face. He later learned to remain strong, positive and will look up to the sky and knew he has a guardian angel watching and smiling over him every step of the way. Rell also said when you lose loved ones you don’t stop living you start to live more for them.
A few years ago, there was a time where Terrell was also going through financial troubles and the verge of losing his home and vehicle repossession. He learned the man above will never put too much on your shoulder that you can’t handle and also for “every set back there’s a major come back”.
At one point Terrell felt like giving up and going back home to Philly because he started to see everything go downhill. So Terrell decided to use his resources and seek help and guidance. Mr. Buck who was also his college director and Mr.David Cramer another mentor who helped him get the toughest times of his college life.
Terrell shared everything that was happening in his life with his mentor and Mr.Buck will just listen, he never looked at him nor looked at him any differently. An older gentleman who gave great advice not exactly what Rell wanted to hear but more what he needed to grow through. He told Terrell to come to visit him weekly and that’s what Rell did. The more Terrell vented and started to let frustration and anger go the better he started to feel honestly. “Release all doubts, problems, and fear”. Mr. Buck became family and a great mentor.
When Rell was on the verge of giving up someone came across his paths to tell him you didn’t come this far to quit, keep going young man. There was also a time where Rell had been down and out and was once had spent almost a year in a Florida correctional facility a couple of years ago wrong time wrong place and was had charges falsely planted on him.
For some time this had a toll on Rell when it came to opportunities. With the grace of the GOD, he was able to “grow through what he went through”. A challenge also being homeless for almost three years with no one to tend to. During this time Rell was going through a lot of emotions spent various nights in his car and early morning in the jails speaking with the juveniles and adults.
One thing about Rell no matter the adversity or hardship he never lost focus or gave up on his journey. Rell prayed for better days and nothing happened overnight for his situation to change but with time. “Tough times last but tough people last longer” and “we all must accept any challenge that comes in our way and grow from the experience”. During those times Terrell could only hold himself accountable and responsible for any of his failures.
He once believed going out drinking every night and spending money was a way to relieve real problems not knowing that could really put him in a deeper hole. Terrell says he is glad he went through that experience it made him appreciate more and now see that there is a lot to be grateful for. “There’s somebody that comes along in our journey who see a lot more in us more than we see in ourselves”.
“When something means a lot to you, not materialistic things but all the hard work and sacrifices you’ve made to become who you are today giving up is not an option but giving back is the only option”.
To overcome it truly takes time sleepless nights, sweat equity and prayer. Rell advises we all should pray at least 3 times a day. Prayer is powerful and will get you through any challenge. We must understand that anything we go through we can grow through. Take time to also ask for help and the right person will come across your path. “You are not alone and together we can overcome. There will be times when you feel like quitting and want to throw in the towel but deep inside you are destined to move mountains you got this and Rell is a true walking testimony of “overcoming”.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Terrell has decided to take on a serious role that requires understanding, ownership, commitment, patience, persistence, resilience, dedication and accountability. In everything Rell does and is apart of he makes sure to show up and give his all from his media outlet platform The Inspire Before We Expire Show, Professional Speaking Platform, Mentoring Juveniles, and Leadership Events where he bring individuals from different walks of life to connect, network and build meaningful and positive relationships with other like-minded people.
Rell focus is to make sure his community stay of course, focused, energetic, driven and are exceeding goals no matter what. To stay grounded and Rell also runs a coaching course “Align with your true purpose and overcome fear”. Where he takes time coaching others who are having a hard time finding their niche, creating their purpose, going after their dreams and executing their mission. He share the tools and strategies he learned from mentors and has implemented into his life.
Terrell will continue to produce and help others understand in self-development and career the process. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” and the key is preparation. You have to prepare yourself and those around you mentally for what’s next to come. Terrell believes in gratitude and “A grateful heart becomes a faithful heart”.
There will be plenty of naysayers and it has nothing to do with you but a lot to do with them. Along the journey, Rell has led his community to focus on building with people who are on a similar mission and at the Top Of Their Game. It’s a greater feeling when your students and clients email and call you to show their appreciation for all your help and guidance along the way “I wouldn’t be able to make it this far without your help”.
Rell is an trouble youth and adults advocate also and runs his program for male and female inmates across the states guiding and teaching them purpose through their every life challenges using the key principles and the proven method he has applied to his personal and professional life that has helped shaped his life into becoming his very best self while guiding others to do the same. The fundamentals of what it takes to be persistent, resilient, fearless and to live a life of love, understanding, and gratitude. Terrell is helping others unleash their inner greatness.
Rell said It’s important to know that everything you are looking for is right on the inside. You are a true beacon of light and not everyone will understand your journey the way you do and that’s okay. There will be pain the “pain is never permanent only temporary”. You just have to believe keep faith that everything will work out for the better. Rell has decided to take the extra mile to get each of his students and clients to know “your main focus is to remain focused”. It’s important to connect and surround yourself with like-minded people who will support, challenge and encourage you every step of your journey and get in the room with the right people.
The unique thing that makes Terrell company stand out is authenticity, individuality and being consistent, and committed to what matters most.
Also,the tremendous value Rell adds to a community, clients, listeners and many more. The engagement and connection with those are really intrigued by his work, mission and consistency. Many people are intrigued by Terrell brand name “The Inspire Before We Expire” which catches many people’s attention. The knowing that Terrell is living by that brand name and it wasn’t overnight to create his platform but he decided to take a step and use life’s experience and lessons as a plus along the journey.
This has also helped him build a successful platform that is now expanding and has opened so many doors. What’s also important is to stay true to yourself your brand and don’t look for approval. The helping and guiding the next generation through the process, challenges, and out their comfort zones. Terrell believes in consistency and proven methods and tools that has helped his personal brand grow.
He has built a great authentic unique brand from the ground up focused more on building his brand while studying greatness and just implemented more twist into the brand which added to the juice. An important thing when it comes to your brand Rell said is to know your audience, they play a big part of your growth, career and journey and to engage with everyone. The more and more people can be impacted by your message and story which lead to a larger reach on the lives of others.Terrell is very committed and that has pushed him to come this far and continuously put out great content.
Another thing that makes Rell brand stands out his podcast show The Inspire Before We Expire where he brings some of the most influential and inspiring people to his show to share their journey and story how they got to the success always desired. The focus is to help the younger people get from their breaking points to reach their breakthrough.
Terrell has been awarded the most valuable contributor award for his services and incredible work in the juvenile detention and correctional facilities. Rell decided to take the step to lead and guide repeated offenders away from their troubles and into a place of healing and transformation. Terrell knows what it’s like to feel alone and know that most juveniles just need the right people to come across their path to help guide them the right way every step of the way and this has been a success. Rell has helped these individuals put their past life behind and more into change men and women for the better.
Terrell has been granted the opportunity to speak to many incarcerated individuals and witness so much transformation in the lives of each and something he is extremely proud of. It’s a process and to be in front of these individuals and to share my story is a priceless feeling. The importance of being free Rell knows what it is like to be far away from loved ones. So, he is very committed to travel to different prisons across the states and share key principles that he has applied to his life that has him helped turned his life around for the utmost better.
To guide each individual to know that you are not alone on this journey and to know “change is inevitable”. “There is someone fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Terrell is highly grateful to receive this award with honors and to first most importantly thank the man above for allowing him to provide the spaces for these incarcerated men and women to think bigger and do more. Terrell does his best to let each individual know that “life happens but not always to us but for us”.
Another huge success is The podcast journey with “The How To Be A Grown Up and The Inspire Before We Expire Podcast Show. Terrell got a long message from educator and leader Erik Andress one day saying “I admire your work and believe your message will resonate highly with many of my listeners and will love to join forces”. After that message Rell checked it out and seen it will be a great opportunity and the two started working together to bring more light into the lives of younger generation.
At the time Rell didn’t have any fancy equipment or studio and was very new to the podcast world but he made it work. He struggled and sometimes had to record again. Terrell made sure to deliver a powerful and authentic message in each episode. Within a year and Erik, Terrell and few hosts were able to gain over 200 K plays alone on Sound Cloud with Rell first year as a podcast host amazing.
Terrell wanted the listeners to feel something much more and to know you can “overcome anything they undergo”. He now started to receive a lot of positive feedback and messages from people all over the world saying “Thank You”. Terrell later decided to branch off and created his own podcast “The Inspire Before We Expire” which both gained so much growth, exposure, and success over a short period of time from daily interviews with some of the best at the Top Of Their Game.
Rell now interviews successful like-minded entrepreneurs who are making a tremendous difference around the world today. People who devote time to give back. Terrell says sharing conversations with these leaders brings forth so much more value and power and light into the lives of others and is drastically transforming them to be their very best selves and unlock their inner greatness.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Terrell is looking forward to a bright future and will continue to grow and prosper by being a positive and driving force in today’s society. He once too was in a tough space and took him some time to get through challenges life has a way to throw at you. Terrell is looking forward to the release of his first book and expanding in the public speaking and personal development space. He is looking to do a lot more traveling with his media outlet “The Inspire Before We Expire” to interview his special guests and provide more opportunities to who are chasing something much more.
Terrell will love to open to community centers across the states for inner-city youth to help them stay educated, healthy and focused. He truly believes this is important where he comes from tomorrow is never a promise. “To guide our youth to know “You Can Make It Out” when you believe you can, Rell is also looking to help build youth globally by going the extra mile by helping others chase their dreams and fulfill their passions and purpose.
Someone once told Rell it’s not possible it will never happen and will never be great.
One thing he learned to implement into his life from a mentor “to never take advice from those who haven’t achieved success themselves”. So, the future is looking bright.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.terrellsumpter.com
- Email: iamterrellsumpter@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrellsumpter_/?utm_source=ig_embed
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iamrellsumpter
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspire-before-we-expire-show/id1056354307
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
