In this deeply moving and powerful interview, we speak with a woman whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
From surviving grooming and trafficking to reinventing herself in her 30s and rising through the ranks in a male-dominated corporate world, her story is a beacon of resilience, transformation, and hope.
Her unwavering strength and openness shed light on the realities so many women face yet struggle to voice. Here is her story, in her own words.
Let’s start from the beginning—can you share a bit about your background and who you are today?
Oh God, where do I start? I’ve had an interesting life, let’s say. I count myself as a survivor. I was groomed by a school friend’s father when I was very young.
Eventually, I was trafficked.
It’s not something I speak about often, but I think it’s important to share for others who may relate. I escaped that life at 30. That’s when my real life began.
What did your escape from that traumatic chapter look like, and how did it feel to start over from nothing?
I ran from that man to someone who became my first husband. I had no money, no home—just 13 bin bags of my life. I started over in Chester with nothing.
I hadn’t been to university, didn’t have a career—I’d left sixth form because of everything I was going through. I moved into my ex’s house, and for a while, things seemed okay.
But five years later, he developed a drug addiction, and that life fell apart too.
Rebuilding a life from scratch isn’t easy. What were some of the first things you did to regain control and independence?
At first, I trained as a beauty therapist, but wasn’t allowed to work.
When I got to Chester, I didn’t know what to do, so I became a travel agent. My husband was a private dentist and didn’t like me working. Over time, I saw narcissistic traits, especially with the drinking and drugs.
I left after eight and a half years—he’d run up £36,000 in debt on my cards.
After overcoming so much, how did you approach building a professional career, especially starting over in your 30s?
I worked at Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group, earning £18,000 a year.
I had a flat I couldn’t afford to live in. So I rented it out and moved into shared housing. Eventually, I decided I wanted more than just getting by.
I wanted a career. I worked my way up at Lloyds Bank in the UK for 15 years, across many departments—from fraud to customer service. I knocked on doors until I got promotions. I must have tried eight times for one promotion—I’m tenacious.
You mentioned a later relationship that also ended painfully. How did that impact your personal growth and sense of self?
Yes, I met someone eight years younger than me. I thought I was winning—being a “cougar”—but he was a covert narcissist.
That ended last year.
He stalked me, and there was physical abuse. I’ve just won a court case where he tried to claim ownership of my home, which I bought by selling my little flat. I had to plan my escape down to the penny.
I left the business I had helped build and took a job I hated to survive.
Landing your current role sounds like a pivotal moment. Can you walk us through how that opportunity came about and how you embraced it?
I posted on LinkedIn that I was open to opportunities. I’d been a speaker, an author, a model—Classic Miss British Isles 2021—and Craig, my now-boss, saw it.
He invited me to London, and ten weeks later I was promoted from EA to Head of Operations.
I manage everything from accounts to acquisitions. I’ve had to learn fast—but he believed in me.
Taking on a leadership position can be empowering but intimidating—what was it like stepping into that space for the first time?
Yes, and it felt powerful—but scary. I had to hire my own team and went with my instincts. Now, I oversee a lot and I’m the boss’s right hand. We’re doing exciting projects, including acquiring trading businesses and launching innovative concepts.
Family dynamics can be complicated, especially through personal trauma. How has your relationship with your family evolved?
It’s been complex. My stepdad passed away 20 years ago. I reconnected with half-siblings two years ago.
My biological father allowed my mum and stepdad to take me to South Africa, where I grew up for 6 years, on the proviso that his maintenance debt of £700 was cleared. He didn’t reappear in my life until I returned to the UK aged 12, so he had already cut me off. He flitted in and out of my life until he discovered my past, in my early to mid-20s, then cut me off from my young siblings.
But I’ve built a support system now that feels more like family.
Motherhood means different things to different people. What was your journey with this aspect of life?
I wasn’t maternal, then suddenly in my 30s I got broody. I tried with both of my ex-husbands, but it never happened.
And I’m glad—looking back, those were not safe environments for a child. My five chihuahuas are my babies now.
You’ve been through unimaginable trauma and loss. What personal practices or experiences helped you find healing and resilience?
Books, mostly. Escaping into fantasy worlds helped. And modelling—getting back in front of the camera reminded me of the young girl who just wanted to be seen. It was healing.
Winning Classic Miss British Isles at 49 was a childhood dream fulfilled.
What advice would you give to other women who are currently stuck in emotionally or physically abusive relationships?
There is a way out. You just need one person to say, “I see you. When you’re ready, I’m here.” And to women watching someone go through it, don’t stay silent. Speak up. Say something. It can change a life.
Audio snippet ( we will include only this part of the interview as an audio )
In your downtime, how do you create peace and joy for yourself outside of work and responsibility?
Peace and quiet. After all the noise of toxic relationships and a busy job, I love sitting with my dogs, reading a book, maybe with a glass of wine. That’s my peace.
After everything, do you feel ready to welcome love again into your life, and what would that look like for you now?
Maybe. It’s been a year since the last relationship ended. I’ll need time. But if someone comes along who is kind and makes me feel safe, yes. I’m a romantic at heart.
For young women striving for love, success, and balance, what’s one powerful message you’d want to share with them?
It’s never too late to start over. I began modeling at 47, started a new career at 52. We doubt ourselves too much. Men don’t. Take the chance. Learn on the job. If an opportunity knocks, grab it.
As a woman working in a male-dominated field, what have you learned about setting boundaries and earning respect in professional spaces?
Yes. Finance and trading are very male spaces. I’ve learned to set boundaries early and speak up when something’s inappropriate. But I’ve also been lucky to work with respectful men who make me feel safe and valued. Finding the right team is everything.
Interviewed by Femest Magazine
Editor’s Note from Femest Magazine
Teana’s courage, honesty, and transformation are a testament to the strength women carry even when the world tries to break them.
At Femest, we believe in amplifying stories like hers—not only to inspire but to remind others that healing, hope, and success are possible.
To any woman out there who feels stuck, silenced, or unsure: your story matters. Your comeback is waiting.
