Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Telisa Franklin.
Hi Dr. Telisa , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Dr. Telisa Franklin
Innovative. Passionate. Inspirational. Unique. Loving.
Emmy-nominated visionary, community advocate, and dynamic media personality, Dr. Telisa Franklin is a transformational leader dedicated to service, cultural celebration, and empowerment. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee’s historic Douglass community, she turned adversity into fuel for greatness. After the loss of her father at a young age, Telisa became a guiding light for her siblings and leaned into the strong spiritual foundation laid by her grandparents.
Her early life was further shaped by her mother’s long struggle with drug addiction. For much of her childhood and adolescence, Telisa watched her mother battle dependency—but never lost faith. At age 31, her mother made a life-changing decision and called on Telisa to come pick her up and get her the help she needed. That pivotal moment led to her mother’s recovery and freedom from addiction—proof of Telisa’s enduring strength, compassion, and spiritual leadership.
As the second of five siblings, Telisa embraced the role of leader and protector early on. She helped raise her younger brothers, constantly reinforcing the belief that “failure is not an option.” Thanks to her guidance, love, and unwavering example, two of her siblings have earned Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, and another has built a successful career with the City of Memphis—a testament to her powerful influence and commitment to family excellence.
Telisa’s life has always been centered around purpose. She holds advanced degrees in theology, divinity, and Christian counseling, and she combines academic rigor with deep spiritual insight to help others heal and thrive. Inspired by her grandfather, a beloved pastor in the community, Telisa has embraced the mantle of servant leadership with grace and determination.
As President of Telisa Franklin Media, she has created a platform that celebrates culture, faith, and community excellence. She is also the driving force behind Memphis Juneteenth, one of the largest and most impactful Juneteenth celebrations in the Mid-South, where she brings people together to honor African-American heritage through education, entertainment, and empowerment. Her work with I Love My Community CDC focuses on community development, youth mentoring, and economic uplift—critical tools for sustainable change.
A licensed life coach, Christian counselor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in mental health, and a diversity & inclusion practitioner, Telisa wears many hats—but they all point to one goal: restoring hope and building stronger communities. She is a powerful voice on both radio and television, using media as a ministry to connect with people across generational and cultural lines.
Telisa’s literary works—including Team Victorious, MVP, Juneteenth Activity Book, and Faith and Finances—reflect her unwavering belief in holistic empowerment: spiritual, financial, emotional, and cultural.
She is a graduate of Leadership Memphis, Leadership Bartlett, and Leaders of Color, and actively contributes her expertise as a board member and volunteer across numerous organizations. A Clergy Ambassador with the Memphis Police Department, Telisa bridges the gap between faith, civic engagement, and community safety. Her affiliations include the Junior League of Memphis, NAACP, Central Rotary Club, 100 Black Women (Memphis Chapter), and National Drifters, (Memphis Chapter) Inc.
In a historic and inspiring step into formal politics, Dr. Franklin was elected as Recording Secretary of the Shelby County Democratic Party, continuing her commitment to advocacy, civic leadership, and progressive change. She has also received countless awards, honors, and official resolutions from local and national bodies recognizing her tireless service, outstanding leadership, and unwavering dedication to uplifting underserved communities.
As a mentor to young leaders and a speaker across national platforms, Telisa remains grounded in her most important role: mother to Charles Earl, a college student and budding entrepreneur. Her legacy is not only what she’s built—but who she inspires others to become.
From Memphis to the nation, Dr. Telisa Franklin is a symbol of faith-fueled excellence, cultural pride, and transformational leadership.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all—but every bump shaped who I am today.
I began my entrepreneurial journey at just 20 years old. I didn’t have a business degree, a mentor, or even a business plan. All I had was a big smile, bold faith, and a deep desire to be great. My first business was called That’s Love, and the original idea was to create custom gift baskets that celebrated people and showed them they were loved.
But reality hit fast. I was trying to build a brand in a community where custom gifts weren’t seen as essential—and I quickly realized I needed to evolve. I experimented with different offerings, even tried floral arrangements at one point, though I had no real experience in floral design.
That’s when I met James Scott, a kind soul who worked at a local wholesaler. He saw something in me and gave me life-changing advice: “This is where the money is.” I didn’t know exactly what he meant at first, but I trusted God, leaned into that wisdom, and took a leap.
And God did the rest.
From confusion to clarity, from hustle to purpose, I’ve grown through every challenge. I’ve fallen down and gotten back up countless times. But I’ve never stopped moving forward. I’m still that same determined young woman from Douglass—only now I lead with strategy, purpose, and unstoppable faith.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
At Telisa Franklin Media and Marketing, we specialize in delivering full-circle brand experiences—from public platforms to private strategy. I proudly wear the title of “lifestyle hostess with the mostess,” because whether I’m on the mic, on camera, or behind the brand, my mission is always the same: to help people and organizations show up with purpose, power, and professionalism.
My motto is:
“Dr. Telisa Franklin is not just a name—it’s a brand.”
And that brand is built on faith, authenticity, community, and excellence.
What sets us apart is the heart behind everything we do. We don’t just offer services—we create impact. I bring years of experience as a media personality, motivational speaker, certified life coach, and community advocate into every project. We serve entrepreneurs, nonprofits, churches, and organizations that want to elevate their visibility while staying true to their values.
I’m especially proud of our bold community outreach, including a citywide billboard campaign with 22 positive-message billboards across Memphis and the Mid-South. Each one features a short, inspiring message like:
“God loves you”
“Be kind”
“You are amazing”
“Make good choices — your choice today will determine your tomorrow”
These billboards aren’t just signs—they’re daily reminders of hope and encouragement to people from all walks of life. It’s a reflection of the brand’s mission: to spread light, love, and leadership wherever we go.
Our services at Telisa Franklin Media and Marketing include:
Media Hosting, Public Speaking & Appearances
Brand Strategy, Protection & Messaging
Lifestyle and Event Curation
Community Campaigns & Cultural Programming
Faith-Based Coaching & Mentorship
If you’re looking for someone who brings faith, fire, and focus to every project—I’m your person. We don’t just build brands; we build legacies, transform platforms, and lead with love.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the media and marketing industry becoming almost entirely digital-first, with a heavy shift toward virtual engagement. Traditional media will still have a place, but the dominant force will be how well you can communicate your message through audio and video, especially in short-form, high-impact formats.
AI-generated content, interactive media, and personalized storytelling will continue to grow, and authenticity will be the currency that builds trust and drives influence. Whether through podcasts, reels, livestreams, or immersive virtual events, organizations will need to master how to emotionally connect through a screen.
The question won’t just be “What are you saying?” but “How are you showing up in sound and motion?” The future belongs to those who know how to blend strategy, storytelling, and tech into meaningful virtual experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.telisafranklin.com
- Instagram: @telisafranklin
- Facebook: @drtelisafranklin
- LinkedIn: @telisafranklin
- Twitter: @telisafranklin
- Youtube: @telisafranklintv
