Today we’d like to introduce you to Teneia “Ten” Mitchell.
Hi Teneia “Ten”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins with both loss and light when I was six years old my dad passed away, and though I was still a child that mommy made me grow quiet and introspective well before my time. I became the quiet one in the room, the listener the observer, but even then, deep down, I knew I had a spark, a big personality, waiting for a stage.
As a little girl I used to lay hands on myself like Juanita Bynum, full of faith and imagination, my family would laugh, but they also knew I was different, special in someway. I couldn’t quite explain it. Performance was in me before I even had the words for it.
My love for acting, really began to bloom in middle school at colonial middle when I step into the stage for the very first time, my first play was hunk the musical where I played Downey duck a small role that changed everything for me the moment those stage lights hit I realized I had found my voice again from there. I went on to perform in James the giant peach at Germantown community theater and feel deeper in love with the magic of storytelling.
In high school at Bolton theater became my world. I poured myself into every performance for all four years learning growing finding confidence in every role, the stage gave me a place to be loud again to take up space into under the bright express of spirit I had buried after losing my dad.
Now as an indie actress I carry that same little girl faith in fire into everything that I do my journey has been one of healing, creativity, and resilience, turning quiet into power and pain into purpose.
While in high school, I was able to audition in front of industry professionals and agents and was selected to travel to Orlando Florida to audition again on a higher level. The experience was a whole New World for me. I met Skai Jackson(Hey Jessie) and Joey Bragg(Liv & Maddie), and performed in front of Scouts and agents from multiple networks once again I was chosen to move forward this time to Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to meet with industry reps and film a scene with Mark Hapka( Days of Our Lives)on an actual Los Angeles studio set. That performance ended up winning 1st place. Mark told me how well I did and said he couldn’t wait to work with me and see me on screen with him one day those words stay with me.
It was also there that I met Brandon Thaxton in Atlanta base, film producer and acting coach. He looked me straight in the eye and told me I had the juice and to keep going hearing that it’s such a young age was a pivotal moment for me. It shifted how I saw myself, not just as a girl who liked acting, but if someone who truly belonged in this industry that experienced planted the seed for everything I’m doing now.
I took a break from acting when I had my daughter Raven Marie at 21 the moment everything shifted, I had to redefine myself, redefine my purpose and rebuild from the inside out, stepping back into the industry wasn’t easy, but my first project back “Pretty Hurts”, reminding me exactly why I love this craft my iconic bully scene the one where I licked the girls pizza ended up going crazy and bought a level of attention I wasn’t expecting.
From there doors started opening. I worked with Tamika Chambliss who pushed me to audition for a series “Toxic” this one decision led me to land in the role of Crimminal Mane’s daughter a role that challenged me and groom me as an actress.
Then came a connection I’ll never forget, Delguan Coleman (RIP) losing him still hurts and just the first few days of knowing him, we had a long conversation that flipped the switch in my head. He made me see myself differently and made me realize that dreams weren’t just possible they were waiting for me to claim them. His influence is something I carry with me every day.
Through Delguan, I connected with Nykeith McNeal, and together we created some of the most meaningful work of my career in my opinion, our short film “Pre-Op” became a breakout success. It went on to win many film festivals and earned nominations around the world which are still going and truly solidified itself as one of my proudest accomplishment so far another short, I was a part of “Wives of Brigerton County” blew up on TikTok and showed me how far and fast the story can travel when it connects with people since then opportunities have come in me from every direction short film series musicals I’ve even been blessed to step into a wide range of characters and build a résumé that reflects resilience, growth, and passion. I’ve even done voice work on music albums because of my roles. I have about 5 projects upcoming already in the works for next year, which includes me being a makeup artist and a police officer role I’m really looking forward to.
Now, as I continue this journey, I took a leap and lunch my podcast. “Memphis Made Me” a project that not only strengthened my voice, but also deepened my connection with people who share my experiences, challenges and dreams. As the episodes grew so did my audience and with every message every comment every person who told me they resonated with the story, my confidence grew even more.
What surprises me most is how many people now tell me they’re proud of my growth in just two years I’ve transformed in way I never imagined. From someone struggling to believe in themselves and being overlooked to someone others look to for inspiration. Hearing “I’m proud of you” from so many different people telling me to keep going, reminds me that my journey is bigger than just me. I’m stepping into a new chapter preparing to direct my own film. Becoming a director is one of my biggest goals and I’m walking toward it with full intention, confidence, and excitement.
I took time away to find myself and now I’m back more grounded more focus, and more driven than ever. My story is still being written, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road coming out of postpartum was a challenging itself emotionally mentally and physically I had to rebuild my confidence in sense of self while trying to step back into an industry that moves fast reconnecting with other actors and rebuilding my network took time and there are moments where I felt out of the loop.
Another struggle was realizing that I didn’t always have enough on my resume for certain roles, producers, or casting directors that can be discouraging, but it also pushed me to work hard harder take on new opportunities and stay committed to growing in my craft.
Even finding the confidence to go out in audition again was tough. I was still shy, still unsure of myself and stepping into those rooms felt intimidating at first.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an independent actress, specializing in film and I’m known for a delivery and powerful emotional performances, especially through my facial expressions and the way I connect with the characters in the world. I’m proud of my ability to bring raw authentic emotions to the screen and the way that resonates with viewers.
What sets me apart is that I’m naturally shy so I’ve had to learn how to communicate. Emotion without relying on loudness or big gestures that tell me how to act with my eyes, my body language, and the smallest expressions. It makes my performance feel intimate and real because they come from a place of honesty.
Coming out of postpartum and rebuilding myself gave me a depth that I bring directly into my characters. I’ve lived through moments that broke me down and forced me to grow, and I translate that into performances they feel lived in not performed. My art is rooted in real healing and real experience.
I started from a place of shyness, low confidence and feeling like I didn’t have enough of my résumé, I still walked into audition rooms with shaking hands, but I walked in. That resilience shows up in the roles I play. It gives me a grounded relatable energy that connects with people because I’m naturally soft-spoken and introverted I’ve learned to let my expression tell the story, directors often notice that I can make a scene powerful without saying much, just by being fully present and emotionally open.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lessonsI’ve learned along the way is to stay grounded and remain humble. I’ve learned to focus on myself keep my head down and put in the work. The right doors were open when they’re meant to, and no one can take away. What’s already yours even if they don’t see your potential yet I don’t understand why it belongs to you. What’s meant for me will always find me as long as I keep showing up and stay and true to my path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Memphiss.ten
- Facebook: Ten Ten
- Youtube: MemphisMadeMe Podccast
