Today we’d like to introduce you to Claresa Baggs.
Hi Claresa; please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the eldest of twelve children, I grew up in an emotional, physical, and emotionally abusive household. While in 2nd grade, my mother met her new beau, and he would turn our world upside down. My siblings and I began a life of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Our religion was abruptly changed, and our connections to family members outside of our homes were severely altered. The separation from my siblings came in third grade, followed by daily rapes committed by my mom’s second husband. Twenty-six days into my 12th birthday, I gave birth to my daughter. When people would discover that I have a daughter as close in age as me, the knee-jerk reaction was that I was fast, hot in the tail, or whatever negative description they could come up with as reasons why I was a “barely” 12-year-old mother. The shame and guilt were always placed squarely at my feet. No one ever asked who impregnated an 11-year-old child. Imagine living day to day with the person who raped you almost daily. Imagine, after the rapes, having to brush his dentures, bring him food, and lotion his legs. Imagine being forced to show him unyielding respect. Imagine laying in your bed at night, wondering if he would call you out of your room. Imagine coming home from elementary school and seeing him waiting for you on the back porch wearing sandals, blue jean shorts, and a white undershirt. I lost my voice, self-esteem, and often the desire to live. There had to be a better way! While heading up the church’s vacation bible school, I recognized that others were living in similar at-risk circumstances, so I launched the nonprofit organization. All I Know Incorporated to bridge the many gaps between government and community resources and at-risk men, women, and children. Eventually, I needed to find a way to effectively help abuse victims find their voices and tell their stories to inspire others. By sharing our stories of surviving and thriving, others can see that there is “life after.” To accomplish this, I created Red Petunia Productions. I made the multiple award-winning, internationally viewed talk show, Still Surviving. It has grown into a movement to include conferences and retreats focusing on mental health and emotional wellness. It would take decades to accept that I am worthy of being loved, cherished, and respected. I am now an award-winning filmmaker, producer, director, inspirational speaker, author, and humanitarian.
As a survivor of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, I am a staunch advocate for bringing awareness of childhood traumas and their global effects on society. I believe that opening our mouths and speaking our truths becomes a healing balm for both the speaker and listener. I am currently working on the documentary “Consequence,” which will take a deep unflinching look at child suicide and its effects on our global society. I asked God to make me similar to Jesus with the ability to heal, even from afar. And that is what I do from my many platforms.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Telling my story is a grueling undertaking for me. One must relive and feel the horrid details whenever one revisits their trauma. I know that to inspire others to open their mouths and speak their truths. I must be willing to be utterly transparent in owning my truths. I have encountered financial roadblocks to realizing the dream of bringing more projects to major streaming platforms. One such project is a documentary titled Consequence: An unprecedented look into the silent world of child suicide influenced by media, religion, medicine, and mental health and its global effects on society.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
In addition to producing works that include talk shows, commercials, and the upcoming documentary Consequence, I am an Inspirational Speaker, Thought Leader, Possibility Thinker, Author, and Humanitarian. I use my platforms to share my stories to inspire change and thought processes while advocating for changes in laws, conversations, and attitudes toward child abuse, sexual assault, and mental health wellness. I help to give voice to the voiceless. I am purposed to speak life into situations that initially seem hopeless and aim to remove the burdens of shame that victims of assault are unfairly shouldering.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
When the vision of starting a talk show was first sparked within me, my friend Dr. Nadia Ramoutar was the first person I called. She enthusiastically showed her belief and support. Next, I called my friend Adam Madrid, the only person I knew who was a filmmaker and director. He had never filmed a talk show but was up for the challenge. And if you know anything about Adam, then you would know that his equally talented wife Monique comes with him. How could I lose with these two on board?
Since I was uncomfortable walking in my purpose, I needed to choose a host. I reached out to one of my dearest friends Gigi Blackshear. Initially, she was hesitant as this was also something entirely new for her. Incredibly she agreed to take this wild ride with me. Thankfully, another friend, Brandon Sugar, agreed to be the production assistant. Dr. Jordan Vosmik graciously opened the doors of the Jacksonville Art Institute and allowed us to film the first two seasons in an actual studio. That was such a fantastic blessing to us. Even with the incredible people previously listed, Still Surviving would be nowhere without the very first cast of interviewees: Dr. Shanna Monique Carter, Tony Wise, Dr. Nadia Ramoutar, T.E. Smiles, Starletha Cherry, Shennette Sparkes, Monique Rogers, Shevonica M. Howell, Mike Vatter, and Tony Lovett. Along with them were the amazing therapists, Dr. Mia R. Wilson and Erika Arnold, who provided tools and resources to viewers to either experience the situation(s) shared by each guest.
What makes these guests and therapists special is that most of them didn’t know me from a can of paint. Still, they trusted me to help tell their stories in meaningful and respectful ways. I am forever thankful for them and the guests in the following seasons—last but certainly not least, my gift from God. My husband Angelo has been with me on this wild rollercoaster ride, steadfastly supporting this crazy dream of mine! He has seen my journey’s good, bad, and ugly and has yet to waiver. My heart belongs to him. Please understand I had no experience creating and producing a talk show. However, I was clear in my vision, and that helped pave the way for us to produce a multi-award-winning talk show.
Pricing:
- $4,500 Half Day Speaker Fee + Expenses
- $7,000 Keynote Speaker Fee + Expenses
- $10,000 Full Day Speaker Fee + Expenses
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ClaresaBaggs.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ClaresaBaggsSpeaksLife
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/ClaresaBaggs
- Linkedin: https://www.LinkedIn.com/ClaresaBaggs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StillSurviving
Image Credits
Images wearing white blouse: Bracy Photos
