Tenesha Irvin
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TENESHA IRVIN, 35
Creator and talk radio host of "The Tenesha Irvin Show" on WMPZ Groove 93.5; leader/organizer of The New Chattanooga Community Expo & Parade at Avondale YFD Center; entrepreneur with Bounce 2D Beat Dance Fitness; Girls Inc. UnBought & UnBossed Awards recipient (2017); Leadership Chattanooga graduate (2015-2016); Chattanooga Matters L21 Leadership graduate (2008); regional director of sales for Horizon Hospitality Management Inc.; residential and commercial Realtor for Real Estate Partners Downtown Chattanooga; wife; mother of 2: Jaylen (girl), 7, and Jayden (boy), 5.
What's your anthem or theme song?
My anthem would be either "I'm Every Woman," by Whitney Houston, or "Grown Woman," by Beyoncé. My current jam is "Nice For What," by Drake.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
My stage name would be Tenacious T.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
My kids, Jaylen and Jayden, would double as singers and dancers because they love to perform, and I would never hear the end of it if I didn't include them! My husband, Jacques, is a musician (he plays the keys) and he's from New Orleans, so he would be the band director and ensure that the music is on point.
We'd be 1 shy of the Irvin 5.
Which member of the band would you be?
I would be the lead singer, of course - if I could sing!
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
Everything I do is for my family. They are my motivation. With my star status I would hope to build a legacy of wealth and love to make life easier for my immediate and extended family members and to assist them in accomplishing their goals. I'd also hope to build a foundation to benefit innovators, problem solvers and job creators in underserved communities in Chattanooga.
Random green room demand?
Red candy apples, New Orleans sno-balls with cream, and chargrilled oysters from Acme. All are my favs!
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
Jesus, because he shows me with faith all things are possible. My parents, aunt and family members, because they showed me the value of hard work and sacrifices. And Oprah, because she came from a small town, dreamt big and accomplished major goals.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
Bounce music best describes my bubbly and fun personality. Bounce music is an energetic style of New Orleans hip-hop. Just as bounce music can turn any song into a bounce song, my personality has a way of bouncing to its own beat and turning any negative into a positive.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
I would write the soundtrack to my life because I'm the only one who has lived it.
First album you bought for yourself?
"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about Chattanooga it would be its perception of being boring, dull and non-inclusive. This is not everyone's perception or reality, but I know many natives and transplants alike who can relate to my statement, and I would strive to make my hometown more attractive to all.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
Proceeds from my concert would benefit cancer patients and cancer research. I hate cancer.