TERI-LEIGH Bovell built her career in the entertainment industry in front of the camera. She shot into the limelight in the mid-2000’s and reached ‘It-girl’ status when she appeared in music videos for Rupee, 50 Cent and The Game, Robin Thicke, Slim Thug and Pharrell.
People were curious; everyone wanted to know more about the young model who had caught the eye of video directors abroad.
That was only the start of her career in entertainment, in the years since then, Bovell embraced other aspects of the industry. With her striking looks, likeable personality and stage presence she quickly made a name for herself in the Carnival arena. She then took on the added roles of actress, producer and host. Leaning on her love for Carnival and her own experience as a masquerader, she became a bandleader with YUMA.
But there’s one role that stands head and shoulders above the rest and has forever changed the trajectory of Bovell’s life—motherhood.
Being a mother has given her life new meaning and clarity, Bovell tells Kitcharee in a rare interview in which she opens up about what has helped her to overcome personal trials and focus on becoming her best self. This newest chapter of her life has seen her career evolve into one of entrepreneurship which includes real estate, public speaking, interior design and (Carnival) Monday-wear fashion—the latter being a collaborative effort between Bovell and her younger sister Marieange.
When Bovell decided to dive back into work post pregnancy, she gravitated towards two of her passions.
“Real estate and interior design are areas I’ve always been interested in. I thought that now would be a good time to jump in with it as it would allow me to work while remaining flexible to be a mom which is extremely important to me. Similarly to the real estate, I’ve always had a healthy appreciation for entrepreneurship and design and the time felt right to collaborate with my sister, to do big things for 2020,” she says.
The passing of her cousin Stefan Monteil may have been the catalyst Bovell needed. He was a huge supporter and always believed in her.
“Just before his passing he was telling me to jump back in with mas and in his honour, both Marieange and I did,” she says.
The sisters put their creative minds together and founded their very own Monday-wear fashion brand “marieange.terileigh”. The pieces they designed are exactly what one would expect from Teri and Marieange who have been at the heart of the Carnival action over the years. Like many others, their appreciation for all things Carnival began as children.
“When I was growing up, Carnival was quite interesting, it was a break in routine and an exposure to things that we weren’t always privy to. In my extended family household, the general theme was school, work, God. But at Carnival we looked at Dimanche Gras and Extempo on TV with our parents, aunts and uncles. We saw Minshall costumes being donned by family and friends, we were allowed to wear lipstick and were taken out on the street to see the spectacle and we danced on the porch during the Scott Bushe Street block-o... it was just so fun,” she recalls. “So naturally when I got my first opportunity to go behind the scenes as a young woman, I went for it. The art and joy of it all is addictive.”
She is still captivated by the variety of art and expression that takes place during the Carnival season, however since becoming a mother, Bovell’s priorities have shifted. Her life has taken on a whole new meaning.
“Things like liming and appearances that were once important to me don’t really carry as much weight anymore. What’s important to me is teaching my young daughters the values that I learned growing up - love, family, dedication and piety. I’m aware that they are growing up in a “fast food” society where appearances and possessions seem to determine your worth and you’re expected to keep serving it every day to remain relevant,” says Bovell. “I have faith that the grounding that I am trying to teach them will validate, inform, guide and protect them as they get older so that one day they will treat themselves and all walks of life with reverence and respect.”
Bovell’s life has not been a bed of roses, and coming to think of it, whose life is? In the last few years a lot has happened in her personal life from the passing of her dad and cousin to speculation about her family life. Wanting to protect the privacy of her family and her daughters, Bovell has chosen not to go into the specifics.
“I’ve weathered many challenges, in the last few years of my life in particular, and it all took place in the public eye. It’s been tough - very tough at times because people think they know me, my story and my circ*mstances, when in fact—they don’t. But I’m here, in the present, gifted with the choice of how I allow life to shape me. I’m learning and growing every day and striving to always be and do better,” says Bovell. “I have surrendered myself to the school of life and with that comes a whole lot of humility, forgiveness, reflection, growth, acceptance and peace.”
When asked how she copes with all the gossip and rumours about her private life, Bovell gets contemplative. She admits that it does hurt when she hears of inaccurate conclusions people have drawn about her. She makes the choice not to dwell on the negatives, instead she re-shifts her energy to a place of thanksgiving and truth.
“I know who I am, I know the truth and I stay rooted in my positive place as much as possible. I focus on the good—friends, family and faith. And when it gets tough, I talk to someone or do yoga. I also try to avoid negative spaces. So anywhere or anyone that offers gossip—goodbye. That’s not for me. Forward and upward only. I need good energy for my business endeavours, children and myself,” she says.
Aside from her own personal and professional evolution Bovell was keen to speak about the future of Carnival. She wants to see a more sustainable and patriotic approach to it in years to come. Carnival and its history should work its way into our school curriculum so that children can appreciate the story and the evolution of mas as we know it today and understand that it’s not just about fetes, beads, wine and jam, says Bovell. She suggests that feathering, wire-bending and pan-tuning should be offered as extra curricular activities. And she supports the idea of establishing a modern facility that showcases Carnival throughout the years and features costumes, audio visuals of music and mas and life-sized replicas of some of the greatest King and Queen costumes.
“These things are authentic to Trinidad and Tobago. It is part of our identity and we must own it. A heightened sense of pride and identity will benefit not just masqueraders but our society on a whole,” she says.
As far as her plans for the future are concerned—Bovell takes a more philosophical approach. She explains that life has taught her that her plans and God’s plans could be two very different plans and God will take you where He wants you to go—whether you understand it in the moment or not. Bovell chooses to replace the word ‘plan’ in favour of another term—‘life goals’, which signifies positivity and forward movement.
“My life goals are to ensure that my kids are happy, healthy, educated and confident,” she says.” I also hope to touch lives through female empowerment and to grow and enjoy running my businesses.”
Speaking of empowerment, Bovell is always open to connecting with her female tribe. She can be found on IG @terileighbovell.
