Teresa Nelson

In life and work, Teresa Nelson means business when she quotes Jesus in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Nelson understands. Tragedy taught her that point. Twice. She faced death both times but found true riches. 

Nelson owns Teresa's Treasures, a gourmet and all-occasion gift company. She has grown the 10-year-old, award-winning enterprise with help now and then from TCC's Small Business Development Center. But getting there meant climbing mountains of challenges. 

While pursuing a corporate career, Nelson nearly died in a car wreck. She lost her memory and had to re-learn how to walk, speak and eat. Not long afterward, she underwent a 14-hour operation for removal of a large brain tumor. She suffered permanent loss of hearing and again had to re-learn how to walk, speak, eat and think. 

Once recovered, she was asked to make some gifts for a friend's crafts mall. Her work sold out -- fast. Nelson sensed God showing her a new path. In 2000, she started her company. 

With customers and in public talks for organizations, churches and other groups, she shares her passion "to make a difference in someone's life, to brighten their day. I want others to learn from what I have gone through, good and bad," she said. 

"I feel that if I went through it all and don't share, it was for nothing. I cannot be OK with that. We all have something to share and a chance to better others for doing so." 

-- By David House