We Believe In the power of Women-TO RISE, TO HEAL, TO LEAD.
ABOUT DR. TERRI A. SIMMONS, ECE
Empowering Women Through Strategy, Healing & Purpose
With a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and nearly 30 years as an educator, Dr. Terri A. Simmons brings both professional insight and deeply personal experience to help women reclaim their health, rewrite their stories, and rise into their next chapter of purpose, power, and wellness.
But her journey didn’t begin in a classroom—it began in the trenches of personal struggle, radical self-leadership, and healing from the inside out.
Twenty years ago, Dr. Simmons weighed nearly 300 pounds. After trying every diet, pill, and quick fix, she underwent weight loss surgery—only to discover that the real work wasn’t physical. It was emotional. Cycles of trauma, shame, and silence led to regaining over 200 pounds—twice. But each time, she rose again—stronger in body, mind, and spirit.
That transformation laid the foundation for Girl Boss Weight Loss—a 90-day, CEO-style reset where women stop dieting and start leading. Built on strategy, mindset, and self-mastery, this program empowers women to lead their wellness journey like a business—with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
In 2025, she expanded that mission by launching the Girl Boss Circle of Sisters—a powerful sisterhood space where women gather to share the stories behind the scale. Through open dialogue, peer connection, and practical strategy, this circle creates space for truth-telling, healing, and breakthrough—because no woman should have to navigate her transformation alone.
For those ready to turn their healing into purpose, Dr. Simmons also created Personal to Powerful—a coaching certification and business development program that equips women to become life and wellness coaches using their own stories as a blueprint for impact.
As an artist and survivor, she also understands the power of creativity in trauma recovery. That insight gave birth to The Color of Courage, a trauma-informed healing arts and community wellness initiative under her nonprofit, Bloom Free, Inc. NFP. This initiative includes two transformational programs:
- Canvases of Courage – a public art exhibit showcasing visual stories of resilience and healing.
- Toast to Hope Tee-Party – a joyful breast cancer awareness celebration blending art, sisterhood, and wellness.
To expand access to these programs and eliminate financial barriers, Bloom Free offers scholarships, trauma recovery support, wellness coaching, and creative healing events to women facing health disparities and economic hardship.
Together, Bloom Body Systems and Bloom Free form a transformational ecosystem—where healing becomes a lifestyle, sisterhood becomes strategy, and purpose becomes power.
Because when one woman rises, she doesn’t rise alone—
She brings a whole community with her.
MY STORY
CHANGE BECAME THE FOUNDATION
I was internally desperate for help to shed the weight, feeling utterly alone in my struggle. Despite trying every diet plan, joining each new women's workout center, and signing up for every dance program around, nothing seemed to make a lasting difference. Eventually, I turned to weight loss surgery, but I quickly realized that was just the starting point. The true journey of weight loss begins in the mind and requires a willingness to face past traumas. Embracing this, I started incorporating small, manageable micro-habits into my daily routine. These tiny, consistent changes in mindset and behavior became the foundation of my lasting transformation.
THIS MUST CHANGE!!
DIETS JUST DON'T WORK!!
THIS MUST CHANGE!!
For 40 years, I lived with private anguish while publicly appearing unfazed by my 300-pound frame. The moment of realization struck while watching boxing—I weighed more than Mike Tyson, the heavyweight champion of the world. This jarring insight marked my turning point, and I knew I needed to initiate change.
However, transitioning from s
For 40 years, I lived with private anguish while publicly appearing unfazed by my 300-pound frame. The moment of realization struck while watching boxing—I weighed more than Mike Tyson, the heavyweight champion of the world. This jarring insight marked my turning point, and I knew I needed to initiate change.
However, transitioning from simply portraying happiness to actively seeking personal growth took years.
True transformation began years later when I embarked on a journey of facing my childhood traumas and incorporating micro-habits. Instead of attempting drastic overhauls, I adopted small, manageable changes—daily habits that gradually reshaped my mindset and lifestyle. This methodical approach did more than help me lose weight; it fundamentally altered my entire life, progressively transforming me through consistent, incremental habits.
THE PLANE!!
DIETS JUST DON'T WORK!!
THIS MUST CHANGE!!
I was traveling for a network marketing convention in Atlanta when I encountered a profoundly embarrassing moment—I couldn't fasten my seatbelt on the plane. As the strap failed to meet around my body, the woman in front of me requested a seatbelt extension. Determined not to do the same, I managed to fasten the belt by uncomfortably lif
I was traveling for a network marketing convention in Atlanta when I encountered a profoundly embarrassing moment—I couldn't fasten my seatbelt on the plane. As the strap failed to meet around my body, the woman in front of me requested a seatbelt extension. Determined not to do the same, I managed to fasten the belt by uncomfortably lifting my belly, enduring discomfort throughout the flight to Atlanta. In that moment, I resolved never to experience that again.
Upon returning home, despite my strong declaration, I struggled to take action. It wasn't until years later that I began to see a path forward. I started with achievable adjustments to my daily routine. These included swapping out one unhealthy snack for a healthier option and setting regular reminders to stand and stretch. These tiny consistent habits gradually built a foundation that transformed my approach to weight loss and health, steering me away from the pain of that flight and towards a healthier, more comfortable life.
DIETS JUST DON'T WORK!!
DIETS JUST DON'T WORK!!
DIETS JUST DON'T WORK!!
I remember standing in my closet on Sunday mornings, faced with only "tents" as outfit options for church service. The decision between the orange tent with red dots or the red tent with white stripes often left me in tears. My other clothes were nearly unwearable, with buttons straining to their limits. It was clear I needed to make a ch
I remember standing in my closet on Sunday mornings, faced with only "tents" as outfit options for church service. The decision between the orange tent with red dots or the red tent with white stripes often left me in tears. My other clothes were nearly unwearable, with buttons straining to their limits. It was clear I needed to make a change, but what could I do when diets had repeatedly failed me?
It was years before I discovered the power of dedication and commitment along my personal journey. Instead of overwhelming myself with restrictive diets that never worked, I began implementing manageable changes to my daily routine. These little changes in habit—like taking short walks and practicing mindfulness—gradually led to sustainable weight loss and a deeper sense of well-being. It isn't just about shedding pounds; it's about transforming my life one small step at a time, leading to lasting change.
I GOT STUCK!!
I GOT STUCK!!
I GOT STUCK!!
I once mustered the courage to tackle a water slide during a cruise, carrying my 300-pound self to the top after a daunting climb. As I took my turn, I positioned myself, crossed my arms, and braced for the thrill—only to find myself stuck. The water couldn’t propel me forward; I was simply too heavy for its flow. A line quickly formed be
I once mustered the courage to tackle a water slide during a cruise, carrying my 300-pound self to the top after a daunting climb. As I took my turn, I positioned myself, crossed my arms, and braced for the thrill—only to find myself stuck. The water couldn’t propel me forward; I was simply too heavy for its flow. A line quickly formed behind me, and as I struggled to scoot down, my skin clung to the slide’s sides, immobilizing me further. The situation was humiliating, with onlookers making disparaging remarks. It was an absolutely terrible experience.
That enormously embarrassing moment became the beginning of change for me. I decided to add to my journey, drinking more water, and gradually increasing my physical activity. Each small habit was a step towards a bigger goal, transforming a painful memory into a motivational force. This journey of good habits didn't just aim to reduce my weight—it was about reclaiming my confidence and joy in life’s simple pleasures, like enjoying a water slide without fear.
DESPERATE!!
I GOT STUCK!!
I GOT STUCK!!
In my desperation for weight loss, I turned to pills prescribed by my doctor that blocked the absorption of fats and oils from the foods I ate. However, I soon discovered an embarrassing side effect: the unabsorbed oils left noticeable stains wherever I sat. To manage this, I resorted to wearing adult diapers, which back then were lined
In my desperation for weight loss, I turned to pills prescribed by my doctor that blocked the absorption of fats and oils from the foods I ate. However, I soon discovered an embarrassing side effect: the unabsorbed oils left noticeable stains wherever I sat. To manage this, I resorted to wearing adult diapers, which back then were lined with plastic and made a conspicuous "Swish! Swish! Swish!" sound as I moved. One Sunday morning, after giving my offering at church, the noise of my movement was unmistakable. Feeling mortified, I didn't return to my seat; instead, I walked straight out the door and headed to my car, vowing never to take those pills again.
This experience opened my eyes to realizing that I needed a more sustainable and less embarrassing approach to weight loss. Not too many years later did I discover and embrace my micro-habit journey-changes to my lifestyle that I didn't know I was able to really make. These changes weren’t just about losing weight—they were about creating a healthier lifestyle step by step, without the need for drastic or humiliating solutions. Gradually, these changes led to a lifestyle, helping me regain control over my health in a dignified and sustainable way.
I'M DONE!!
I GOT STUCK!!
I'M DONE!!
The final straw came during a car ride with family members. Once again, I was unable to buckle the seatbelt; it just wouldn't fit around me. We had an hour's drive to dinner, and throughout the ride, I was overwhelmed with frustration and disgust at my situation. When we arrived at the restaurant and I was hurrying out of the car, one f
The final straw came during a car ride with family members. Once again, I was unable to buckle the seatbelt; it just wouldn't fit around me. We had an hour's drive to dinner, and throughout the ride, I was overwhelmed with frustration and disgust at my situation. When we arrived at the restaurant and I was hurrying out of the car, one family member commented on my outfit, joking, "Oh, I see you've been to Omar the Tent-Maker again!", followed by a loud laugh. I felt so humiliated, wishing I could just disappear.
That day, I firmly decided: I needed to change. The 300 pounds had to go. But instead of looking for quick fixes, I made a commitment to my commitment! This included using a smaller plate for meals to reduce portion sizes and not going back for seconds. Choosing water over sugary drinks and adding more protein, fruits and vegetables to my meals. Each micro-habit was a step towards a healthier lifestyle, not just a lower number on the scale. Gradually, these habits build on one another, transforming my health and boosting my confidence. This approach turned moments of deep embarrassment into the catalyst for a sustainable transformation.