Meet the Creator- Teratineka N. Thomas (Nikki), Chicago Native, born July 17, 1980.
Tera walked into her 8th grade graduation with a newborn baby. At the tender age of 13, she knew that making excuses was no longer an option. With her daughter staring back and her diploma in hand, she made the conscious decision to move past her circumstances and not let them define her.
Ever since that seminal moment, the Chicago native has been determined and motivated to provide the best life for herself and her daughter, Destenii. She vowed to lead by example; and what an exemplary role model she’s been.
The self-proclaimed “Creative Visionary,” has penned a self-help book, earned a B.A in Psychology and an M.A. in Communication and Training and even serves as a life coach and networking liaison. Her now adult daughter has a BS in Dental Hygiene studying to have her own private dental practice.
Tera’s passion for the arts, love for Chicago and innate knack for motivating and connecting with people is why her latest project, “Hustle Moms of Chicago,” is the best of both worlds.
If you thought “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” and “Teen moms” was crazy, you’re in for a real rollercoaster ride with the new docu-series, “Hustle Moms of Chicago.”
Based in the Windy City, “Hustle Moms of Chicago,” will explore the powerful dynamic between mothers and daughters—but these aren’t your average mother/daughter duos. These mothers had their baby girls when they were teens, in turn, being thrust into adulthood and parenthood simultaneously. So, their unique circumstances set the stage for hilarious antics, real struggles and never-ending entertainment.
The unscripted series will be based around Teratineka Thomas (aka Nikki) and her relationship with her daughter Destenii (whom she had at the tender age of 13) and follow three other mother/daughter pairs in their everyday lives in Chicago. From twerk classes to double blind dates, viewers will be taken along as the cast navigates the world from this special, uncommon perspective.
Plus, Chicago serves as the series’ unspoken character—the gritty, urban backdrop is the place where they mastered the art of the hustle. The city’s captivating skyline is a far cry from the violence and pitfalls that lurk throughout the stereotyped “Chiraq” streets that these brave women call home.
Like most families, “Hustle Moms of Chicago” will have a bit of drama and dysfunction, but will also highlight the unconditional love between the mother/daughter pairs. The series will prove to viewers that no matter how young women are when they become parents; a mother’s love is ageless in a role that is sometimes unplanned.