Teresa Valencia was born into a blue-collar family in Lingle, Wyoming. Her father John Valencia was a miner at the “Hartville Sunrise Mine” in Hartville, Wyoming. Her mother Lucinda was a divorced mother of three, working odd jobs, and bringing up her adopted children Barbara, Lawrence and Teresa. Growing up as the only afro-latina, in an overtly racial environment, Teresa experienced many family hardships and failed relationships, which greatly influenced her musical style. Teresa wanted her music to be original, so that it would reflect her own life experiences, and her hopes for the future.
Influenced by her father John, Teresa, started playing the recorder in second grade. Later on, she also learned to play the clarinet, tenor saxophone, and the acoustic guitar. Teresa started her musical journey with a Christian Band, “Sacred Heart of Jesus Ministry." She performed clarinet recitals and also participated in her high school "Dixie Land Band." She has also performed live at gay pride concerts, Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations, and open mic events at Coffee Houses and Night Clubs.
Her eclectic musical style is greatly influenced by a broad mélange of musical traditions, such as classical music, Gregorian Chants and such superstars as The Three Degrees, Carole King, The Carpenters, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tina Turner, Roberta Flack, Al Greene, Smokey Robinson, Sarah MacLachlan, Annie Lennox, and Tory Amos.