The Flavor She Carries: Artesha Spencer on Purpose, Grief, and the Power of Pouring Back
Welcome to the first course of The Flavor She Carries—a soulful storytelling series from A Taste of Healing, created to honor the women who lead, love, and labor with heart.
This series is rooted in faith, motherhood, entrepreneurship, culinary heritage, and personal style—because we believe every woman carries her own unique flavor: a blend of what she’s lived, what she’s lost, and what she’s still becoming.
Each feature is served with care, like a shared meal at the table—where stories simmer, healing rises like steam, and legacy is passed from plate to heart.
We begin with Artesha Spencer, a woman of resilience and radical care. She is an educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, realtor, business owner—and angel mama.
Our connection is deeply personal—when I lost my son, Artesha was the first person I confided in. Someone had gifted me a healing box from her outreach program, Peyton’s Purpose Inc., and in that moment of devastation, her presence, her story, and her compassion wrapped around me like a quiet balm. She didn’t just offer words—she offered understanding, and that made all the difference.
After the devastating loss of her own son, Peyton Jeremyah, Artesha turned her grief into a mission. Since 2016, Peyton’s Purpose Inc. has supported over 2,000 grieving families with care packages and heartfelt support, and featured on The Real Talk Show. In this tender, truth-filled conversation, Artesha shares how she moves through grief, motherhood, faith, and purpose—and the power of saying yes to healing Pull up a chair. Let’s savor the flavor she carries.
ON STORY & PURPOSE
You wear so many hats—educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader. How would you describe the heart behind all that you do?
I have the desire to help people and affect change in my community in any way I can; to see their lives better. Being a helper is truly a gift from God—hence why I chose the career path of a counselor. That same character trait enabled me to change the trajectory of the countless that I have been blessed to help.
Can you share the story behind Peyton’s Purpose Inc.?
After losing my first-born son, Peyton Jeremyah, in 2015, I was left in a very dark place emotionally and mentally. A friend gifted me a care package that included a bathrobe, body wash, chocolates, a journal, and other self-care items. That gesture meant everything. I thought—if something this small could help me, maybe I could do the same for others. A few months later, in 2016, Peyton’s Purpose Inc. was born. Since then, we’ve provided over 2,000 care packages to grieving families across the U.S. and abroad.
ON GRIEF, FAITH & HEALING
What has grief taught you about strength and surrender?
Grief is sneaky and never fully goes away. A smell, a song, a piece of clothing—it can all trigger you. The pain doesn’t feel as lethal as it did in the early years, but it still lives within you. I’ve learned that I am strong as an ox—but I’ve also learned to show myself grace when I don’t feel strong. And that’s okay.
How do you carry Peyton’s presence with you today?
When people ask how I got started in entrepreneurship and nonprofit work, I take the opportunity to share my story of pain to purpose and how the life and untimely death of Peyton has been the catalyst to this journey. He is the reason; I found my purpose and why I continue moving forward.
ON COMMUNITY & ADVOCACY
What do you hope families feel when they connect with Peyton’s Purpose?
It is my desire to ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported.
What still needs to change in how we support families experiencing loss?
I feel like more services need to be readily available. Some kind of aftercare and follow-up would make such a big difference.
ON BALANCE & BUSINESS
You manage so much—how do you care for yourself in the midst of it all?
Since losing Peyton, I’ve become intentional about self-care. I keep non-negotiable appointments with my therapist, masseuse, and the nail shop. I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I get pulled in many directions, but learning the gift of no has been a gamechanger.
ON FOOD & MEMORY
What’s your favorite comfort food—the dish that feels like home when you need it most?
Curry chicken with rice and peas, and cabbage. It’s my favorite.
ON LEGACY
What words of encouragement would you offer to another angel mama walking through grief?
Show yourself some grace. Losing a baby is traumatic—it doesn’t matter if it’s 12 weeks or 32. The hurt is the same. Don’t let others dictate your healing journey or timeline. It’s your story. I went to grief counseling, and it helped me tremendously. Don’t be afraid to get help.
Artesha Spencer turned her personal tragedy into a purpose-filled legacy. Through Peyton’s Purpose, she offers hope, dignity, and healing to other grieving families—proving that even in the midst of pain, we can create something beautiful. Her story is one of strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to service.
This is the flavor she carries.
And we are honored to share her story.
