Spiritual Leader, Community Activist and Social Caregiver
Terri L Gardner is the daughter of Chicago’s venerable business legends, Edward and Betty Gardner, Founders of Soft Sheen Products. Terri Gardner literally grew up in the family business and put herself through university. Like her parents before, she was aware of the connection between institutional/individual racism and lagging economic opportunities in the Black community.
Founder of Brainstorm Communications, the agency’s advertising became the gold standard for relevant images in Black haircare in the 1980s. For 15 years, Gardner developed a specialized ad team, to provide strategic, targeted campaigns.
The agency pioneered special photo techniques, relevant music, and cultural cues and exemplarily product knowledge to create CEBA/AHBAI award-winning advertising in the ethnic hair care industry. Many firsts: first Black haircare advertising in London Tubes (subway), first to cast a Black father and son in a baby shampoo TV ad, first to use rap in national radio commercials.
Terri Gardner helped transition the sale of Soft Sheen’s brands to L’Oréal USA in 1998. Later, she executed the merger of a major competitor, as president of Soft Sheen/Carson division of L’Oréal USA, overseeing 500 worldwide employees and revenues over $150 million by 2000.
In 2001, After retiring from business, Gardner trained as a spiritual leader and social worker in keeping with her roots of community action.
Academic & Professional Achievements
-Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Illinois at Circle, School of Art, 1979
-Founder and President of Brainstorm Communications Advertising, 1981
-Appointed first female President/CEO of Soft Sheen Products, 1996
-President of Soft Sheen/Carson division of L’Oreal USA Retail in 1999.
-Retired from L’Oreal business career Nov. 2001
-MSW Loyola University of Chicago, Illinois 2007
Community Action Projects
Come Alive Oct.5
1982 Terri Gardner lead Brainstorm creatives in providing a uniquely targeted “Come Alive Oct.5” campaign-Resulting in Chicago’s historic voter’s registration drive that convinced Harold Washington to run for Mayor in 1983
It’s a power thing
1992 Brainstorm’s team developed a second historic registration drive, “It’s a power thing” Register to Vote. Gardner was a part of the VOTE Community committee, along with then community organizer Barack Obama, Commissioner Joe Gardner and Phil Salter to name a few.
Black Women’s Leadership Roundtable
2003 as an MSW student intern for Family Rescue, a domestic violence prevention organization, Gardner co-headed a community action with Elizabeth King of the Black Women’s Leadership Roundtable. Gardner and King worked with Alderman, CPD and administrators reopen the southside’s largest domestic violence office. Gardner performed healing circles during a tragic crime spree targeting Black women on the south side.
Performances
Terri Buffalo Star Gardner performed various ceremonies including, Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, Funerals, and blessings. Gardner has done teaching events in Chicago, California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico including Racial Healing, Several years of Martin Luther King Fasting and Prayer Vigils, Women’s healing, and numerous presentations as requested.
WeR1Tribe
2010 Established WeR1Tribe Spiritual Center in Chicago. She offers individual spiritual counseling services.
Rockefeller Chapel
Gardner has been invited to take part in the Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service at Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago for several years.
Opening Prayer
Cook County Board Meeting opening prayer, Sept 21, 2009.
Photography Projects
Document the world in through the lens!
Creative Writing Projects