Her Story
About Terria
Terria Martin is a business owner in the philanthropy and social services industry, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is the founder of Symphonees of Klover Lotus & Blossom, operating under the name "A Plate and a Prayer," a company she built to deliver hands-on support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through her work, she supplies hygiene essentials, clothing, meals, and non-prescription vitamins and nutritional items to those facing hardship, drawing on more than a decade of community-facing experience that dates back to 2012. She structured her organization as a for-profit business specifically so she could pay her employees fairly while keeping the process of receiving help simple and free of unnecessary barriers.
Martin's approach to her work is grounded in personal history as much as professional experience; she named her company in memory of her daughter, whose loss continues to shape her commitment to lifting up women, mothers, and families working to rebuild stability. A high school graduate, she has completed coursework in CNA and esthetics, holds CPR certification and an alcohol license, and is currently finishing a medical administration program, with further plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in science, sonography training, and behavioral health studies. Her educational path reflects a broader ambition to keep expanding the ways she can serve her community.
In recognition of her efforts, Martin was selected to be featured by Influential Women in its 2026 edition. She continues to mentor others navigating similar paths, encouraging young women to identify what drives them and pursue it with conviction. Her personal life mirrors her professional values, with faith and family playing a central role — she leads daily prayer circles rooted in strength, bravery, and love. As she continues building her business and expanding her education, Martin remains focused on creating accessible, dignity-centered support for the people she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Terria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the compassion I carry within me and the lived experiences that allow me to truly connect with people who are in crisis. My ability to listen closely and offer comfort to others is the measure of success that matters most to me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would ask her what she's truly interested in and how she plans to build that within her business. I would encourage her to pursue it wholeheartedly, because a woman standing ten toes down, holding her own company together while helping others, is a real success story. I make it a point to encourage women like this and support them in any way I can.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Since starting my business in May 2024, I've been operating without revenue while balancing my work and my studies, purchasing items myself to give to those in need, and working toward documenting my activities so I can build a stronger business foundation. Beyond that, I see the biggest challenges in my field as overly strict client-eligibility requirements that can block people from getting help, the need to ensure limited resources reach those who truly need them, building sustainable income so I can fairly compensate my employees, and finding mentorship and professional networks since relocating to a new area.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, accessibility, and caring for the people who work alongside me are central to how I operate. Faith and family matter just as much to me personally — I lead daily prayer circles with my family, and I hold strength, bravery, and love as values I try to live by every day.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.