We were lucky to catch up with TieSha Carter recently and have shared our conversation below.
TieSha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being in a technical discipline as my full-time career it is very rare that I am not the only female in the room. Now let’s compound that with being an African American female and that becomes a double whammy. Although at times it can feel uncomfortable, I have learned to navigate by being confident in who I am and what I know. Now don’t get me wrong it did not come over night and without some coaching but once I felt comfortable in my own skin nothing else or no one else’s thoughts or opinions about my worthiness to be in the room mattered.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I like to refer to myself as a Systems Engineer by day and a Jewelry Designer by night. For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for the creative arts. However, because the arts industry is always one that is looked at as not very lucrative, I put my passions aside and followed the career path as a Software and Systems Engineer. Throughout the years, I would always continue to tap into my love for creating by painting, taking photos, and working on DIY projects on the side.
It wasn’t until the end of 2020 when I was overtaken by a mental health crisis that I turned to creative arts in the form of jewelry design to cope. Jewelry design allowed me to not only learn a new form of visual art but also to tap into the love I always had for painting and photography. In 2022, is when I decided to launch a part-time creative arts career as an independent jewelry designer and launch my brand Jacx Carter Designs handmade jewelry.
Jacx Carter Designs is a jewelry brand that offers an eclectic mix of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that I encourage customers to utilize as an accentuation to their own personal style and identity. You will find a lot of mixed media pieces in the shop that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Because I am a small business, I do my best to source my materials from other small business owners. I believe in supporting my community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that I can site as being the most impactful in my journey are being able to pick up things quickly, not being afraid to ask questions and reaching out for support. My advice for those early in their journey’s is to leverage your strengths as you step out. Be confident in what you already know and don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help in the areas of the unknown.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months is the ability to say no. Letting myself know that it is okay not to accept all opportunities that come my way and not feel guilty about it. It has been a huge part of me overcoming the spirits of people pleasing and perfectionism. Always remember that not everything that is good is good for you and that is okay.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacxcdesigns.com
- Instagram: @jacxcarterdesigns
- Facebook: Jacx Carter Designs
