Meet Tafari Beard

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tafari Beard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tafari below.

Hi Tafari, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through a mix of personal experiences, faith, and a desire to make a difference in the world. Growing up, I always felt a deep connection to storytelling. I saw how media shaped perceptions and wanted to challenge the narratives that often misrepresented or overshadowed people like me.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world slowed down, I had time to reflect and decided to channel my passion into something meaningful—founding TB Productions. It was through this creative journey that I realized my purpose: to amplify the voices of the unheard, celebrate diversity, and use storytelling as a tool for change.

Faith has also played a huge role in helping me discover and stay grounded in my purpose. It reminds me to move with intention and love in everything I do. Knowing that my work can inspire, uplift, and give opportunities to others keeps me motivated to continue this path.

In short, I found my purpose by combining my passion, my values, and a drive to make a positive impact through storytelling. It’s a journey I’m still on, and I’m excited to see how it evolves.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Tafari Beard, a 19-year-old filmmaker and founder of TB Productions, a company born from my passion for storytelling and my desire to bring overlooked narratives to light. My focus is on amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly in the African American community, and creating stories that inspire, challenge stereotypes, and offer new perspectives.

What excites me most about what I do is the ability to craft narratives that feel authentic and resonate deeply with audiences. Through TB Productions, I’ve released multiple projects, and each one reflects my commitment to telling stories that highlight the strength, complexity, and humanity of characters often left out of mainstream media.

What makes TB Productions special is its foundation of faith and purpose. Every story we tell is infused with love and a mission to create meaningful change in how media portrays marginalized communities. This isn’t just filmmaking to me; it’s a movement to reimagine representation in entertainment.

As for what’s next, I’m working on expanding TB Productions by exploring new platforms, partnerships, and innovative storytelling techniques. My goal is to bring these narratives to a global stage, ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no story remains untold. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases and collaborations as we take bold steps into the future!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful on my journey: resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.

Resilience

The journey in filmmaking—and in any creative field—is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Resilience has been my anchor, helping me push forward when things didn’t go as planned. Learning to adapt and bounce back from failures is a skill that can transform obstacles into opportunities.

Creativity

Creativity is at the heart of what I do. It’s not just about thinking outside the box but understanding that there is no box. The ability to take risks, envision the unseen, and innovate has allowed me to craft stories that resonate deeply with others. Creativity, combined with curiosity, keeps my work fresh and engaging.

Purpose

Having a clear purpose has been my guiding light. For me, storytelling is about amplifying underrepresented voices and shining a spotlight on untold stories. That deeper “why” has kept me focused and motivated even when the path seemed unclear.

Advice for Others

For those early in their journey, my advice is:
1. Build resilience by embracing failure as part of growth. Each setback teaches you something valuable—lean into it.
2. Nurture creativity by staying curious. Experiment, learn new skills, and don’t be afraid to be different.
3. Find your purpose by reflecting on what truly drives you. When your work aligns with your passion, it becomes easier to stay motivated and focused.

Finally, surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Seek mentors, collaborators, and communities that fuel your growth. Remember, success is rarely a solo journey—it’s built through connection and perseverance.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe the key lies in a balance between doubling down on strengths and improving areas of growth. Your strengths are what set you apart, giving you a unique edge, but addressing weaknesses ensures you remain adaptable and versatile.

Focusing on strengths allows you to excel in areas where you naturally thrive, creating momentum in your work and a sense of confidence. For example, my strength has always been storytelling. Early in my journey, I leaned heavily into crafting narratives that resonated emotionally, and it helped me establish the foundation for TB Productions. By focusing on what I was passionate about and naturally good at, I built a clear direction for my career.

However, there came a point where I realized my weaknesses could hold me back. For instance, I struggled with technical aspects like business and financial management. At first, I avoided these areas, putting them on the back burner until the future. But eventually, I saw that improving my skills in these areas would make me a better leader and storyteller. I took online courses, asked for feedback, and practiced. This not only improved my work but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the entire creative process.

The most successful people I’ve seen are those who embrace their strengths while working on the weaknesses that directly affect their ability to grow. My advice is to focus on your natural talents while identifying specific areas of improvement that align with your goals. Growth isn’t about being perfect in everything—it’s about being the best version of yourself while staying open to learning.

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