Tyjaya Brandon-Starks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Tyjaya, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
I am battling severe depression, and it’s been a tough journey. Recently, I’ve started to realize that it’s okay for me to enjoy life, even while I’m still working on repairing and building my future. I’m learning that I can live a little and not feel guilty about it. It’s a process of allowing myself small joys and pleasures without the constant weight of feeling like I don’t deserve them. This shift in perspective is a big part of my healing, and I’m trying to embrace it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, everyone! I’m Tyjaya, and I’ve been working in the ABA field for five years. I’m also in college, pursuing a master’s degree in mental health. My brand is based on diversity and living authentically, within my own truth. I’m a high-functioning person with depression, and spirituality has been a guiding light, helping me through my toughest battles. Recently, I’ve been focused on expanding my horizons, stepping out of my shell, and feeling confident in being quirky and full of myself. Many people mistake my confidence and quirkiness as not being humble, but I’m just genuinely happy and grateful for where I am. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their true selves and shine brightly, without dimming their light for anyone.”
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I feel like I’m constantly stuck in my head, overthinking everything and not truly living in the moment. I’m hyper-aware of every detail, analyzing every aspect of my life and interactions. It’s like I’m trapped in a cycle of second-guessing myself and constantly judging my actions. What’s worse, I tend to beat myself up over even the smallest mistakes, which just reinforces this negative pattern. I wish I could break free from this cycle, stop being so critical of myself, and start embracing life more fully.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been so many moments when I’ve felt utterly defeated and wanted to just give up on life. But each time, something inside me reminds me that I’ve already come so far, faced so many challenges, and overcome so much. It would be a waste to stop now. I truly believe that life has an incredible amount to offer me – countless lessons to learn, experiences to embrace, and opportunities to grow. Giving up would mean closing myself off to all of that, setting an artificial limit on what I can achieve and who I can become. So, despite the struggles, I keep pushing forward, determined to see what life has in store for me.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve noticed something about myself that’s kind of interesting. I feel like I act way more confident and outgoing online than I do in real life, face-to-face. I’m not really sure what it is, but it’s definitely true. Maybe it’s because I have more time to think about what I want to say, or maybe it’s because I don’t have to worry about people seeing my reactions in real-time. Whatever the reason, it’s like I can be the person I wish I was in person when I’m online.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I could go back, I would definitely stop overthinking every little thing and just start living my life differently. But then it hits me – why am I thinking about changing that ‘if I could go back’ when I have, like, ten years left of my life? That should totally be my mindset right now! Instead of regretting the past, I should be focusing on making the most of the time I have left and living the way I want to live from this moment forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tyjaya_Starks
- Facebook: Tyjaya Starks
- Youtube: Tyjaya Starks
Image Credits
Photographers:
@chriscanonimages
@isisashantii
@fairy.well.art
@gabinichi
Wardrobe:
@designedempire
Makeup Artist:
@ok.lydiaaa
Hair Stylist::
@slayedbyjia
@zaysbeautyden
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