We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tameka Simmons. Check out our conversation below.
Tameka, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately I’ve felt called to pursue fashion styling on a more full-time basis. As with any start up business there’s concern of sustainability, so naturally this tug hasn’t been without apprehension. But the one thing I’m sure of is that our passions are tied to purpose and purpose is tied to others destiny’s. Pursuing purpose in faith will reach and inspire others who like me were once afraid to take a chance on themselves but found the courage to do it scared but do it! Fully committing to a passion or calling takes an immense amount of faith and work but I’m no stranger to either one so I’m up for the challenge!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tameka, better known as “t stylet it” on my social media. T-Styled-it is a creative fashion and lifestyle brand that focuses on motivation, fashion, and self-confidence. T-Styled-it started as a simple hobby to express my love of fashion and a way to provide others with inspiration. As a child my goal was to overcome my insecurities and someday show those coming after me that anything is possible!
I branched out to fashion styling to help women boost their self-confidence & show up as the best version of their authentic self. I achieve this by curating standout looks that empower individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically. At my core, I am a stylish storyteller, sharing my true struggles and achievements and helping women stay fly along the way!
What sets me apart from others and what I’ve been complimented on most is the level of authenticity I bring to my style and platforms. I stay true to myself despite the temptation to blend in and follow what’s trending.
In the past couple years, I put a lot of energy into content creation, however, my current focus is building my portfolio and clientele through personal and editorial styling. If you’re in need of a wardrobe refresh, looking to make a fashion statement at your next event or maybe you want to feel empowered to take your style to the next level, BOOK ME!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I have quite a few people in my corner cheering me on and helping me recognize my potential and see that my dreams can become reality, but I’d have to say my number one supporter is my husband, Michael. We’ve been together since we were teenagers, and he’s always encouraged my biggest, wildest, and craziest dreams. What I thought were passing conversations or imaginative thinking he spoke in the affirmative encouraging me to take a chance on myself.
Fast forward to 2019 I told him my vision and dream of becoming a fashion stylist, he looked at me with a bit of skepticism because I was four years into a Human Resources profession and three months from graduating college with a degree in investigative forensics, so as one can imagine he was a bit taken aback by the sudden interest in a career shift (LOL). But he didn’t discourage it. In typical “Mike fashion” the next few conversations were about what camera equipment I’d need and business strategies that would help in my success.
In that time since starting I’ve wanted to throw in the towel more than once but he’s always there speaking words of wisdom, encouragement me and reassuring me of my talent and potential. We all need that one person who can see us when we can’t see ourselves, someone who encourages us to take those leaps of faith. My husband is that person for me. He’s my camera man, business partner, partner in love and in life!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
My primary reason for starting my brand T-Styled-it was to encourage and inspire others to walk in their God given beauty and potential. I didn’t always feel beautiful or talented. In my adolescence I struggled with feelings of unacceptance. Those feelings birthed pain, insecurities and ultimately sent me into a shell. I carried a lot of that self-doubt and insecurity into early adulthood until one day I decided I’d had enough of playing it small so others in the room could feel comfortable around me.
My purpose in life and the reason I believe I was created is to help others discover their creative possibilities, gifts, and talents so that those people are free to confidently step into the person God created them to be. My superpower is the genuineness, comfort, and reassurance others feel when they encounter me. Because I am now free to express myself confidently, I desire others to experience that same freedom.
Style is the power I use to encourage others to do the same!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Believing that being book smart is the end all, be all and the only means that creates opportunities. This is completely false. Good character along with Gods favor can open doors for you that someone with ten master’s degrees can’t achieve. Make no mistake, being intelligent is important, but what’s intelligence in business without a warm personality, commitment to excellence and moral ethical credibility? Think about it!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
The legacy I’m building is not just for my child and my immediate family, and some may or may not understand that.
I’m building a life and career bigger than myself, investing in things bigger than self, with the prayer and belief that doing so will bring lasting change and hope to my community and the world, not just my own family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tamekasimmons.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tstyledit_?igsh=MXd6djhucHEwNmI4bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Antwon Maxwell Photography
Mister Wilson Media
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
