Meet Shenice ‘tee Mora’ Gammage

We were lucky to catch up with Shenice ‘tee Mora’ Gammage recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shenice ‘Tee Mora’, 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?

That’s a powerful and thought-provoking question. Being the only one in the room who looks like you—whether it’s in terms of race, gender, background, or any other defining characteristic—can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to lean into your unique perspective. Here are a couple of ways I navigate
1. Embrace your unique perspective: Realizing that your voice, experience, and perspective are valuable is key. You have insights that others might not see, and those insights can make a difference in conversations and decisions. Embracing your individuality, rather than feeling like you have to conform, can actually be a strength.
2. Seek out allies and mentors: While you may be the only one who looks like you, building a strong network of allies and mentors is vital. Find those who support and uplift you, and who can offer guidance, whether they share your background or not. A solid support system can be instrumental in navigating any challenges.
3. Stay confident in your abilities: Reminding yourself that you belong in the room is crucial. You earned your place, and your ideas and contributions are valid. Confidence isn’t about arrogance; it’s about owning your worth and not shrinking back because you might feel out of place.
4. Be prepared and proactive: Being the only one in the room who looks like you often means you might have to work a little harder to prove your competence or credibility. Being well-prepared, showing up with your best work, and anticipating challenges can help you stand out for the right reasons.
5. Advocate for diversity and inclusion: If you’re in a position to do so, advocating for diversity and inclusion not only benefits you but also those who might follow in your footsteps. Paving the way for more inclusive spaces can help make it easier for others who come after you.
6. Find common ground: Building connections with others in the room can help bridge differences. Look for common values, goals, or interests that you can bond over. This can help you build rapport and navigate situations more smoothly.
7. Focus on the bigger picture: Reminding yourself of the larger goal or purpose you’re there for—whether it’s contributing to a project, decision-making, or problem-solving—can help you push through any discomfort you might feel in the moment.

Ultimately, being the only one in the room who looks like you can be both challenging and empowering. It’s about finding strength in your difference and using it to bring fresh perspectives to the table.

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’m passionate about blending creativity and impact in everything I do. Professionally, I focus on servicing my clients in natural hair area—whether it’s business, nonprofit work, or the arts. I’ve always been driven by the idea that work doesn’t have to be just about the task at hand, but rather the ability to leave a lasting effect—whether that’s through connecting with people, creating meaningful change, or pushing boundaries within an industry.

What excites me most about what I do is the constant learning and growth. Every day, I get to solve problems, interact with amazing people, and, hopefully, contribute something new to the conversation in my field. It’s that intersection of creativity and practicality—finding ways to bring fresh ideas to life while staying grounded in purpose—that keeps me motivated.

Locs of Love by Tee is built on a foundation of [values you care about: innovation, inclusivity, empowerment, etc.]. What I aim to do is more than just the work itself—it’s about building a community, fostering understanding, and creating experiences that resonate with others. Whether it’s through servicing clients, selling hair care products, mentoring future hairstylist or educating my clients , I want to show that there’s power in what we create and how it shapes the world around us.

As for new developments, I’m especially excited about getting my product line off the ground called Essentially Natutal Co. It’s an opportunity to give my community the products they need for their hair and educate them on how to use them so they can have healthy hair journey. I’m looking forward to it changing the community and selling out products and doing it all over again Keep an eye out for our launch date as we continue to grow!

If there’s one thing I’d like readers to know, it’s that my work is always evolving. I’m constantly thinking about how to connect with people in meaningful ways and how to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s a personal project or something larger, my mission is to create a space where others feel inspired to be their authentic selves and pursue their passions through my services and mentoring!

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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have been:
1. Adaptability: The ability to pivot, embrace change, and be flexible in the face of uncertainty has been invaluable. In any career or creative field, things rarely go exactly as planned. Being adaptable has helped me navigate setbacks, seize unexpected opportunities, and stay resilient when things get tough.
Advice: For those early in their journey, I’d recommend leaning into change rather than fearing it. Develop a mindset that’s open to learning and growth. The more you practice adapting to new situations, the more comfortable you’ll become with uncertainty, and the better you’ll be at finding solutions when things don’t go as expected.
2. Networking and Building Relationships: Success often isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. Early on, I learned the importance of building strong relationships—whether that’s with mentors, peers, or collaborators. These connections not only provide opportunities but also help you gain new perspectives and insights.
Advice: Start building your network now. Attend events, connect with people on social media, and ask for advice from those who’ve been in your shoes. Be authentic and genuinely curious about others. The relationships you build early on will help you throughout your career, and you’ll likely discover more opportunities than you might expect just by being open to meeting new people.
3. Continuous Learning: No matter how much you think you know, there’s always room for growth. I’ve made it a priority to keep learning—whether through formal education, self-study, or simply being curious about the world around me. This mindset has helped me stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
Advice: Don’t wait until you feel you “know it all” before jumping in. Start learning today, whether through online courses, reading, or practical experience. Seek out mentors who can guide you, but also push yourself to explore areas outside of your comfort zone. The more you embrace learning as a lifelong habit, the more you’ll continue to evolve in your journey.

By focusing on adaptability, relationships, and continuous learning, you can build a strong foundation for success in any field. The key is to remain open, curious, and proactive about your growth.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that has played a significant role in my development is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s one of those books that offers practical insights into how small changes can lead to remarkable results over time. It’s helped me not only in terms of professional development but also in structuring my personal growth and productivity.

A few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from Atomic Habits include:
1. Focus on Systems, Not Goals: Clear emphasizes that systems (the daily habits and processes we build) are more important than goals. While goals give us direction, systems are what get us there. This idea was transformative for me, because it shifted my mindset from the pressure of big milestones to the focus on continuous improvement.
2. The 1% Improvement Principle: One of the most impactful concepts was the idea that improving just 1% every day compounds over time. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always have to be dramatic or overnight. Small, consistent actions add up in ways that we often don’t see immediately. This has helped me stay patient and persistent in my own journey.
3. Environment Shapes Behavior: Clear argues that our environment plays a huge role in shaping our habits. It’s not just about willpower; it’s about making the right choices easier and the wrong choices harder. This idea has encouraged me to proactively curate my surroundings—whether it’s how I organize my workspace or setting up reminders to stay on track with goals.

These insights have had a huge impact on how I approach everything, from work to personal life. They helped me develop healthier routines, stay motivated, and cultivate the mindset of incremental growth, which has been essential for long-term success.

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