We recently connected with Taneisha Dale and have shared our conversation below.
Taneisha, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Oh boy, where do I start? My mental health issues are like that annoying mosquito buzzing in your ear when you’re trying to sleep. It just won’t leave you alone, no matter how much you swat at it. I’ve managed to turn that mosquito into a sort of…well, let’s call it a “motivational gnat.”
Here’s how:
I had this moment, right? When I realized I couldn’t do it alone. So, I did something that was about as comfortable as wearing a cactus as a hat and sought professional help. I mean, if your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic, right? So, why not treat my brain with the same respect?
And then there’s self-care. I used to think self-care was all about bubble baths and chocolate cake (don’t get me wrong, those are pretty awesome too), but it’s so much more than that. It’s about setting boundaries, saying “no” when you need to, and not feeling guilty about taking time for yourself.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without my support system. My support system deserves a standing ovation. Seriously, they’ve been there through my ugly cries and 3 AM panic attacks, always ready with words of encouragement, or a meme to make me laugh. They’re my rock, my fortress, my…well, you get the idea.
Mindfulness techniques are my secret weapon. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation—you name it, I’ve done it!
The results? Well, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be okay.
The journey hasn’t been a walk in the park, but I’ve grown so much from it.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, that taking care of myself is not selfish, and that everyone has their own battles to fight, and you know what? That’s made me a stronger, more compassionate person, both in my personal life and in business.
So, despite the challenges, I’ve continued to move forward, one step at a time. These experiences have only made me more resilient and ready to take on whatever comes next!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My love affair with marketing started back in 2015 when I was knee-deep in nursing textbooks. Instead of learning about the human anatomy, I found myself obsessing over site analytics for a lifestyle and beauty blog I started. Who knew that my little corner of the internet would turn into a full-blown passion for marketing? Definitely not me!
Fast forward to 2019, I took a leap of faith (and a whole lot of caffeine) and stepped into the freelance world part-time. And guess what? It was the best decision I ever made. By 2022, I was ready to say “GOODBYE!” to the 9-5 grind and transform T. Dale PR into a full-time, full-service marketing agency.
I’m the brains behind all of the marketing strategies, PR initiatives, and campaigns that we run for ourselves and our various clients. I am also a Fractional CMO which means that I consult and work with clients to build marketing strategies and sales funnels to boost their bottom line.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Passion for Learning: Let’s get real, my journey started because I was a total nerd 🤓. I fell head over heels in love with marketing and devoured every piece of information like a kid in a candy store.
That thirst for knowledge has been my secret weapon when running my business. So, my advice? Get curious, ask questions, and never stop learning.
2. Communication Skills: You know that awkward silence at parties when no one knows what to say? Yeah, you can’t have that as a business owner. Being able to express yourself clearly and confidently is like having a superpower.
It helps you build relationships, share ideas, and, let’s be honest, save your rear end when things go south. So, how do you master this skill? Practice! Talk to people, write, present—do whatever it takes to get your message across, and remember, listening is half the battle.
3. Resilience: You’ve got two choices: stay stuck or keep going.
Resilience is all about choosing to move forward, no matter how bumpy the road gets. Every challenge you face is a chance to build this skill, so embrace the struggles, learn from your mistakes, and remember to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Trust me, a sense of humor goes a long way.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the million-dollar question! My answer would have to be my mindset.
You see, this time last year, I was a bit like a deer in headlights—wide-eyed, slightly terrified, and not entirely sure which way to go. But then, something magical happened. I started thinking like a winner
I swapped “I can’t” for “I’ll try,” “I’m not good enough” for “I’m a work in progress,” and “This is impossible” for “This is a challenge.”
I started believing in myself and my ideas. I stopped seeing problems as roadblocks and started seeing them as stepping stones. And let me tell you, that shift has made all the difference.
Suddenly, growing my business didn’t seem so scary anymore. In fact, it started to feel like a fun challenge, like a game of Tetris where every piece has its place, and it’s just a matter of finding it.
So, my advice to you? Get your mindset right. Believe in yourself. Embrace the challenges. and remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tdalepr.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tdalepr
