We recently connected with Tasha Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I made was in myself. Becoming reacquainted with my identity beneath the surface. Owning and honoring the certainty of who I am as a woman, a survivor, and overall, as a creative. The traumatic experiences of my past engulfed me like a garment, making it hard for me to acknowledge who I was or recognize my voice outside of what I was accustomed to. As a lighthouse for others, I had to consciously make the commitment to deeply look within and dismantle the imprisoned labels that once silenced my voice. Unmasking the inner me and encompassing the greatness within, gave me the courage to stop feeding my fears and start living in freedom. Growing up in a Christian family, surrounded by members who served in leadership roles in the Church, therapy was not often discussed as a tool to address mental health. However, I knew that I needed to speak with a professional who was unbiased in their approach to help me unlearn, uproot, and unleash some things in order for me to fully celebrate my present and prepare for my future. Meeting regularly with a therapist taught me that the complexities and multifaceted nature of my core cannot be hinged within the confinement of a cage. That I was deserving of more than the bare minimum. In addition to therapy, my relationship with God grew intimately. I have always known about God, but for the first time in my life I became intentional with fostering a relationship with Him. I also created an affirmation wall in my apartment, wrote my inner thoughts and feelings down in a journal, looked in the mirror daily to speak love and life into myself, and aligned myself with authentic friendships. While continually doing the inner work and igniting the value of my voice, I discovered my purpose and passion. In embracing the power of leaning into my authentic self, I am helping millennial women break glass ceilings by transforming their pain into power and rediscover who they are beyond their trauma. I am internationally recognized in the marketplace as an author and speaker. I can truly attest that by making this investment in myself, my life is forever changed.
Tasha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Being an entrepreneur was not something I sought after. In essence, entrepreneurship found me. While simultaneously grieving the loss of my dad and trying to recover from a sexual assault, I needed an outlet to address my pain, guilt, and shame. I share my evolutionary journey as a source of inspiration and strength for others. My YES to entrepreneurship became a catalyst for others to say YES to freedom, emotional wellness, and hope. Writing helped me transfer my thoughts onto paper. Writing catapulted into speaking opportunities. I have made appearances across the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. I am an author of four books, co-author of one anthology, and co-author of two publications. My books have been utilized on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina as a discussion guide for undergraduate students and emerging leaders. Recognizably known as Tasha W: Messenger of Hope, I am one of today’s most identifiable trailblazers for millennial women. As an international best-selling author and speaker, I use my wit, grit, and authenticity to help millennial women unlock the treasure within, confront pitfalls from the past, and explore the power of fearlessness. In 2015, I founded the Royalty Refined Movement, a community network that fosters sisterhood centered around self-discovery, personal development, and autonomy. In 2016, I received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Certificate for community activism. In 2021, I was one of Baltimore’s Inspiring Stories for VoyageBaltimore Magazine. Additionally, I was featured in Woman-to-Woman International Network, Inc. and the Stories of Hope Series for Pretty Women Hustle Magazine. As a mental health advocate, I served on Grammy-Award winner Michelle Williams’ launch team for the book “Checking In.” In 2022, I was honored as one of Maryland’s Christian Women in Leadership recipients and received the Marketplace Forerunner Award. Currently, I sit on the Board of Directors for Kids’ Chance of Maryland, Inc. As a former recipient, being on the board serves as a full circle moment for me because I can sympathize with families who are seeking balance within their households after experiencing the loss of a parent and/or guardian.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
As an introvert operating in extroverted spaces, one of the lessons that is most profound to date is reinforcing boundaries and discerning who has access to me. The moment I outwardly stepped on the scene as a creative; numerous people flooded me with what they considered “best practices” as to how I should appear. Initially I obliged, due to those individuals having a level of status in the marketplace that I was striving toward. Eventually I realized that their “best practices” did not align with who I am and what I wanted to be known for. I have always been a firm believer that shortcuts will never give me the long-lasting results that I desire in any capacity. It’s always been integrity over image for me. How I make people feel after they walk away from a conversation—that was vital for me. I wanted to do things that were mission oriented and not checklist driven. I don’t need to be loud in order to lead. I can still occupy space, create change, and stand out as a leader by being my genuine self. My end goal as an entrepreneur was to not pigeonhole myself as a social media influencer, but to be a person who leaves an imprint in the world. Invigorating my mindset helped me overcome the misconceptions of how I thought I needed to show up as an entrepreneur. Honoring myself and boundaries helped me find creative approaches to promoting my business, coordinating collaboration opportunities, and fostering the relationships I desired. Recognizing that my journey is tailor-made, I always have to remember that progression is the goal, not perfection. Valuing my time with being productive and not allowing busyness to become an idol. Knowing when to plan, pause, and pivot when needed. Having confidence in God’s divine direction for my life will always take precedence over the noise of others’ opinions.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I find it rewarding in knowing that my life is a testament to empower others in discovering who they are, live with purpose, and pursue the journey of emotional freedom. I genuinely want to see millennial women win! So many have shared with me that I have the innate ability to speak to the very heart of their needs while creating a safe space for them to be seen and heard. I am truly humbled to be used in this capacity as an advocate for others to feel inspired to live unapologetically and courageously. As a creative, I have been afforded the opportunities to give back and pay it forward. I have expanded my network by partnering with various organizations in the community and connecting with other creatives across the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifewithtashaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithtashaw_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifewithtashaw/
Image Credits
Image Credits: C. Mathies Photography