We recently connected with Tameka Simmons and have shared our conversation below.

Tameka, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you manage your own social media?

Although I have previously entertained the idea of possibly hiring a social media manager in the future I currently manage my own social media platforms. I realize the benefit to having a team or company manage my social media is time I’ll save which will allow me to focus more on my creative process. But then I think about how much of a control freak I am about my business and I’m not sure that I’m ready to put that responsibility in the hands of someone else quite yet (LOL).

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Tameka, better known as “t styled it” on social media. I am a fashion/lifestyle social media creative and stylist. I’ve always had a deep love for fashion. As a kid I remember taking great pride in my appearance and enjoying every outing to the mall, dreaming of the day I could purchase clothes on my own terms. As a teen I always looked forward to the Teen Vogue magazines my mom subscribed me to, which is when I believe my true passion was birthed.

Fast forward to 2019 I was having a conversation with a friend about how I would really love to make an income doing what I love. At this time, I wasn’t on any social media platforms and my friend suggested I start an Instagram page highlighting my style, and from that conversation “t styled it” was born. I use my platform to inspire women to dress and show up in the world as their best self, walking in their truths. I want women to never be afraid to follow their passions no matter their age, backgrounds, faults, or shortcomings. Show up and let your talents speak for itself! In 2020 I began taking my social media presence more serious, honing in on my craft. After receiving tons of compliments on my style and taste I decided to push forward with styling and did my first official styling job for a brand in April of this year. That moment then gave me the boost of confidence I needed to pursue more styling opportunities.

What sets me apart from others and what I’ve been complimented on most is the level of authenticity I bring to my platforms. I stay true to myself despite the temptation to blend in and follow what’s trending. I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to turn my passion into profit, and the growth I’ve achieved thus far, starting from the bottom without a clue but standing firm in my vision. I still have a long way to go but the foundation is laid and starting was key!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience is only acquired through trials and no success is built without it. I’m currently facing a trial that has threatened to end my dream several times in the past year. My mother who at the time was taking care of my disabled father fell severely ill in March of last year which left her disabled. I now have the responsibility of caring for them both in addition to managing my household and business affairs. It has been extremely difficult to manage it all, and I’ve been tempted to fall into dark periods of depression. With prayer and a high level of discipline and commitment I always snap out of it because I know giving up my dreams simply because life has thrown me a curve ball isn’t the answer! So, I continue to show up and smile through the difficult moments knowing that trouble won’t last always and if nothing else this experience has shown me that I can still produce high quality work even under immense pressure.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Along the same vein as illustrating resilience I have had to learn to pivot with the shifts of life. Taking on a caregiver role to my parents has demanded a lot of my focus and because my parents care is always top priority there is a constant need to adjust my expectations in business and change my game plans and strategies to accommodate all my responsibilities. Pivoting is a skill, and you must be okay with the idea that in business and in life your ideas may not always go as planned and you must be ready to adjust as needed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tstyledit_
• Youtube: T Styled it

Image Credits
Christine Deibel