Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiandra Robinson

Hi Tiandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Louisville, 2009. Fresh out of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and armed with a Master of Arts in Marketing Communications from Webster University, I was ready to take the world by storm. But, oh boy, did the job market have other plans!

After facing some initial hurdles in landing the dream job, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Leaning on my background in public relations, I dove headfirst into the freelance world, scoring gigs in the entertainment industry. And that’s where the magic began.

Fast forward a bit, and T. Marie Consulting was born. Starting as T. Marie Management, I decided to expand my horizons, offering not just PR but also marketing and branding services. Oh, and let’s not forget about my love for fashion, which naturally found its way into my work, adding that extra sparkle to everything we do.

Now, here’s the heart of it all: community service. It’s not just something we do; it’s who we are. From volunteering with nonprofits to lending a hand at major events like The American Red Cross’s ‘Wrapped In Red Gala’ and Louisville’s Derby City Fashion Week, giving back is at the core of what we do.

But wait, there’s more! These days, my focus is on championing small businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color. I’ve launched game-changing initiatives like 502 Black Business Week and 502 Black Eats Week, shining a spotlight on some seriously talented entrepreneurs. And let me tell you, the impact has been huge. We’re talking media buzz, city proclamations—the whole nine yards.

So, why the spotlight on black-owned businesses, you ask? It’s simple. It’s about leveling the playing field, breaking down barriers, and giving everyone a fair shot at success. Supporting these businesses isn’t just good business; it’s the right thing to do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. Since starting T Marie Consulting in 2009, I’ve faced a number of challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles has been finding consistent income that would allow me to transition from my full-time job to running my consulting business full-time. Balancing both roles required an immense amount of dedication and time management, often leaving me working late nights and weekends to ensure my consulting clients received the attention they deserved while still fulfilling my responsibilities at my day job.

However, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to improve and adapt. I focused on refining my services, improving my marketing strategies, and building strong relationships with clients. Over time, these efforts began to pay off, and I started seeing a more stable and predictable income stream. This allowed me to gradually reduce my hours at my full-time job until I finally felt confident enough to take the leap and commit to T Marie Consulting full-time.

Despite the struggles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each obstacle overcame has strengthened my resolve and enriched my professional experience, making T Marie Consulting what it is today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about T. Marie Consulting?

I am a marketing consultant specializing in supporting small and Black-owned businesses. I am best known for creating initiatives that amplify the presence and impact of Black-owned businesses in Louisville. One of my proudest achievements is founding 502 Black Business Week, a week-long sales event that promotes Black businesses in celebration of Juneteenth.

My focus on Black-owned businesses stems from a deep commitment to highlighting the importance of supporting these enterprises. 502 Black Business Week, which I launched in 2018 with just 14 businesses, has grown to include 127 at its peak, showcasing the vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial spirit within the community.

What sets me apart is my passion for being a connector of opportunities. I thrive on creating platforms that enable Black-owned businesses to gain the recognition and support they deserve, ultimately contributing to a more equitable economic landscape.

Who else deserves credit in your story?

I have a whole host of people I could thank, namely the entire city of Louisville, and seeing as how I don’t want to leave anyone out, I’ll leave it there. I will say my biggest supporters are my husband and kids because they have to take this journey with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tmarieconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tmarieconsulting
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/tmarieconsulting

Image Credits

Echilann Images