We recently connected with Takisha Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Takisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

Crazy thing is, I’m actually starting over as I type this. I recently got terminated from a corporate job I dedicated the last five years to—only to be told three days before my birthday that my position was being eliminated. A position, by the way, that I held longer than anyone else in the company. But enough about them—their biggest mistake was my biggest wake-up call.

In the midst of managing a team of over 15 people, I put my own dreams, passions, and businesses on the back burner. For the last four years, I stopped releasing music, closed my websites, and only worked on my businesses part-time—sometimes barely at all after exhausting days at my 9-5. It wasn’t until I lost that job that I realized I had completely forgotten about myself and my dreams.

So if you’re asking what I would do if I had to start over? I’d do exactly what I’m doing now. I’m choosing ME—my dreams, my music, my businesses—100%. I’m investing in marketing both online and offline. I’m building my email list by offering exclusivity to my customers. I’m showing up at events worldwide to represent my brand, shake hands, and build real relationships. I’m strengthening my client relationships by checking in, supporting their ventures, and keeping clear, open communication. I’m running ads on Facebook and Google to expand my reach. I’m creating and sticking to a structured schedule to stay organized and productive. I’m constantly researching and learning to grow and scale my businesses.

Starting over isn’t easy, but this time, I’m all in.

Takisha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started creating music at a very young age. I began singing in the choir at just five years old, then in middle school, I discovered a love for the violin. By high school, I was expressing myself through poetry, which soon transformed into rap music. Music has always been my foundation—it’s my first love and my truest form of self-expression.

After high school, I pursued Visual Communications (Graphic Design) in college. Once I graduated, I realized it would be more beneficial to become a freelancer rather than work for a large company where I’d only make a small commission from my artwork. However, I didn’t immediately step into designing full-time. I spent a few years working for a company that undervalued my worth, and it wasn’t until 2019, when I was diagnosed with an eye condition, that I made the decision to leave behind anything that caused me stress or didn’t align with my purpose.

That same year, I launched Tee The Promo Plug, a graphic design and print service specializing in content creation, branding, and photography. Since I always had a love for design, it made sense to take it to another level. As an artist, I was always the one showing up to performances with my branding on point—apparel, banners, buttons, business cards, and more. I realized that many artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives had talent but lacked the marketing knowledge and branding materials to stand out. That’s the problem I solve. I help my clients build their brands and promote themselves both online and offline. What sets me apart is that I did it for myself first—I understand the importance of branding because I lived it. I’m hands-on with the entire process, ensuring top-tier quality at an affordable price. At Tee The Promo Plug, we design and print business cards, brochures, posters, flyers, banners, tablecloths, flags, tents, buttons, bags, cups, apparel, and more—and we ship worldwide.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I expanded my brand by launching Tee Moss Gel. Being diagnosed with an eye condition led me to research natural herbs and holistic health, and that’s when I discovered sea moss. I started taking it for my own health, and after seeing the benefits, I decided to share it with others. What makes Tee Moss Gel different is that it’s prepared fresh once a month. Since sea moss typically lasts four weeks when refrigerated, customers who purchase at the start of the month will have a fresh supply until the next batch. I don’t keep old sea moss sitting on a shelf—all orders are freshly made, with most being pre-orders. Shipping is always fast (2-3 days), and I put my whole heart into every batch because I make it for myself too.

Mz Crazy Tee Boutique was born out of my love for unique fashion accessories. It originally started with my branded merchandise, but over time, people began complimenting my jewelry, shades, and statement pieces at my shows. That’s when I decided to turn it into a full boutique, offering stylish accessories that stand out just like I do.

Last but not least, CLE Foodie Tee is my passion project. If you know me, you know I love to recap my experiences—restaurants, events, hotels, and things to do in Cleveland and beyond. My family and friends know if I’m attending an event, a recap video is coming! CLE Foodie Tee is my content page where I share the best places to eat, stay, and explore, giving people a real look at what’s worth their time and money.

I’m most proud of finding myself again. I’m proud that I have the opportunity to tell the world who I am. Being let go from my corporate job was a blessing in disguise—it reminded me of my purpose and gave me the push I needed to fully invest in myself. I needed that setback to remember who I am, and now, I’m all in.

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

There was a moment in my journey when everything I had built felt like it was slipping away. I had spent years juggling multiple businesses, my music, and a demanding corporate job, constantly putting my own passions on the back burner. I told myself I was securing stability, but in reality, I was holding myself back. Then, just three days before my birthday, I was blindsided—my position was eliminated. Suddenly, the “stability” I had sacrificed so much for was gone, and I had to make a choice: dwell on the loss or finally go all in on myself.

Losing that job meant I had to start all over again, but this time, on my own terms. I had no choice but to fully bet on myself. Instead of dwelling on the loss, I saw it as an opportunity to pour everything into what truly mattered—my music, my businesses, and my brand. I restructured my entire approach, investing in marketing, creating a solid schedule, and showing up in ways I never had before.

Having to rebuild from scratch wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, moments where I questioned if I had made the right decision. But every challenge only proved how much stronger I was. Now, I wake up every day knowing that everything I do is for me, my vision, and my future. Losing my job didn’t break me—it freed me. And that’s what resilience is: turning setbacks into setups for something greater.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was thinking that job security meant life security. I always believed that working a corporate job while building my dreams was the smart and stable thing to do. And in a way, it was—but what I didn’t realize was how easily I was letting that job take priority over my own goals. I kept telling myself I’d get back to my music, that I’d put more energy into my businesses when the time was right. But the truth is, there’s never a “perfect time” to put yourself first—you have to make the time.

I learned this the hard way when my job was suddenly taken from me. After five years of investing my energy into someone else’s company, I was let go three days before my birthday, with no warning, no backup plan, and worst of all—I had put my own dreams on hold for too long. I was left having to start over from scratch. That’s when it hit me: I had spent years making sure someone else’s business thrived while mine sat on the back burner. And for what? A job that replaced me without a second thought.

So if I could tell anyone pursuing their dreams while working a 9-5 one thing, it would be this: don’t forget about yourself. Invest just as much time—and more—into your own vision after you clock out. Stay committed to what you’re building. Stability can make you complacent, but don’t let it distract you from why you’re really there. Whether you choose the corporate path or entrepreneurship, always work harder for yourself than you do for anyone else. Because at the end of the day, these jobs will replace you in a heartbeat—but your dreams? Those are yours to keep, if you fight for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mzcrazytee?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabrXdCaW8Bvq6Xnr1yqvCM1KWg15yGU12kFq9DIkLC8gXg2alxApOu7sbY_aem_l_jGnqluAOqE1g3zSB7riA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mzcrazytee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeeThePromoPlug?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Twitter: www.twitter..com/mzcrazytee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MzCrazyTee
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/AK7oXC5oMa8SQ6ed6
• Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@mzcrazytee?_t=ZT-8vFsrbE4rb4&_r=1

Image Credits

Photography By David Kage