We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamia Iman Kennedy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tamia Iman, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally, after seeing the success of Issa Rae during college. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had many interests but in a setting like college, you’re required to choose a specific lane. Of course choosing any type of career in the arts isn’t exactly supported like other careers and ultimately my interest in film and television was pushed to the side. But then I learned about Issa Rae. A woman who is not only a producer, actor and writer, but a serial entrepreneur and gamechanger in the industry for Black creatives. After seeing her excel as a multihyphenate, I finally gave myself permission to pursue a creative career as a producer, actor and writer too along with my other careers like entrepreneurship and education.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For starters, I’m a multi hyphenate creator focusing on acting, producing and writing. I absolutely love the genre of comedy and have been blessed to be casted in a few comedy projects that have a Fall2023 release date. Stay tuned. One of my first projects I produced and co-wrote is a children’s web series called Read About It. This series has a special place in my heart because I was given this opportunity at a time when everybody said no.
I’m also the owner of Tamia Iman Media, which currently offers BTS event coverage and content creation and Black On The Scene, a company focusing on ensuring Black representation in film and television. At BOTS, we’ve done short films, a web series, events, panel discussions, art exhibits, and much more to come. I’m most proud of the recent free movie screening I hosted of “The Little Mermaid ” for 200 Black girls. We campaigned this event for months and raised almost $7,500 with the help of the community. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it, because seeing Black representation in film and television is so necessary.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m involved in quite a few things but they all have so much value in my life and keep me going. To be able to pursue my passion but also have purpose in so many avenues is a blessing and I don’t take it for granted. When people learn about me, I hope they feel inspired to chase their dreams and never put a limit on what they can accomplish in this world.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The main goal that is driving my creative journey is creating spaces for Black people in film and television. Whether you are a creative who needs jobs or a consumer who simply wants to enjoy being entertained there should be opportunities for that. From my experience as a Black woman, creative and consumer, I understand firsthand what it’s like to not see yourself positively represented on the screen or told no when you are seeking production roles. Changing the narrative is my why.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The biggest resource that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is my continuous participation in leadership development programs and mentorship. It is important to be in settings and have people around you that can help you further develop because we don’t have all the answers. Especially, as a business owner I’ll be the first to admit that I have done so many things wrong but additional resources make the journey easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamiaiman.com | www.blackonthescene.org
- Instagram: Tamiak | Blackonthescene | Tamiaimanmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamia-iman-kennedy-9063b2186
Image Credits
Stephen Clark Sanchez Tre Butler Yaheem Murphy Octavio Jones Briah Smith