We recently connected with Tamika Gaskins and have shared our conversation below.

Tamika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have always had this desire to create. For years I wasn’t quite sure what that could look like for me. I’ve written blogs, shared ideas with family and friends, I’ve created headbands for babies. This creative spark has always been a part of me. It wasn’t until a year ago that I decided to really give myself a honest chance and take content creation seriously.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a passionate cocktail enthusiast. Content creating has given me the avenue to share my love for both cocktails and sharing . I have no formal training, but creating brings me joy. This hobby turned into a full-blown passion. I love sharing with others. I genuinely believe that each of us holds the capacity to explore our creative instincts. Crafting a beautiful cocktail, for me, is all about the overall experience, the ambiance, and the setting. I take delight in bringing family and friends together, introducing them to new and fun cocktail Ideas.

I try to steer clear of comparing myself to others because I believe in the uniqueness each of us brings to the cocktail community. What distinguishes me in this space is my attention to detail. I focus on those subtle nuances that often go unnoticed by many. Whether it’s the music I choose or the lighting I set, every detail matters to me. While a great-tasting cocktail is a given, I place significant emphasis on crafting an overall memorable experience.

What brings me the most pride are the relationships, opportunities and collaborations that have come my way. When I initially started exploring creating cocktail content, it was purely for the enjoyment of it. However, over time, I’ve successfully cultivated a brand that I am really proud of and excited about.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Navigating social media can be tricky. People often see one reel or a post with impressive views, they see a nice size follower count and assume it happens overnight. The reality is that social media demands time, patience, effort, dedication, and resilience. There are stretches where it might feel like no one is cheering for you, and people around you may question your choices. In those moments, drawing from your own determination becomes crucial. Blocking out the noise and remembering your purpose is essential. Keep posting, keep showing up.

My journey on social media began with quiet progress. I discovered a rhythm that suited me. Social media is vast, and not everything resonates with everyone, but rest assured, your audience will find you. When they do, engaging with them is extremely important . My community understands that I pursue this passion out of genuine enjoyment and a desire to connect with them. We’re a community; I don’t believe in ‘followers.’ It sounds cliche but I believe my online presence has grown out of dedication, work and genuine honest connection.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect, without a doubt, is the ability to bring ideas to life and share them. Inspiring others to craft memorable moments with a fresh cocktail or new meal is satisfying . There’s something rewarding about the process of creating, whether it’s through words, images, or any form of expression. Its heartwarming to feel the joy of sharing your creative ideas, knowing that what sparked in your mind clicks with someone else.. It’s a unique way of leaving a mark, making an impact, and fostering a sense of shared understanding and appreciation. So while my cocktails may seem trivial or unimportant to some…for me its about the deeper connection we can all share over a cocktail or a quick and easy recipe.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrownbelle/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN2_DR71VUHB8Tt3weYl6UQ
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=OzAoDiW6tDsMAZwCAN9cAg
• TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrownbelle
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TheBrownBelle/?eq=thebrownbelle&etslf=6744