We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamya Bell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tamya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

The life of a business owner is a mix of joy, challenges, and moments of reflection. Most days, I feel incredibly grateful to wake up and pour my energy into something that’s mine. But, sometimes I do wish i could go back to a 9-to-5. I sometimes wish i was still a teacher.

One of those moments happened not too long ago. In october, I turned 24 and the week of and before my birthday had been a whirlwind—balancing my cosmetology classes, responding to clients, creating content, and prepping for a weekend shift at the salon. On top of that, I had a idea to start my podcast Infused With Melanin. I had to choose between staying up late to get it done or postponing my own plans. My cat was curled up next to me, purring softly, which was comforting, but I still felt overwhelmed.

I definitely caught myself thinking, things were easier to clock in, teach and go home. I missed having a predictable routine, paid time off, and weekends that were actually free was tempting. It felt comfortable … and I truly missed being comfortable.

But I also remind myself about why I started cosmetology school and my businesses in the first place. I think about the like of wiggle room to breathe during the week. I have to remember that I live for freedom. I love being able to create something uniquely me. Teaching definitely offered stability and comfort, but it didn’t give me the same sense of purpose of I have now. It didn’t allow me to tell the stories I’m so passionate about sharing and encourage others to share.

So for my 24th Birthday, i sat down and drank my redbull and ate my ice cream and decided to take a breather. I reminded myself that building something meaningful comes with hard days, and those days don’t mean I’m failing—they mean I’m growing and changing and learning and improving who I am. I also realized it was okay to want balance and in due time the balance I wanted would come. I promised myself I’d work on setting boundaries, asking for help when needed, and giving myself the same grace I’d give a client.

I sometimes miss the idea of a “regular job” and having that stability and comfort. But I always come back to this: I’m happier doing something that challenges me, excites me, and aligns with my passions. It’s not always easy, but it’s mine—and that’s what makes it worth it.

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

I’m Tamya, the founder of Melanin Muse Marketing, a social media marketing business dedicated to helping beauty businesses and creatives elevate their online presence. My journey began with a love for creativity and self-expression, which led me to pursue cosmetology and later develop a passion for marketing.

I’m currently a full-time cosmetology student, which gives me a deep understanding of the beauty world—its trends, challenges, and opportunities. This experience allows me to create marketing strategies that resonate with both beauty professionals and their audiences. However, my expertise isn’t limited to the beauty industry—I’ve worked with brands and businesses from various niches, bringing the same level of creativity and strategy to help them shine online.

At Melanin Muse Marketing, I specialize in:
• Social Media Strategy and Management: Developing customized plans to grow an audience, boost engagement, and achieve your business goals.
• Content Creation: Eye-catching visuals and compelling copy that tell your brand story and connect with your target audience.
• Brand Audits and Consultations: Helping you refine your digital presence and align your marketing efforts with your vision.

What sets me apart:
What makes my brand unique is my dual perspective as a cosmetology student and a social media manager. I bring real-world experience, creativity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Whether you’re in beauty, fitness, art, or beyond, I take the time to understand your brand’s unique voice and needs, crafting strategies that feel authentic and impactful.

What I’m most proud of:
I’m incredibly proud of the partnerships I’ve built with my clients. Seeing their confidence grow as they attract their dream audiences and achieve their goals is what motivates me every day. I’m also proud of creating a business that uplifts others and helps them feel empowered in their online presence.

What I want you to know about Melanin Muse Marketing:
At its heart, Melanin Muse Marketing is about collaboration and empowerment. I’m here to help you feel confident in your digital presence so you can focus on doing what you love. Whether you’re a stylist, a small business owner, or a creative entrepreneur, I’ll help you shine online and save you time and stress.

With Melanin Muse Marketing, you’re not just hiring a social media manager—you’re gaining a partner who’s truly invested in your success. Let’s work together to infuse a little melanin, magic, and creativity into your day!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that success has to look a certain way. For a long time, I believed that there was a single path to “making it”—a perfect formula that everyone needed to follow. Whether it was going to college, working a traditional 9-to-5, or hitting specific milestones by a certain age, I felt like anything outside of that would be failing and I treated myself that way and sometimes still do.

So When I started my journey as a cosmetology student prior to being a business owner, I was surrounded by people following more conventional paths. I did the same thing and study to become a teacher. And when I quit teaching, I found myself often comparing myself and wondering if I was “wrong” because my story no longer looked like everyone else’s that followed the exact blueprints laid out for us. At the same time, I was juggling multiple roles—being a student, a creative, navigating social issues within the world, my own bias and so much more—so I felt a lot of pressure to prove myself.

But as I’ve grown and experienced more, I realized that success is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about doing what you’re passionate about, aligning with your purpose, and creating a life that feels fulfilling to you. For me, that means embracing the journey of running my businesses, pursuing cosmetology, and empowering others to find their voice whether that’s online or in person.

Unlearning this mindset has allowed me to trust my own path and celebrate my wins—big or small—without comparing them to anyone else’s. It’s also made me more intentional about helping my clients embrace their unique journeys as they build their brands. Success can be as unique and vibrant as the person defining it, and that’s a lesson I’m grateful to have learned.

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

My pivot isn’t that exciting but I like talking about it!

I started out chasing the “perfect American dream”—going to college, starting a career, and starting a family. The basics for success. It was the path that seemed right on paper, one so many people are taught to strive for. But deep down, I realized it wasn’t my dream. It wasn’t lighting that fire in my soul.

So, I made the choice: to step away from the expectations and into the unknown. I followed my passion for creativity and entrepreneurship—I found spaces where I could not only embrace my creativity but also inspire others. Through my journey, I discovered my voice, a voice that spreads positivity and shows others how to chase their own dreams unapologetically.

Now, I get to be living proof that stepping off the expected path can lead to something even more fulfilling. I’m building a life on my own terms, encouraging others to find their spark, and sprinkling positivity in a world that desperately needs it.

What’s most meaningful to me is that my story shows people they’re allowed to rewrite the script—even if it’s scary. One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned from following my heart is that true fulfillment comes when I honor my own voice and vision, not the one others expect of me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: TheMelMuseMarketer
• Facebook: Melanin Muse Marketing
• Youtube: Infused With Melanin