We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ta’Najah Wallace a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ta’Najah , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative artistic path full-time when I was a child, watching renowned black women making change and expressing themselves through artistry on television. I saw myself in them, being entertaining and creative, singing, putting on shows, and immersing myself in characters just like they did. Shows like “That’s So Raven” inspired me to fall in love with characters and then reenact them.

In college, I was new to the school and eager to showcase my talent. Writing my first poem for a talent show changed everything. It was noticed by a club on campus, and I discovered spoken word, which literally saved my life. I could pour out my emotions, failures, and relationships into poetry when words failed me. With each poem, I grew stronger, and I couldn’t imagine my life without this form of expression.

As someone passionate about humanitarian work, I always felt a desire to change the narrative and add something new and fresh. Even though I earned my degree in human services, I wanted to make a bigger impact. My creative projects have always had a purpose beyond just creating; they aim to challenge the system and inspire change.

Modeling became another avenue for my creativity. As I became more confident in myself, I found joy in being both in front of and behind the camera, expressing myself in new ways.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue a creative artistic path is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact and challenge existing narratives. My work is infused with purpose and meaning, rooted in personal experiences and a commitment to creating change through art.

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.

Welcome! I’m excited to introduce myself and share my journey with you. I’m The Ta’Najah Wallace an artist, poet, event curator, model, and now, a creator on YouTube. My path into the world of creativity and expression began with a deep admiration for influential black women in the entertainment industry. Their impact inspired me to use my talents to effect change and inspire others. Creativity also gave me a place to rest because it always brings me back to myself!

As I navigated life’s ups and downs, my faith journey with Jesus Christ became a guiding light, infusing depth and authenticity into my creative endeavors. Now, I’m embarking on a new chapter by launching a YouTube channel where I’ll document my real-life journey, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. My goal is to be more than just a media highlight reel—I want to be a genuine voice, a speaker, and a leader who empathizes with others because I’ve walked a similar path.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and purpose-driven creativity. Each piece of content, whether it’s a poetry performance, a curated event, or a modeling project, serves a meaningful purpose, sparking conversations and advocating for change. My ability to connect visually, auditorily, and mentally allows me to engage with my audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Fans should look for content that inspires, challenges, and uplifts. Through my YouTube channel and other creative ventures, I aim to create a space where individuals can authentically express themselves, find solace in shared experiences, and discover new interests. Whether it’s through thought-provoking poetry, immersive storytelling, or community-driven events, my work is centered around making a positive impact and fostering meaningful connections.

One of my proudest moments was being honored with the Jake Shelton Award for Outstanding Poet and Community Advocate at the Charlotte Poetry Festival. This recognition affirmed my commitment to using art as a catalyst for positive change and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, participating in a pageant allowed me to leverage my platform to curate events centered around my advocacy causes, furthering my dedication to community engagement and empowerment.

Above all, I am most proud of my ongoing journey to grow spiritually and strive for excellence in the eyes of the Lord. Every day, I seek to align my actions and aspirations with His will, trusting that He will guide me toward fulfilling my purpose.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. I am growing a network of like minds called the TTW NETWORK which encompasses everything I’ve mentioned before. I look forward to connecting with you and building a meaningful relationship that extends far beyond the screen.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back on my journey, I wish I had known more about marketing and branding, as well as grants funding and networking, earlier on. These are essential aspects of building a successful career in the creative industry, and mastering them can greatly impact one’s trajectory.

Understanding marketing and branding allows you to effectively promote yourself and your work, ensuring that you reach your target audience and make a lasting impression. Similarly, knowing how to navigate grants funding opens up opportunities for financial support and resources to further develop your projects and initiatives. Networking is also crucial for building connections, collaborations, and opportunities for growth within the industry.

While I am continuously learning about these areas and believe that learning is a lifelong journey, having a solid foundation in marketing, branding, grants funding, and networking early on would have provided me with valuable tools and insights to propel my career forward more efficiently. I encourage anyone starting out in the creative industry to invest time and effort into learning about these aspects of the business, as they can make a significant difference in their success and longevity in the field as I will continue to do the same!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In shaping my management and entrepreneurial mindset, I’ve found invaluable inspiration from various sources. Recognizing the wealth of wisdom shared by individuals I admire, I actively seek out interviews, podcasts, and writings by these thought leaders. Engaging with their insights not only fosters a sense of community with like-minded individuals but also challenges and reshapes my mindset.

Navigating self-doubt and overcoming limiting beliefs has been a personal journey for me. Despite knowing my potential for greatness, I’ve grappled with moments of uncertainty and self-sabotage. To counteract this, I immerse myself in resources that encourage personal growth and resilience.

For spiritual guidance and motivation, I turn to Pastor Mike Todd’s teachings and draw wisdom from books such as ‘Bait of Satan’ and ‘Boundaries and Goodbyes.’ Additionally, autobiographies and memoirs offer profound insights into overcoming adversity and achieving success. Ultimately, the Bible serves as a foundational source of inspiration and guidance in my pursuit of purpose and greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thetanajahwallace.com
• Instagram: Thetanajahwallace
• Facebook: TanajahWallace
• Linkedin: Tanajahwallace
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thetwchannel

Image Credits