Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tanaye White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tanaye, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

One of the most formative experiences in my career came during my time working in the aerospace industry as a social media manager, where I oversaw marketing strategy. Part of my role involved filtering through comments and direct messages—a seemingly routine task. However, our social media channels were often inundated with haunting images of lifeless children killed in war. These images were shared by those opposed to the products the company developed. Being in that position felt like staring into a mirror, reflecting the sins of the company…but no one else in my department had to face that reality as intimately or as frequently as I did.

The emotional toll of that job rippled through my life, contributing in part to what later became some of my darkest years. I struggled deeply with my mental health and I am very open about my experiences attempting to take my life. Today, I look back and recognize how pivotal that time was in shaping not only my resilience but also my willingness to speak openly about the importance of prioritizing mental wellness.

One invaluable lesson I took from that experience was the power of being vocal about my needs—especially when it came to my mental health. I was fortunate to have a manager early on who modeled this behavior, taking mental health days without hesitation. When she transitioned out of the role, I found myself stepping into my own voice, advocating for mental health days with executive leadership. I also used this transparency as leverage when negotiating a well-deserved pay raise.

The experience taught me to never shy away from honesty about my physical and mental health. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day—not just as a mantra, but as a practice. That job was challenging in ways I couldn’t fully understand at the time, but it ultimately prepared me to stand firm in my values, share my truth, and prioritize my well-being in my professional and personal life.

Tanaye, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Tanaye White—a model, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur. My journey has been anything but traditional. I started in aerospace marketing but transitioned to modeling, a dream I’d long set aside. In 2021, I debuted as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie, becoming the second-ever model in its history to be featured with an afro. Since then, I’ve worked with brands like Victoria’s Secret, Fenty Beauty, and L’Oréal, using my platform to champion diversity and mental health.

I also founded Feel Good Babe, a mental wellness brand empowering young girls and teens. My focus is on making self-care approachable and relatable. But ultimately, I just want to help others so that they never find themselves in the pitch-black spaces I once was. I’ve built a community online around authenticity—I’m not afraid to share my messy, real moments because that’s where connection happens. Whether through my work or my podcast, Not As I Do, I aim to inspire women to embrace their challenges as stepping stones. I’m proud to have turned my struggles into a platform for empowerment and creativity. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Much of the working class is made up of people with a dream and the audacity to chase it. I’ve experienced both sides of the creative hustle firsthand. One moment, you’re on red carpets and dining with A-list celebrities; the next, you’re rationing the last of your anxiety meds because you lost your healthcare when you left your corporate job to pursue that crazy dream to begin with. You’re living off bananas and ramen, searching for spare change under the couch cushions just to get by. Those experiences are all a part of my story.

It shouldn’t have to be that way. Workers deserve fair wages that allow them to pursue their dreams without teetering on the edge of homelessness. We need stronger protections for contractors and gig workers, who make up a huge portion of the creative economy but often lack basic safety nets like healthcare, paid leave, or unemployment benefits.

I moved to New York City a few years ago and was thrown into the gig/creator life. I’ve seen the advancements in supporting freelance and gig workers. But, more needs to be done to ensure creatives don’t have to choose between their next meal and paying their bills. There is nothing more demoralizing than hustling two or three jobs while chasing your dream on the side (you may even have a couple of roommates) to make ends meet and still ending up with nothing in the bank. That is a reality for models, actors, and even teachers! It shouldn’t have to be that way.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

This summer, a mentor-friend of mine insisted I read Play Bigger by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, and Kevin Maney. He believed it was the only book an entrepreneur truly needed—no need for “Business for Dummies” or anything like that (which I own). I recently finished it, and I have to say, it completely shifted my perspective on entrepreneurship. The book dives deep into the concept of category design and how to carve out your own unique space in the market, even if it’s oversaturated. It’s helped me to grow Feel Good Babe, Inc. Every entrepreneur should read it

Contact Info:

• Website: tanayewhite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanayedubz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanayewhite/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanayedubz

Image Credits
Images in denim jumpsuit: credit Lydia Hudgens