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

Tanika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

It has not been a smooth road. I think, particularly in the beginning, most entrepreneurs struggle with balancing business, life and a 9-5 job. I had to learn how to manage my household, fulfill family commitments, work 8 hours, commute 2 hours, learn how to run a business and run the business. You know that meme introducing the business team? Well, I am the creator, designer, maker, accountant, shipping department, social media representative, correspondence unit, training division because yes I train myself and everything else. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I love it. What I have found to be helpful is time management and organization. While I am task-oriented, these skills can be challenging. So I take great pride in being flexible with prioritizing work, life, and business on a daily basis. In the beginning of the week I identify tasks in each area of work, life, and business and categorized them by critical need and deadline if there is one. Then each morning I am intentional about what hits the to-do list for that day. Being intentional is key, it helps to keep me motivated to take action. I could be prepared for everything but what would be the point if I don’t take action. One day Mesha Bazemore from Cocoa Twins said, “We have the audacity to assume that tomorrow is promised” and that hit hard. So every morning, I decide to be intentional and I commit to myself and to those I service.

Tanika, 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?

At a young age, I fell in love with crafting. From potpourri jars to cards, to party souvenirs and home crafts. In 2008, I began exploring jewelry and accessories and began learning different techniques such as bead embroidery and bead stringing to create and design my own unique creations. People began asking where I got my jewelry from and it was shocking to me because it all started with me doing something for fun. I have since ventured into different medias to make jewelry over the years. What I love the most is resin art and digital art.

In 2014, I began my journey of caregiving. As many family caregivers do, I sacrificed many things such as outings with friends and family, vacations whether away or at home, and career opportunities. After losing my grandmother to Alzheimer’s, I really needed to find myself again. In the midst of grief and the pursuit of finding me, I realized that there is space in this world that is taboo.

Many of us don’t talk about the lifestyle of a caregiver, yet many of us are feeling the same stressors. What makes me and what I do unique is the ability to pull from my experience and relate to anyone who identifies as being a caregiver. One of the first things I thought about was how do I get back to being me. In life, we continue to grow with every experience. I wanted to do the things I strayed away from that made me happy in the past: doing my makeup, dressing up occasionally, decorating my home, and outings with family and friends. Along the way, I picked up some new habits, such as journaling, cooking, and raising plants. You’ll see I have different products that speak to the journey throughout the many phases of a caregiver lifestyle. Resin jewelry helps to jazz up your style with unique pieces; resin art to spice up the home decor; blankets and apparel for comfy days; drinkware and coasters to sip into relaxation; journals to collect thoughts, hopes and dreams, and many other items.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

Vybrant Jewels was launched to celebrate the lifestyle of caregivers. What you see today is the first phrase of crucial support caregivers across the U.S. need on a daily basis. During my journey as a caregiver, my family and I were often in spaces where we needed guidance without a clue as to where to get help. Some of the challenges we faced included but is not limited to choosing in-home care or facility-based care; finding appropriate home health aides; finding appropriate rehabilitation facilities; identifying supplemental financial resources; identifying appropriate medical insurance benefits; getting medical equipment, and getting crucial and appropriate referrals from physicians.

The mission and goal is to provide full consultation services for caregivers. While there is a lot of information available, many people are still piece mailing information together while simultaneously providing care for their loved one. That is a daunting and exhaustive task. This is the time to cherish your loved one without distraction and I want to help ensure families have more time to make memories.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative, is the ability to connect with others through my creative designs. The smile it makes, the aww it receives, but mostly the feeling it gives people. I want people to see themselves in my work and feel loved, valued, appreciated and supported. Every purchase should remind people to care for themselves and “replenish their cup” while they continue to give to and care for others. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

I have also incorporated two charity lines for Alzheimer’s and Lupus Awareness, with direct support to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Lupus Foundation of America respectively. I look forward to expanding my charity work to include support for Ovarian Cancer and organizations supporting caregivers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vybrantjewels.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Vybrantjewels
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Vybrantjewels