We recently connected with Tanya Lashley and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tanya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

The answer is unequivocally sooner. I spent many years in corporate America, and while I deeply value the lessons I learned and the experiences I gained there, nothing compares to the freedom of stepping into your own power. Pursuing a creative career has allowed me to live my truest, most highest expression of myself. It’s an indescribable feeling to create something that is not only meaningful to you but also resonates with others on a deeper level.

Tanya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Of course! My name is Tanya Lashley, and I’m the founder and creative force behind the Meet Me in series, a groundbreaking media project that bridges businesses and communities through storytelling. My journey into this industry was shaped by my experiences in corporate America, where I spent many years creating successful advertising campaigns. While I enjoyed the work, I often felt something was missing—a genuine connection between brands and their audiences. That realization led me to create my own path and launch Lashley Studio 3, where I could combine my passion for film, storytelling, and marketing in a way that feels deeply authentic.

Through the Meet Me in series, I’ve created a unique platform that brings businesses, real community members, and compelling stories together in a scripted statewide sitcom format. We work with sponsors—businesses of all kinds—to organically incorporate their brands into storylines, allowing their customers to see how their products and services fit into everyday life. It’s not just advertising—it’s storytelling that feels personal, relatable, and impactful.

What sets me apart is my ability to truly connect with people. I love people and trading stories. I’m not just telling stories; I’m creating experiences that celebrate the heart of each community and the businesses that serve them. I believe in hard work, the law of attraction, and creating joy and laughter for others.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the success of the Meet Me In series/concept. It’s grown from a small, local idea into a thriving series that has been featured by major media outlets like MSNBC, NJ Monthly, and News Channel 12. The series is already profitable, with the potential to scale much higher at such a fast pace. I intended on shifting the advertising industry. I had no idea it would happen this fast. I’m also proud of the connections I’ve built with the incredible sponsors, cast members, and communities I’ve worked with along the way.

For anyone reading this, I want you to know that my work is rooted in authenticity and passion. Whether you’re a sponsor looking to connect with your audience in a meaningful way or a fan of creative storytelling, The Meet Me in series is about more than just business—it’s about celebrating the real people, businesses, and stories that make communities so special.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the core, my goal is to give businesses a platform where they can connect with their audiences in a deeper, more personal way. I believe every business has a story worth telling, and by intertwining those stories with the communities they serve, we can create something that resonates far beyond a traditional advertisement.

On a personal level, my journey is about empowering others—especially women—to step into their own power and pursue their dreams. I know how important it is to show resilience and create opportunities for yourself. My mission is not only to tell great stories but to inspire others to believe in the power of their own.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of work that connects, inspires, and uplifts. Whether it’s a business sponsor, a community member, or a viewer at home, I want people to walk away from my projects feeling seen, valued, and inspired to be part of something bigger. That’s what drives everything I do.

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

In my view, one of the most important things society can do to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to truly value our vision the same way you would value a tangible service. Creativity might not always produce something you can touch or measure immediately, but it has the power to shape culture, connect people, and inspire change. That kind of impact is immeasurable—and it deserves respect and investment.

As a survivor of domestic violence, I’ve experienced extreme mental and emotional abuse. It’s something that society often overlooks or undervalues because it isn’t as visible as physical harm. But let me be clear: the damage caused by what you can’t see is just as real, just as valid, and just as impactful. The same holds true for the work of creatives. Just because our contributions may not be physical products doesn’t mean they aren’t essential or deeply transformative.

We need a shift in mindset. Society can support creatives by investing in our work, respecting the value we bring, and providing platforms and opportunities for our voices to be heard. This means supporting funding initiatives for the arts, offering education that emphasizes creative disciplines, and creating spaces where artists can thrive without fear of judgment or financial instability.

But beyond financial or institutional support, we also need emotional and cultural backing. Celebrate creativity. Recognize its power to heal, to connect, and to transform communities. And, most importantly, understand that the unseen—the vision, the emotion, the passion—often holds the most power.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meetmeinnewjersey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmeinnewjersey?igsh=Njl3NGhhd3p4eHM5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15a9b6PDCj/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tanya-lashley

Image Credits

Veronica Yankowski
Veroluce Photography