We recently connected with Tisha Kirkland and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Taking a risk for me was investing in myself and my brand, at a time in my life when I had just lost my job after 8 years. The money that I began using was all I had to my name. There were bills, car notes, rent, etc, Collecting unemployment wasn’t enough to suffice. However I had to believe in myself along with the help of a dear friend who’s an artist that motivated and inspired me to take a leap in faith. This is when the T-Madonna Brand came to life! It started with a vision that was brought to reality. From art that turned into fashion with intricate thoughts and long nights I persevered and manifested each idea exactly how I envisioned. In which the mere thought of my process, trials and tribulations that I had to endure make me emotional; to know if this was going to be a success or failure, After many attempts and bad experiences with middle men I had to learn to cut the middle man out! This is when I had to dig deeper. this is when I had to invest a little more money, that’s when I began to buy my own machines and find other printing vendors to cut the cost as much as possible. it seems to be going well. creating new images, constantly making new merch and expanding my brand. I feel I am on my way to something special. T-MADONNA!

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

My name is Tisha a Bronx Native, born and raised in the Bronx the only child to my parents. A single mother to a son and a daughter a grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters. The only person in the family that graduated from college, how amazing is that! when I was known to be the black sheep of the family. The black sheep that is now the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). I’ve also accomplished getting my Bachelors degree and currently in pursuit of my Masters.

I never grew up around people that inspired me to have my own business, that’s not what I saw. I never grew up around people that were graduating from college, that’s not what I’ve seen. I never grew up around people that thought credit is key, that’s not what I saw. financial literacy was the last thing that a drug dealer dad was thinking about teaching his only child. Giving the cards I was dealt I played the hand I had with a poker face. Many never understood my rough exterior but once they got to know me they seen I was nothing more that a warm big heart individual that tried to give anyone the love and support that they might not receive any where else. Coming from a loving mom and a huge family filled with love, I just wanted to show they the other side of me. they call me the pre-Madonna of the family, that’s where the name T-Madonna was created, I love I have for fashion and looking my best came together as one!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me honestly the most rewarding aspect of being creative is that it allows my friends, my family and my followers to see how my mind actually functions when it comes to being creative. I have totally seen people have doubts when I approach them with my street wear. I have to explain to several people on different occasions that this is my brand, these are my images I created from a thought that was in my mind. I am known to have a desire for fashion and also known to provide gear to the community through different outlets for a fee and sometimes for free. I also sell new and gently used items on other platforms through third parties. Fashion and clothing has always been a huge part of me.

I have also seen people aspect of me change right in front of my eyes as I am letting them know this is T-Madonna wear this is my own unique brand. Once clear of what they are actually looking at and the great quality and I explain I put my heart into this project, they give me my flowers, they also state this is so dope, several people said this is beautiful. This is when I knew if I keep my creativity alive this may become a great thing for me and my brand. Every day I begin to brainstorm and think of new images and imagine how it would look on a canvas. Some of my creations and thoughts don’t always look good on the canvas. that is when I begin to dig deeper and get more creative because I need all my thoughts to come to life. I began to make more products by buying more inventory, it became addictive and fun to see the creative side of me come to life and be manifested.

T-Madonna!

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

Yes I wish I knew what I am learning now, The resources I wish I really knew prior is how to find vendors. Like going into printing companies and seeing the different quality of products in person, learning how to find great quality and for lower fees. Lower fees means more profit,

Contact Info:

• Website: TMadonna_swag.com
• Instagram: Mostloved_livinglegend Also Tmadonna
• Facebook: TMadonna