We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tomazia Benoliel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tomazia below.

Alright, Tomazia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

-Embracing Self-Love: A Journey from Doubt to Empowerment

As a teenager, I spent six years grappling with crippling self-esteem issues. The mirror reflected not a young woman full of potential but someone constantly searching for flaws, doubting her worth at every turn. Loving myself felt like an unreachable dream, a distant shore I could never reach. However, fast forward to today, as a 23-year-old who has triumphed over these challenges, I can confidently say that embracing self-love and trusting my potential has been the most transformative experience of my life.

This journey wasn’t just about overcoming personal hurdles; it was about discovering the immense power that lies within each of us when we truly believe in ourselves. It’s this revelation that fuels my passion to share my story and help others embark on their own journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

-Why is this mission meaningful to me?

The essence of my mission stems from my own struggles with self-esteem and identity, compounded by societal standards that often fail to recognize the beauty and strength of Black women. Growing up, I not only battled with loving myself but also struggled to see my own skin color.

This realization—that my journey is not unique but shared by many Black women navigating similar challenges—compelled me to take action. I want to empower others to embrace their uniqueness, to love themselves unapologetically, and to recognize the boundless potential that lies within them.

-My Mission: Empowering Self-Love

My mission is simple yet profound: to help people love themselves the same way they love others. It’s about shifting the narrative from self-doubt to self-empowerment, from self-criticism to self-celebration. But more importantly, it’s about empowering Black women to embrace their beauty, strength, and resilience.

Why This Mission Matters

Self-love is not just a personal journey; it’s a revolutionary act. In a world that often seeks to define us by our shortcomings and conform us to narrow standards of beauty and success, loving ourselves is a radical act of defiance. It’s a declaration that we are enough, just as we are, and that our worth is not determined by external validation but by our inherent value as individuals.

For Black women, this journey is even more critical. Our beauty, strength, and resilience are not just attributes but sources of power. By embracing who we are, we reclaim our narrative, redefine beauty on our own terms, and inspire others to do the same.

Because when we love ourselves, we unlock the power to change our lives, uplift our communities, and make a meaningful impact on the world around us. And that, is a mission worth pursuing.

Tomazia, 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?

– From Solo Adventures to Community Building: My Journey as Tomythings

Many know me as Tomazia, some as Tomy, and others by Tomythings.
My journey over the past three and a half years in the creative realm has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a personal endeavor to document my “Alone” journey in the U.S. through solo dates and original quotes has evolved into a full-fledged career and business venture.

– Unexpected Beginnings in Freelancing*

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my passion for content creation would pave the way for a career as a full-time freelancer. As I immersed myself in the creative process, businesses began to take notice of my unique approach to storytelling and approached me for marketing services. Today, I proudly wear multiple hats as a Marketing Strategist, content creator, and business owner.

– Introducing “Tea Things”: A Blend of Culture, Connection, and Self-Love

While my professional journey has been rewarding, it’s my business, “Tea Things,” that truly embodies my passion for community and self-love. Born out of my personal struggles to forge meaningful connections after relocating to Portland, “Tea Things” is a Women’s collective that celebrates the simple yet profound act of sharing a cup of tea.

– Who Am I?

Hi there! I’m Tomazia Benoliel, originally from Angola and currently calling Portland, OR, home. Navigating the challenges of relocating during the COVID era was tough, but it also ignited a spark within me to create something meaningful. Inspired by the comforting tea traditions of my culture, I envisioned a space where women could come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships—one tea cup at a time.

-What We Offer at Tea Things

At Tea Things, our monthly events are more than just tea gatherings; they’re opportunities for connection, growth, and self-discovery. Each event features a curated selection of teas, workshops or activities, and mindfulness exercises designed to help participants connect with themselves and others. I’m thrilled to share that within our first year, we welcomed over 250 individuals to our events, each leaving with a renewed sense of community and belonging.

-Looking Ahead

As I continue to navigate the worlds of marketing, content creation, and community building, my mission remains unwavering. Whether through Tea Things or Tomythings, I am committed to creating spaces where people can learn, exchange knowledge, connect, and simply have fun.

My journey has taught me the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and the transformative nature of self-love. And as I continue to grow and evolve.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One big lesson I’ve learned is not to worry too much about what others think of me. We often believe people are judging us, but most of the time, they’re focused on their own lives.

I used to overthink and imagine what others might be thinking or saying about me. But I’ve realized that these worries are often just in my head. They’re not real.

Once I understood this, I stopped caring so much about other people’s opinions and started focusing on what I truly want. It’s freeing to live my life without constantly worrying about what others think. Now, I can do what makes me happy and follow my own path without being held back by fear or self-doubt.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

At Tea Things, my top priority is ensuring that everyone has an unforgettable experience and feels truly valued. I believe that the key to attracting more guests isn’t just through promotion but by genuinely making our current attendees feel special.

I always put myself in their shoes, asking, “What would make me enjoy an event?” It’s all about paying attention to the details and creating an atmosphere where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

When guests have a fantastic time, they naturally want to share their positive experiences with others. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied attendees are the most authentic and effective way to grow a community-based event like Tea Things.

So, by focusing on delivering exceptional experiences and making each guest feel valued, we not only create a thriving community but also organically attract new members who are eager to be a part of something special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://teathings.us
• Instagram: Tomythings_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomazia-benoliel-672825225/
• Youtube: Tomythings_
• Other: Pinterest: Tomythings_

Image Credits
Images by: Candace Molatore Elly Lupinek Lindsay Emily Gass