We were lucky to catch up with Tylisha McKinney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tylisha, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Being an entrepreneur can be not only scary but it’s challenging as well. There’s so many how to’s, why’s, and where do I start, and where do I go next Who do I need to speak to, funding, resource, resource, and more resources. Well, for me being an entrepreneur was always in the plan for me ever since I was a little girl. I would help my grandmother from time to time at a snack bar that she owned at the North Dade Neighborhood Center in Opa-locka. My grandmother is my greatest inspiration when it comes to entrepreneurship. She always instilled in us to always have something for yourself and to never be comfortable working for somebody else.

Marie McKinney, my grandmother, came from the Bahamas to Miami, Florida and she made things happen. She was a community role model and highly respected woman. Many say that I get my nurturing nature from my grandmother. She’s the reason why I was able to step out into entrepreneurship. She’s the reason why taking a risk on me was no other way around it. At the age of 14 years old I started my own road to being an entrepreneur by doing hair. It’s nothing like making your own money especially when you’re doing something that you love doing. Fast forward to adulthood, I started doing Public Relations for the TV show In The Mix. I’ve always been a connector of people so this was 2nd nature to me. Things grew so fast for me and clients were coming left and right seeking for me to work with them. I began to dab into production. I was the producer for a series called The Sound Check, What America Looks Like Late Night With Davi (of which I’m still the Producer & creator of show). I was the Producer for In The Mix radio show which aired on Mature Life Radio. I was also the Co-Producer & Talent Coordinator for the TV series Inspirational Jamz which aired on The CW every Sunday morning hosted by The Barbie Twinz.

I’m currently working on a new series with SGS Studios called Boss Models of which I’m a Producer and Co-Director. I’m also Producing Late Night With Davi and having this show placed on TV, hosted by none other than Davi Speaks. This show will air every Saturday @ 4am starting April 2, 2022. I’m working on other show projects as well.

Sister I Have Your Back is my BIG baby! I enjoy lifting women self-esteem and positioning them for success. I enjoy reminding them that they are relevant and that success is nothing without them. I enjoy Honoring them by placing a real crown on their heads and presenting them with a crystal glass award. I enjoy providing resources to help them pivot. I enjoy the feedback on how they have executed a mission and how I inspired them to fulfill their dreams or goals.

I never saw myself doing the things that I’m currently doing. I thought that I would own a braiding salon or that I would be a singer. When I think about taking a risk, I think about how I took a risk on myself to do what I wasn’t trying to initially do. Growing up, I didn’t see myself producing anything for TV. I didn’t see myself having a global sisterhood movement. I didn’t see myself helping other businesses to pivot. I wanted to braid hair and sing. Though, I’ve recorded songs and they played on radio, I’ve written and co-written songs, recorded backgrounds for other artists, and performed at events, as rewarding as those things were, what I’m doing now feels more rewarding. I’m touching more people’s lives in an uplifting way and that makes a difference. If I hadn’t taken a risk in telling In The Mix, yes, I don’t know if I would be where I am in the way that I am today. I am the CEO/Founder of Tye Live Ent LLC, Essential Companion Care LLC, Essential Financial Solution LL, & Owner of Sister I Have Your Back. Always bet on yourself and trust yourself. Always remember that SUCCESS is nothing without YOU!

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

I am a serial entrepreneur and owner of a global sisterhood movement. I am a sought after Publicist in Miami, FL of which people throughout the US call me for service. I take pleasure in helping others and celebrating their achievements. Being a mother is the ultimate fulfillment but doing what I’m doing is a highlight of fulfillment as well. Staying consistent & focused is key. A wise woman by the name of Germaine Mitchell once told me that “practice makes permanent”. Whatever your practices are is what will be your results. It won’t necessarily be perfect especially if there’s no critique or guide to help ensure that what you’re practicing will come out perfect. However, you have to keep going and not be afraid to take a risk on you. Be open to learning and experiencing new or different things. Be open to an expansion of your vision. Don’t be afraid to soar high. Be unapologetic about what table you have built and be ok with knowing that not everyone is positioned to sit at your table and vice versa.

I build my own tables and I call myself the business & self-esteem midwife.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me with building my reputation in my market was my integrity with my work ethic. Being consistent and having a drive that’s almost insane. All I know is that if I can see it I can do it and I put in the work to make what I see visible to everyone else. Being genuine, transparent, and a straight shooter when communicating with my clients helps with building trust especially when they see a successful outcome.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When managing a team, you must 1st remember that your team is an extension of you. Never be afraid to help your team to shine. When your team shine, you shine. Always let them know that you appreciate them and their time that they are putting into your vision and what you have built. Remind them that they are valuable. Reward them whenever possible, whether it’s a cash bonus, tickets to an event, gift cards, etc. You want to have high morale and when people see that they are appreciated they tend to go the extra miles. Operate with a firm hand but in a nurturing way, this way they know that your business is serious but you’re also able to meet them where they are and teach them so that they can elevate to the next level. When your team sees that you want them to grow and that you’re willing to work with them to grow, they more than likely will put in more of themselves to your mission which will help with their personal growth and future endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tyelive
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylisha.marie.5
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Created-N-Love Studios Cedric Brooks