Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameya Tarkington.
Tameya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I like to say I took the road less traveled! As a single mom at the young age of 23 after receiving my Associate Degree in criminal justice, I realized I truly wasn’t passionate about the field I just studied and received a degree in. I’ve always been into Fashion & Beauty and Visual Storytelling, so I decided to switch gears and jump into Marketing. What I initially thought was a way for me to “get my feet wet” in Marketing, turned into a successful career that has afforded me the opportunity to make an impact on a larger scale. While working in Corporate America, I’ve experienced many peaks and valleys as a Black woman. Being in spaces where I was the only Black person or Person of color in the room or seeing people who look like me shrinking themselves to fit the perceived norm made me feel as if I needed to be a voice for them and really for myself.
Throughout my career, that feeling only heightened as I was in a position to make a real impact and change the narrative in this space. I essentially wanted to be what I need as I was navigating Corporate America as a Black woman early on in my career, so I started a network or blog, if you will, The Meya T Network. Knowing that Corporate America is not the only space that needs work in creating space for Black Women, with The Meya T Network- my mission is to create a transformative network that inspires and amplifies the voices of Black women in Fashion & Beauty and Corporate America.
Through sharing my journey and experiences, my hope is that other Black women don’t feel alone in their journey and are able to gain tips that motivate them to be authentically who they are in any space they occupy, and I will be there, cheering along on the sideline!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned previously, on this journey, I’ve had many peaks and valleys. Many! Microaggressions- which included being labeled as “aggressive,” unconscious segregation, and self-doubt brought on by the others mentioned, are the major experiences I’ve endured in my career. I always credit my mom and aunts who embraced who they were and instilled that into me and my sisters early on, which is one of the reasons all those experiences didn’t break me. When I was told my “tone” was a problem or I am “too direct,” I started to believe that in the beginning because it was mentioned frequently whenever I spoke up. I really had to take a step back and go back to what I was taught growing up, understand that someone’s perception of me is their reality not mine, and learn to be accountable for what I can impact. It has been a journey to get to this space I am in, but with therapy, being self-aware, and advocacy from people that look like me, I am able to be an advocate for someone else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I currently work for a major retailer in Marketing & Branding. By Night, I am a newbie to the blogging world, The Meya T Network- where I aim to create a create a network that inspires and amplifies the voices of Black women in Fashion & Beauty and Corporate America by sharing my journey & lived experiences. I have over 18 years of experience in Marketing & Branding, so I like to call myself a Marketing guru!
With all that I have experienced in my professional and personal career, I am most proud of my voice. Having the will to stand up and speak out for what I believe in and use my voice to advocate for other women who look like me. That is also what sets me apart from others, standing with my bold voice, unapologetically as me always regardless of others’ perception.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Hmmm, what I like best is the many opportunities for Black people and people of color for both small business owners and big box companies. What I least like about the city is hard to narrow down, but I would say the traffic. I hate driving, so dealing with traffic just to go to the local grocery store is insane!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meyatnetwork.com
- Instagram: @meyatnetwork
- Email: meyatnetwork@gmail.com
Image Credits
@letmefocusonyou
@cmcreatives
@staybryght
