Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanaka Tava.
Hi Tanaka, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Tanaka Isheanesu Tava, and my identity is rooted in being a servant of God, love people deeply, and pursue my curiosity with a ferocious fever. All that I aspire to be is a vessel of peace, love, and light to anyone I interact with.
I am a first-generation American; my parents were born in Zimbabwe.
I am the Founder & Creative Director of Tava Multimedia Group. An innovative production company integrating technology, media, and design to inspire the masses.
I started Tava Multimedia Group Jan 2021 in the basement of the Baylor University Student Union Building with my iPhone and Laptop. I had no idea the journey it would lead to, but as someone who did not know how to speak until 4 years old, I do not take my voice for granted.
Tava has made a number of accomplishments during his time at Baylor, including starting The Iconic Conversations podcast garnering 2.6 million downloads in 124 countries, writing a poetry book, and speaking at TEDxCSUF, high school graduations, and numerous features in articles, such as The New York Times.
Tava Multimedia Group has now expanded from just a podcast to a full-on media company with a clothing arm, Iconic Luxury Streetwear, consulting/marketing with Tava Consulting, and event planning with Cultiv8 in partnership with Hustler Blueprint with founder Brady Patterson.
Despite the previous successes that have been accomplished, I can now recognize that insecurity was my biggest motivator. I was insecure which led me to think that the accolades and accomplishments were the only way I could feel valuable, feel as if I was enough. However, I realized that I’ve always been enough. Now I only intend to do things from and with a place of love rather than for love; that is the most important work. The ability to have a love for oneself will lead to having a love for other people which informs your work with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
My family is my source of inspiration because they have sacrificed so much for him to be where he is today. That alone helps drive me to success.
“Seeing them take the risk to uproot their whole life to come to a different country, only hearing about it on TV, and being educated enough to really go on and do those big scary things always inspired me.”
Tava said he owes his inquisitive nature to his family for allowing him to pursue his desires.
“For me, my family did a great job of instilling curiosity into me, time and time again, because curiosity keeps the human spirit engaged and able to continue to move on for innovation and also for great relationships.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggle all the way around. Deals falling through, not having the right materials, a road of rejections, mistakes, and heartbreak. However, it led me to where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tava Multimedia Group?
Tava Multimedia Group is an innovative production company integrating Technology, Media, and Design to inspire the masses.
Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, I use this company as a way to bring leaders, students, and peers alike to discuss the world’s endless possibilities.
Tava Multimedia Group is an innovative production company integrating technology, media, and design to inspire the masses.
Subsidiary Brands include:
Iconic: Luxury Streetwear
Iconic Conversations hosted by Tanaka Tava
Tava Consulting: Creative & Cultural Strategy
Service Capabilities:
– Content Ideation & Production
– User Experience Design
– Podcasting & Social Media Consulting
– Business & Brand Consulting
– Creative Direction
– Decentralized Finance
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Keep on going, do not stop. Life is hard, but treat yourself and others with kindness, love, integrity, and compassion each and every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanakatava.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanakatava/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanakatava
