TANHOLLYWOOD’S STORY
UP
RAW
AND
PER
SON
AL
“Through much
research, trial and
error, I learned the
management side
of the industry,
always having that
leadership ability
deep inside.”
Q: What inspired you to enter the world of fashion?
A: My mother. She worked as a cosmetologist and
owned her own business. As her clients entered the
salon, I would listen in on the beauty discussions.
When I was sixteen, I was pregnant, and hid behind
the four walls of my bedroom. I was afraid to tell my
mom because she was also a Pentecostal evangelist that
firmly believed in no sex before marriage. As my belly increased in size, my wardrobe selection decreased. I had
nothing that would fit. So I cut up clothing and stitched it
back together to stretch the fabric. I started thinking I could
become a designer. That didn’t work out.
But I began to order fashion magazines that I read front to back,
loving everything pertaining to fashion. And the time came when
I had no other choice but to tell my mom I was pregnant. We sat
down to discuss what I was going to do, and I told her I wanted to
be like her and do something related to the beauty industry.
After I delivered my son, I had a bright idea to put on a hair and
fashion show which would help increase my mother’s volume of
clientele. My uncle financed my first show, which sold out.
Q: Where did you get your education?
A: After graduating from high school, I earned
an associate’s degree at Mansfield Business
College. As for fashion, I enrolled in the Art Institute of Chicago’s online program, and I will
soon graduate with a degree in management from
Webster University.
Q: How did you become so well connected in the
celebrity world?
A: Actually, I began helping Roland Williams of Youth
Lifeline America at his foundation, and it snowballed from
there. Ultimately, it’s my personality of authenticity and kindness I think most people gravitate toward. I’m just me, love it or
hate it.
Q:
A:
What do you like to do outside of the fashion industry?
I love, love, love Sunday School. I have a great pastor. I attend
Greater Liberty C.O.G.I.C. Also, I love hanging out with my son,
Antoine, decorating, getting facials with my granddaughter and
traveling.
Q: What are your favorite foods?
A: Food? Those that really know me know I’m not a big eater,
Each year afterward, I auditioned, trained and produced fashion
shows. Aspiring models, family and friends would catwalk for entertainment. Through much research, trial and error, I learned
the management side of the industry, always having that leadership ability deep inside.
but I love celery sticks and salmon. I’m not much of a meat eater
either (no pork, beef, hardshell fish).
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
What gives you that drive in the industry?
I simply love the industry; I think volunteerism is great as
well. I do get contracted for many assignments because I am so
confident and organized as a manager and leader.
34
GAZELLE STL
Are you married?
No, I’m single (maybe one day).
SAVVY
SOPHISTICATED
SASSY