Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatyerra Mikell.
A Chicago girl that fell in love with LA living, Tatyerra is a storyteller focused on creating positive representations of Black girls and women. From creating safe spaces with her initiative, Gratitude For Black Girl, to writing my first children’s book, The Birthday Princess.
Hi Tatyerra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an author and space creator. With over ten years of experience as a communications and marketing professional, I use those skills to create moments and content that amplify our stories as Black girls and women. I find joy in creating content that showcases us full of life, love, and happiness. My dedication to honoring Black women and girls is ingrained in my lifestyle. In 20I9, I founded Gratitude 4 Black Girls, a hub that amplifies Black Women and Girls’ unique and diverse stories, ideas, and experiences. The initiative’s core values are listening to Black women and girls, investing in Black women and girls, and celebrating Black women and Black girlhood – the core value The Birthday Princess children’s book highlights.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have the most fantastic support system, but the path wasn’t smooth. While the overall goal has stayed the same, I’ve started and stopped on this journey so many times, and being an author was not something I would have seen myself doing. I still have a hard time calling myself an author, or a writer, even though the book has won awards. It’s been a journey of self-actualization and self-love. I’ve focused much of my career and efforts on centering other people’s voices and stories. This was the first time I’d centered myself. It’s been uncomfortable but wildly rewarding.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently focused on creating more content centering on diverse Black experiences. It’s an exciting time.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Own your dreams. For example, you’re a writer from the first time you write. You get to determine that, no one else. So own it, and don’t hide it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tatyerramikell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatytheeauthoress/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatyerraspurlock/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratitudeforblackgirls143
