Conversations with Tiffany Onyenagubo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Onyenagubo.

Hi Tiffany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to be a businesswoman. I’ve always wanted to be in control of my own future on my own terms and the majority of my life was not set up that way. My life and upbringing was incredibly unconventional, especially being raised by Nigerian immigrants. Whatever my parents knew whatever was familiar with them had to be familiar with us. I wanted to show that we can be successful outside of the typical career choices they define for us. I love my parents to death because they’ve sacrificed so much for us, but they projected so many fears into us it stifled some of the excellent skills myself and my sisters possess. My brand, “theerealthickshady” and the several “THICK” brands I have that follow suit represent the alternate sides of an individual through self-expression and body positivity. My weight loss journey taught me that being body positive is more than how our bodies look, but appreciating and respecting every single body: dismembered, disabled, fat, skinny, etc. My goal is to be the Nigerian mogul nobody has ever seen. I want to do it all. I want to run a clothing line, I want to sell school supplies, and start a nonprofit geared towards criminal justice reform/education; I want to make music, and I want to creatively direct. I have so many project ideas and starting my small businesses is the first step to risk-taking that I haven’t really ever done in my life.

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?
Oh, absolutely not. I’m still struggling, and I’m not afraid to say it. I know that I can do better and be better every day with my brand. The struggles throw me off in the moment because you want everything to be perfect, but you look back and realize why those struggles had to happen. Every mistake teaches you something. Making sure every part of yourself is balanced and aligned is definitely an important part. Another part is eating and breathing your brand. Investing in yourself instead of others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I run two businesses at the moment, “Thick Shades” and “Thick Zodiacs” — I specialize in the customization of my products and produce all of the artwork. I’m known for my “Thick Shades” brand simply because I’m known for wearing a pair of sunglasses with every outfit. I’m currently working on these eyewear prototypes that are stylish but also geared toward extensive eye safety. The one thing that sets me apart from everyone else, I would say is my integrity and self-responsibility. I cannot move through this world peacefully, knowing its demons on my shoulders. I’ve learned to release pain through music and art. Holding things in causes stagnancy. My self-awareness is incomparable.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Obsessed with astrology. Been obsessed since I was nine years old. CoStar and The Pattern reduce my anxiety about the world around me. I love the reassurance from the universe about the yin and Yang of things. I’m currently working on my own podcast with my sister called “Ocean Ave Radio” onAMP Radio ™️ where we discuss different music genres of our generation. One book I definitely recommend is “Pussy: A Reclamation” by Regena Thomashauer. It changed my life. It changed how I see myself, my femininity, and the world as a whole. Recommend for ALL WOMEN FOR SURE.

Pricing:

• Gym Bags – $55
• Duffel Bags S — $70
• Duffel Bag L — $75
• Backpacks — $55

Contact Info:

• Website: thickzodiacs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thick.zodiacs/

Image Credits
Photography Credits: @cbagencyla on Instagram (Free) @herprojectca on Instagram (Free) @ebonyk8lin on Instagram (Katlin Murray) @cole.shooter on Instagram (Kyle Cole)