Inspiring Conversations with Tameka Mclean of Poppy Muse

Hello! Thanks for having me. My name is Tameka Mclean. I am a Speaker/Author, Founder and CEO of Poppy Muse Inc. Prior to getting into the Non-Profit sector, I received an education in Computer Applications and Fashion Merchandising. From 2008-2011, I interned for stylist Mel Ottenberg, designers Timo Weiland and Yigal Azrouel, and retailer Bergdorf Goodman. I combined my education in computers and merchandising to begin a career within the NY fashion industry as a Logistics Manager. For almost a decade, NYC’s garment district was a home away from home. After a while, I was no longer content with the work I was doing. Although there were moments of enjoyment, I still felt as if something was missing.

We are proud to share that after two years of putting in the groundwork, in 2021, Poppy Muse and its founder received a Proclamation from The County Executive of Westchester County, NY. We’re still going after almost four years and will continue to provide services to foster youth, underserved youth and young adults in need. Our organization is hybrid, this is where we work both virtually, and on the ground where services are needed. We’re also excited to share that we just started a second chapter in Charlotte, NC. We have helped youth hailing from different cities and states within the US. As a matter of fact, our first “muser” is from California. After graduating college, she has returned to the organization, to pay it forward as a volunteer pro-bono legal aid assistant. The services we provide are Health + Wellness, life skills and Career Development. These programs are designed to give youth foundational skills for a lifetime of success. We also provide financial support to cover small bills, cost of books and tuition via our “Emergency Displacement Fund”.