Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanisha Pope.
Tanisha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
@createshit247 was birthed Spring of 2016 while I was living in my car in L.A.
We all know the cost of living in L.A. is mad expensive and when you’re not from here, you sometimes get yourself into some crazy roommate situations trying to save money. Even with two jobs, I was barely making it.
I personally had nothing to start it with. Until one day, randomly in conversation, I told my homegirl Dominique from back home (Ohio) my idea. She heard me out, then was like “ yo, I think your idea is dope. I don’t have a lot of money but here go $50, maybe you can get some samples or something?” And that’s where it started. I bought five hats in Downtown LA Fashion District and got my logo embroidered on them.
Crazy, I never thought about samples. Honestly, wasn’t sure what I was even doing with CREATE SHIT besides trying to motivate myself to get out from living in my car. I knew I was good at a lot of random things and some of these things could bring in income on the side if I hustled and was open to it.
I was blessed to have friends who allowed me to borrow their cameras until I could afford my own to practice photography/ cut cost for my business. I have always had vision. With this, I didn’t know what I was doing then, I sort of still don’t know what I am doing. CREATE SHIT has evolved into so much more than I thought it would be back in 16” that I am going to allow it to be whatever the fuck it wants to be in 2021.
Has it been a smooth road?
Omg, hell no! I was low key questioning God like why give me this dope idea but make it this difficult to get it started and keep it going?!?
I struggled with protecting myself as a business and as an artist. Again I didn’t have a lot of money. I just wanted to put my art out there. I would create something and then immediately post it on social media or sell on Venice Boardwalk at Fairfax Flea Market, etc. Not knowing anything about trademarking a design or copyrighting my work.
I learned the hard way, a design of mine got ripped off by two bigger companies
(Adidas/YEEZY x Reebok)
and though there was/is proof of my design on the internet a year before both of their releases, there was/is nothing I could do because I failed to protect my work.
There is a lot I still do not know and there are struggles ahead yet to be faced. I am being prepared, when you come from the bottom, you can either stay down there where you are or rise up.
I got so much done while living out of my car, with so much less than I have now. What do you think I am going to do next with what I have now?
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Create Shit LLC. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Create Shit is an umbrella of things I create from clothing apparel, Creative/ Office Work Space Decor, Photography, Styling, Creative Direction and Storytelling through visuals.
I am proud to have started something and it being able to connect me with people all around the world.
What sets me apart is my belief in myself and the faith I have in God. Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will always guide you and provide good things to eat when you are in the desert. He will make you healthy. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water or like a stream that never runs dry.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Meeting more like-minded people. I’m from a small town in Ohio. I felt like the black sheep back there in my town even within my family.
Moving to L.A. definitely felt more like my speed.
My least favorite thing about the city is how all the rich and brilliant minds that live here apparently cannot figure out a way how to help the homeless/mentally ill on the streets.
Contact Info:
- Website: Createshit247.com
- Email: createshit247@gmail.com
- Instagram: Createshit247
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