Today we’d like to introduce you to Ta’Kaiya Jackson.
Ta’Kaiya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always like to start off with the meaning of my name Ta’Kaiya (Lovable) Nia (purpose) Jackson (hopefully, I’m related to someone rich, lol). I’m originally from Brooklyn NY & The eldest of eight children. I grew up in a household with five younger sisters until I moved to Atlanta in 2011 to attend THEE illustrious Clark Atlanta University. During my Matriculation, I pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc, became Miss Sophomore on the royal court and was overall really involved on campus. It was at CAU where I began my event curating journey along w my social media journey. The first event I ever hosted was due to a close friend/mentor of mine (Kween) believing I’d be great at it and despite me being nervous I did it anyway. The feeling of making sure everyone has a great experience at any kind of even is one I knew I wanted forever and I have loved crowd curation ever since then. I graduated CAU in 2015 with a bachelors in Speech communication and went to full sail university shortly after where I received my MS in Entertainment Business. The first social media app that began my video content journey was Vine in 2013 Videos were 6 seconds long and I loved it. I went to networking events (Florida super vine) where I met what would be some of the dopest social media influencers to date.
When IG became a thing, I began to start making skits from the comfort of my home based on my experiences in my life and had a great streak going. I met a gentleman by the name of Lonnie smith in about 2014/15 and our videos began to go viral. I was fresh out of college, a Theater Director for the Murder mystery company and recently signed to a talent agency (MI Talent agency) and though I wasn’t making much money compared to my peers I was genuinely happy. Things changed when I found out I was pregnant in the summer of 2016. I knew life would never be the same. I was excited but also scared because although no one can truly prepare to be a parent I knew that I REALLY didn’t know what I was doing. I had no plans on having a child so soon but I trusted that this was apart of my process and decided to embark on the journey of motherhood.
During that time, I took some time to just be alone and in the company of loved ones… My pregnancy was very lonely and I literally did the same thing just about every day. I stopped making videos & felt pressured to get a good-paying job with benefits… so I began working at enterprise holdings where I stayed for two years. I learned so much and am still grateful for the experience but I didn’t feel fulfilled by a long shot. By the time my son was 1 1/2 years old, I started falling into a deep depression because I compared my journey to those Peers I essentially “started with” in acting, IG comedy and Event hosting. Things took a complete plummet in my life and everything that could go wrong did… I couldn’t commit to anything, doubted my creative ability and felt less than, next to most of my peers. My recent breakthrough was at the end of May 2019 right after my 26th birthday when I visited my childhood best friend out of town and she helped me re-understand the power of the universe, the power I’ve always possessed and how to manifest what I want. I began reading books, meditating and praying freely again. Today, my life is getting back on track. My son is healthy and literally has my entire personality, I have been able to start making consistent videos again, I am working in the restaurant/hospitality industry which gives me the flexibility to still feed my passion and I know that I have amazing things on the rise so lookout. I’ve realized that my journey is not meant to replicate anyone else’s and for the first time I am proud of that. 😉
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not smooth at all. My biggest obstacle has been my mind. Once I stop trusting God & myself, I find that things go downhill.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an aspiring actress, event host/curator (concerts, parties, corporate events, fashion shows, etc.) & social media influencer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is peace! The money means nothing if you have no peace of mind or direction. Success is also discipline and consistency. It’s not always about the most talented in the room (though that matters to me) it’s about who wants it bad enough to work for it.
Pricing:
- Event hosting – $115
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCu13VEMB8SvDPdOfSFXXb0g
- Email: kaiyajackson@gmail.com
- Instagram: Teekayy_31
- Twitter: _teekayy
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