Meet is0latedbeauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to is0latedbeauty

Tarika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I was always creative and different in every way. I didn’t know that what I was doing was called art. I was also misunderstood because my preferences were different from many of the people around me. As I grew up, I became more passionate about art without any sense of direction, so I went through that phase every kid goes through where they want to do and be everything. My artistic journey started when I became a student at Davidson Fine Arts. When I was in second grade, we visited for a school field trip to attend and view their annual black history show. I was in awe in, and my second-grade self made it an obligation to be amongst these incredible students.

Time passed and it was time for my audition. Something very unexpected happened to me. For the dance portion of the audition, we were instructed to take a piece of fabric and move freely with it, as though no one was watching. I do exactly that, and the feeling of liberation and happiness I felt was like nothing else I had ever experienced. But, of all the art forms I was in love with, I had absolutely no intentions and I felt as though I lacked the abilities to dance. Ironically, I didn’t think much of it. When I found out I was accepted into DFA, I was also recommended to take beginner ballet. Once again, I didn’t think much of it. Initially, I came to DFA as a visual arts student. I took beginner ballet for fun and fast forward to my 8th-grade year, prior I was able to take beginner modern dance and I continued with my ballet studies. I was absolutely in love with dance, and it was what I wanted to do for as long as my life allowed me to.

Far as my writing, I have been writing and performing on and off since as long as I can remember. I became more serious about my writing when I was going through things finding myself and it was my way of making sense of my thoughts and the world around me. I started consistently performing the summer of 2017, and it’s crazy, I turned to writing when dance and I weren’t really getting along, and I thought I wanted to quit. My writing brought me out of it and made me love and appreciate both my art forms.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whew… it has definitely not been a smooth road. One of my favorite quotes is “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Many may look at my life and my artistic journey and think I have had it made attending a fine arts school, and although I am grateful to have been a student in a place that prepared me for what I actually plan to do to make a living, so many difficulties have come with it.

For one, I was dance bullied. Dance wasn’t something that came naturally to me, so I struggled to pick up most of the time especially in my earlier years. I was considered a “try-hard,” and my efforts were pathetic in the eyes of so many. I also had a weird style and I was laughed at a lot for how I moved. I also wasn’t “trained” or “technical” enough to be classified as a “good” dancer. All of this got through my skin very deeply, but I loved what I did too much to surrender easily to those who doubted me. With all the backlash, taunting and teasing, at one point I was dancing to prove people wrong, not for myself.

Another perspective is seeking validation from those who are simply not meant to see your gift. As I became more comfortable and confident with the dancer I was, my relationships changed. I was treated noticeably different from other dancers. Although I am a firm believer in integrity and I execute it in my everyday life, there are things I couldn’t even imagine getting away with that others did. One thing about me is that I am an artist that cannot be controlled. Conformity surrounded me, and I faced challenges because I wouldn’t fold, or in this case, mold to what others were and wanted me to be. This still hurts sometimes. I still respect and admire these people and dancers very much, however, I know who I am and no one can take that away from me. Some people simply aren’t meant to see your gift. Also, there is a difference between a talent and a gift.

Often, I am submissive to my self-doubt and overthinking. I drown in comparison. With the physical and mental demands of dance and even writing, I am often tired and very emotional. Performing is definitely not easy. I often confuse my vulnerability with weakness. An artist’s mind is simply tuned different, so even seeing life differently can be a struggle because I often feel misunderstood.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am a performing artist with a focus in dance and spoken word/poetry. I built a name for myself (is0latedbeauty) through freelancing around my hometown, Augusta, GA. I also have a YouTube channel where I post more art-related content. I am now a freshman at Valdosta State University as a Dance Major who hopes to continue freelancing when my time permits me to. Currently, I am in rehearsals for our fall dance concert (I was fortunate enough to be casted in three pieces) as well as working on personal projects and creations that I won’t share much about right now.

The thing that I am most proud of is how committed I am to my art, and how working with what I had paid off so much that I can genuinely consider myself self-made. Of course, nothing much in this world can be done alone. Although I have had many obstacles and oppressors, the amount of love and support I have received is incredible and much appreciated. I also never sacrifice my artistry for the sake of an audience or to be more “appealing” or “acceptable”. I admire how passionate I am and my ability to focus and maintain a high level of integrity. I am not afraid to feel. I don’t steer away from my overthinking when I create, therefore I think about every single little detail. My name alone originated from my frustration of people overusing “different” and how my beauty isn’t typical both physical and metaphorical. Those are things that set me apart from others.

I have a fire in my that simply doesn’t die out. It’s easier to say some of the things that I admire than to believe them, I’m not gonna lie. But every day, I work towards falling in love with the artist I am blessed to be in this lifetime.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Purpose
Willingness
Integrity
Compassion
An open mind
An open heart
And simply to unapologetically being you.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Instagram.com/is0latedbeauty/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/is0latedbeauty/

Image Credit:
Chase Photography, Rogue Edge Photography, Shah Graphy, Soulful Vision, Monique Porter

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