Meet Tiora “Teekie” Hackley of Brand Elite Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiora “Teekie” Hackley.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Tiora. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At an early age, I knew that my drive, creativity, and competitive spirit would be the keys to my success. Growing up in Virginia Beach, Virginia the game of basketball became a positive outlet for me and on any given day you could find me playing pick-up games with friends from my neighborhood.

The sport quickly grew into a passion and it was my athletic ability coupled with my academic achievements that would lay the foundation for my future. As a student-athlete and 1,000 point scorer at Virginia’s legendary Oak Hill Academy, I reached my own “Turning Point,” discovering my love for the arts and developing an eye for visual communication design. After graduating from Oak Hill Academy, I attended Virginia State University where I began transforming my vision into reality; earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 2013 and a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2015. I credit the game of basketball, with keeping me focused, disciplined and determined to fulfill my passion for graphic design.

With the creation of my company Brand Elite Studios, we give our clientele the opportunity to bring their vision to life in the form of graphic design. As a company, our design aesthetic includes social media branding, digital and print media, and brand management. Our clientele includes professional athletes, sports agents, university athletic programs, and grassroots organizations. Combining my knowledge and experience with my artistry and ingenuity, I work closely with our clients to create high-quality professional designs that convey the client’s brand.

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?
I chose to take a risk to become an entrepreneur that could have Easily MAKE or break me. The road has not been smooth at all! I’ve never held a full-time job let alone had a salary. As a student-athlete, my academic and athletic schedule didn’t allow for me to work. I had to figure out how to make a living based solely on my passion. In 2011, I began designing and selling tee shirts (Teekie Apparel) as a source of income. In 2015, I decided to apply to the number three graphic design graduate school in the U.S., Maryland Institute College of Art. I was ecstatic to receive the offer letter however I HAD NO MONEY SAVED! I was barely making it day to day. I faced so many obstacles that year but nothing I was going through could derail my plans. As a young African American female, I had to work harder than the average to be respected as an entrepreneur and a graphic designer. I had to fine-tune every aspect of my business so when I presented my craft, perspective clients would want to do business with me. MY PASSION IS MY DRIVING FORCE!

Please tell us about Brand Elite Studios.
Brand Elite Studios is a full-service design studio that specializes in the areas of social media branding, digital and print media and brand management. Serving professional athletes, sports agents, university athletic programs, and grassroots organizations. Brand Elite’s goal is to offer services that contribute to the success and achievement of its clients. The studio specializes in developing high quality, meaningful products that not only contribute to the promotion of our clients but also impact the community. What are you most proud of as a company? I am most proud that I didn’t compromise the vision that I originally came up with for Brand Elite Studios which was to become a sports brand and design company that operates off of integrity and passion. What sets you apart from others? What sets me apart from others is that I was a former athlete who believes that every athlete has a voice and a purpose and my ending goal is to bring their vision to life.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the next three years, my goal is to have a studio in downtown Atlanta, Ga. I want to be the “go-to” for athletes, sports teams and grassroots organizations branding and marketing needs!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @brandelitestudios

Image Credit:
Photo by: @hoopsbystan @asmithh_

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