An Inspired Chat with Ty Milks of Atlanta

Ty Milks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ty, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I believe what is most misunderstood about my business is that it solely a wig business, or cosplay business, or costuming business. The overall theme of what I do for my work consists of multiple realms. Art in Fashion or general is universal whether it is wearable every day, a few times a year, or just displayed on a mannequin. I am here to make people happy through their wants and needs, and at the same time bring my own ideas to life and share it with others.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ty Milks, I am a costume designer, Wig master, and fiber artist. What my business consists of is primarily costume and wig needs for theatres, and individuals. However I got my start in gallery displays and continue that practice today. What makes my practice unique is that I manipulate fabric and hair into wearable sculptures. While I am not a liscence hairdresser and originally as a young adult had no interest in working in a fashion realm, the use of personal costuming and my work with scad fash helped me develop a love and appreciation for fiber arts. I felt as though my sculptures in harder materials lacked in comparison to my peers but found a path I love and excel at. At current I am expanding my interest in fashion and costumes through competition and drag work on one end with hair dresses, to a j fashion inspired clothing line with a friend on the other end. I hope to continue and expand my capabilities and clientele more in the coming years.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
While I don’t believe the world has told me who I have to be, I do believe it’s allowed me to develop in who ,I, want to be. Before I got to where I am now , I was quiet, reserved, and felt lacking in my skills. I felt unable to keep up with those in the same hobbies, interests, field. However as I am learning and creating more, I am able to express what I want, how I want. I get to be me and show the world how I have to be for me, not how I have to be for the world.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The biggest fear that has held me back has always been fear of the future, fear of the uncertainty of what may or may not come. It had lead me to believe I will fail, and I won’t accomplish my dreams. Growing up, much like people my age, teachers, shows, and other grown up always portrayed life as ” you have to achieve your career, and stable job as soon as you graduate, if your not on your own making a lot of money by thirty you have failed”. These perpetuated ideas kept me from reaching out to opportunities that would assist my personal growth, feeling as though I’ve had to work a strict 9 to 5, make more money, climb a corporate ladder. That world was made for older generations. The world now wants you to take the time you need to achieve your dreams. People, money, and opportunities will come and go, and that’s okay. The future will be uncertain and filled with fear and anxiety if you follow those who dictate what worked for them, must, always work for you. Follow your gut, be you, do what you want, and find the routes that lead you down the path you want.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Im not entirely sure, I don’t think anyone truly knows the real version of yourself except you. While I don’t hide who I am, I am adaptive to others personalities so it is more likely those who know me, I am the real version of me that you know.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I believe I understand more than others, not that others done, the sense of empathy it takes and realization that, those stuck in negative situations enhanced by outside influences (not internally) can’t always just leave the situation. That not everyone can afford to leave behind what they’ve known to achieve their dreams, their career, what ever else. It takes time and patience. Some may be doing it alone, some may be held back, being relied upon by those they shouldn’t be, or other factors . That, as well that, while yes others innthe world may “have it worse” than you, that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t valid. That negates how you feel by guilting yourself. You are valid and can support others that “have it worse”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.tymeartstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tymartstudio?igsh=ZncxMHo4dHhveGtj
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrani-milks-52709212b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Other: https://bsky.app/profile/tymeart.bsky.social