Conversations with the Inspiring Cyrene Tankard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyrene Tankard.

Cyrene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Cyrene Tankard, I am 24 years old. I was born in Detroit, raised in Tennessee. My parents are pastors, but my dad’s recognition comes from founding Yolanda Adams and gospel jazz, and my mom from her entrepreneurial success. I have four siblings that I grew up with, and 5 I didn’t. So I definitely grew up in a blended household. With all these personalities in my home, it was only a matter of time until we were discovered! My family and I were picked up to be on Bravo TV to have our own reality show called, “Thicker Than Water,” that was in 2013, I was about a junior in high school. Our show had three seasons and it followed us along our crazy adventures and daily lives. In 2014 I got accepted into Howard University, and so my personal journey began. I came in hot- I had cameras rolling on move in day, so obviously, that was talk of the campus. After I settled in and got over all the home sickness, we continued to film, but I needed to get started on a solid and reliable career so I started working at Sirens Media, the company that was contracted to produce our show! I worked as the front desk girl, then moved on to PA (production assistant), casting assistant, and finally, I got some work in development. After working at Sirens, our show hadn’t been renewed, and sirens was shutting down in the Maryland area. I lucked up, and worked as an associate producer on a film but when that was said and done, I was kinda looking for my next move. Graduation was a year away and I wanted to focus on getting my grades up, so I took a pause on pursuing production. I graduated from Howard on May 12, 2018! It was such an awesome day because I graduated in 4 years, even though I had to leave my second semester due to a flare of ulcerative colitis. I beat the odds. However, after graduation I felt a little lost due to lack of career options. I’ve always been really into all things beauty, health, and inspiration but didn’t know how to monetize. I was struggling with some acne and getting my skincare cabinets together and just so happened to stop in Sephora to check out some potential options. The lady gave me some suggestions. I purchased and posted my new goodies! Next thing I know, the company is contacting me asking if they could send over their entire line of product! At this point, my brain started moving fast with ideas! I was like wait if I could successfully get one company to collaborate and compensate me, how many can I? From that moment forward it was all about strategy and execution. I let go of all the fear and doubt and just jumped straight in. I began to align myself with all brands, beauty and health. It’s insane and such a blessing to now have worked with Ulta, Sephora, Aeropostale, Nordstrom and more! On the inspiration tip I was even afforded to contribute for Essence Magazine regarding living a healthy lifestyle and some things you can do to improve personal health and reach goals. Over this past year, I’ve been blessed to write and publish a self-help, interactive journal called “Journey To Self.” Naturally, that was one of the proudest moments yet- not because I hit number 1 or sold out on the first day, but because I did it. As I round up 2019, I am so grateful for the hundreds of brands I have been able to collaborate with, the features, podcasts, interviews and more. I am so excited about 2020, we’re going bigger and producing better!

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely isn’t all peaches and cream. I have been told no and you don’t fit the mold or your numbers aren’t high enough, but the biggest thing I have taken with me is that a no, just means not right now and to keep going and trying no matter what. I also struggle with a chronic illness so staying on top of that is extremely important and is dependent on the success I’ll have, so healthy living is a priority for me. Also, get to know yourself and love yourself- figure out your triggers, good and bad. Read tons of books and hang around people that will sharpen you.

Tell us more about your work.
I am a content creator! So basically I am contracted to produce video and photo footage so that brands can use them on their channels and so that I can showcase them on my social channels as well, I also speak to young girls mostly, but young students regarding self-confidence, self-love, college readiness, and breaking into the industry. I am also an author and contributor. Most people know me from Reality Tv’s “Thicker Than Water.”

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom, she really is about that action. She is one of the most impressive business woman I’ve seen, she also has a heart for people and is constantly trying to be the best she can be. She is multifaceted and always puts other people first. She also practices what she preaches, which is extremely commendable.

Pricing:

• Please feel free to check out www.cyrenelovette.com and head over to the shop tab to order your journal! They are $25.00
• I am also open to collaborating, so please send over your information and details to the collaboration form on www.cyrenelovette.com
• If you are looking for a speaker for your next event please send over your inquiry, which can also be found on www.cyrenelovette.com

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.cyrenelovette.com
• Email: businessforcyrene@gmail.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/cyrenelovette
• Twitter: Www.twitter.com/cyrenelovette

Image Credit:
Known Media – www.krown.media

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.