Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiah Tomlin-Harris
Hi Tiah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the heart of Atlanta, My Style Matters stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals affected by cancer. Co-founded by Tiah Tomlin-Harris, a two-time breast cancer survivor, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing holistic support that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Through innovative programs and a compassionate community, My Style Matters is transforming the cancer journey, offering resources and education that promote healthy lifestyles and resilience. Tiah’s personal experience fuels her commitment to bridging gaps in cancer care, particularly for Black women who face disproportionate challenges in the healthcare system. Her leadership and vision have cultivated a sisterhood of survivors and supporters, all united in the mission to live their “breast” lives.
In June 2015, at the age of 38, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. This diagnosis was a turning point in my life, compelling me to confront not only the physical challenges of cancer but also the emotional and psychological hurdles that accompanied it. Throughout my treatment, I recognized significant gaps in resources and support, especially for Black women who are disproportionately affected by breast cancer. This realization ignited a passion within me to be part of the solution.
In response, I co-founded My Style Matters, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to providing holistic support to individuals impacted by cancer. Our mission is to improve health outcomes by offering resources, education, and healthy living experiences tailored to the unique needs of our community. Through initiatives like the “Kick Can’t-cer Care Kits,” which provide non-toxic personal care products to women undergoing treatment, and educational workshops on nutrition and wellness, we strive to empower individuals to take control of their health.
My journey from diagnosis to advocacy has been one of transformation and purpose. By sharing my story and dedicating myself to supporting others, I aim to inspire hope and resilience in those facing similar battles.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path has been far from smooth, marked by numerous challenges and obstacles. Personally, undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 33 rounds of radiation was physically and emotionally taxing. There were moments when the pain was so severe that I couldn’t walk, and times when I felt like giving up. However, I learned that maintaining a positive mindset and keeping faith were crucial in overcoming these hardships.
Professionally, establishing My Style Matters presented its own set of challenges. Securing funding, building a dedicated team, and reaching those in need required perseverance and resilience. Additionally, addressing health disparities and advocating for Black women in the healthcare system involved confronting systemic issues and biases. Despite these struggles, the impact we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched affirm that the journey, though difficult, has been profoundly worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At My Style Matters, we specialize in providing holistic support to people impacted by breast cancer, with a particular focus on Black women. Our programs encompass a range of services, including:
Educational Workshops: Offering nutrition, wellness, and preventive care information to empower individuals with knowledge.
Support Groups: Creating safe spaces to share their experiences and find community.
“Kick Can’t-cer Care Kits”: Providing non-toxic personal care products to women undergoing treatment, promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
What sets us apart is our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women in the cancer journey. We recognize the cultural, social, and systemic factors that contribute to health disparities and tailor our programs to meet these specific needs. Our holistic approach not only focuses on the physical aspects of cancer but also emphasizes emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
I am most proud of the community we’ve built—a sisterhood of survivors and supporters who uplift and empower one another. But also the community that sees and understands the work we are doing and supports through various monetary and non-monetary ways. Seeing individuals regain their confidence, embrace healthier lifestyles, and advocate for their health brings me–and others– immense fulfillment and reaffirms the importance of our mission. And I invite anyone interested in extending the work we’re doing and reaching more people–whether through community partnerships, volunteering, donations, and more– to please reach out. We are always looking for like-minded people and organizations to further our impact.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been an integral part of my journey, both personally and professionally. Choosing to share my personal cancer journey publicly was a significant risk, as it involved vulnerability and the possibility of facing judgment. However, I believed that by sharing my story, I could inspire and support others facing similar challenges.
Founding My Style Matters was another major risk. Leaving a stable career in the pharmaceutical industry to start a nonprofit required stepping into the unknown, with uncertainties around funding, sustainability, and impact. Despite these uncertainties, I was driven by a passion to fill the gaps I had experienced during my own cancer journey.
I view risk as an opportunity for growth and change. While it involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing potential setbacks, it also opens doors to new possibilities and advancements. For me, the potential to make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change outweighs the fear of failure. Embracing risk with careful consideration and a clear vision has been essential in my journey as an advocate and leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mystylematters.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystylematters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyStyleMatters
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mystylematters2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVvFT5lQsoPKy_1oWnvFNuw
