Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Nelson.
Hi Tyler, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It started when I first visited Africa in 2017. I flew to Morocco and I learned so much history about the Moors and myself. I was treated so greatly and Africa was so beautiful. This ignited me to explore more of Africa and read more about myself. I often wondered why America discouraged us from visiting Africa when it was so beautiful? Why were so many of my friends and family scared to visit Africa? Why do we think Africa is only a jungle? Those questions made me want to explore Africa to change the perspective that my community had. I wanted people to be excited about traveling to Africa and believe it would be possible to visit alone – as I did.
In order to do this, I had to educate my people. I had to travel to Africa to be an example and to read history books for knowledge of my ancient race. I went to Egypt in 2018 and then to South Africa in 2019. Both countries were so beautiful and I felt I had been lied to. I had to let everyone back home know that Africa is Paradise! The message stuck with me and I had to wear it. I felt there could be another way of motivating besides talking to my friends. I felt I wanted to reach a wider audience and putting the statement on clothing seemed like the best way possible! Last fall, 2020, I decided to start a clothing brand to encourage us to be proud of where we descended from and to believe Africa was more than what Hollywood and America showed.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road is smooth and bumpy, but I know that is expected. I never thought I would start a clothing brand so I learn daily how to operate it. Sometimes business is fast and other times it’s slow but that’s okay. Fortunately, it is not about the money for me. This message is from the heart and I apply what Marcus Garvey said, which was “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately the bodies will follow”. I am more concerned with only selling my brand to people who understand the message rather than just “supporting”.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work for my local Fire Department. I am an Atlanta native and I live inside the city as well. Being that it is a predominantly Black city, I take the job very seriously. I feel the very people I protect are my family because I’ve been living among them for 28 years. Outside of providing medical care, I speak with children in the neighborhood and I make friends with the community. My brothers and sisters know how I feel about learning our identity and my love for Africa when we’re together. I am most proud of taking a chance and stepping out on faith. This goal of mine was constantly reminding me of what I needed to do and I’m glad I moved forward with it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There are many books that have taught me so much and encouraged me to visit Africa, here are a few: Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro, 100 Amazing Facts about the Negro by J.A. Rogers, From Superman to Man by J.A. Rogers Africa’s gift to America by J.A. Rogers
Contact Info:
- Email: africaisparadise8@gmail.com
- Website: https://africaisparadise.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africaisparadisebrand/
