Meet Taniqua Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taniqua Martin.

Hi Taniqua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was inspired​​ to start my podcast business because I saw a void​​ in the fashion industry. When I began Black Fashion History in 2019, there were not many outlets that celebrated​​ or shared the history of Black people in fashion. I was working as a sample assistant for a major luxury retail brand at the time. As I’d handle all the luxury items from brands like Christian Louboutin and Balmain, I’d always wonder where were the black-owned heritage luxury brands. Where are our brands that have lasted through the test of time? I started asking people about their favorite Black designers or brands, and no one could name anybody—so I decided to start doing my own research. I wanted to do something that would share this information, tell people’s stories, and provide a resource for those interested in learning more about Black fashion history.

On September 19, 2019, Black Fashion History was born. The podcast spotlights and celebrates the contributions of Black people to the fashion industry. When it started, the episodes just consisted of me sharing tidbits about Black fashion professionals from my research. Since then, it’s grown to include interviews with Black fashion professionals who have contributed to the industry but may still be unknown. One of my guests called it the fashion version of shows like Unsung and Behind the Music.

This work in uncovering these stories of Black fashion heroes have led to me being featured on vogue.com and Refinery 29 UK and as an expert on panels for organizations like the Museum of Arts and Design and the Costume Society of America.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been worth the travel. One of the biggest challenges I face is having to deal with the lack of research and sources about Black fashion history. This is why my podcast fills a void, but it also makes it difficult for me to share information. There have been many figures over the years that have contributed to the fashion industry, however, all their stories have not been properly recorded. Accurate and in-depth records aren’t always available. I’m thankful to the scholars out there who are constantly doing the work to close this gap in fashion history and research.

Another challenge I deal with is being a one-woman show. Having a full-time job while also managing Black Fashion History can be difficult. Some days I’m late to respond to emails, have backed up interviews and episodes that need to be edited, and I have to conduct interviews during my lunch hour. Even though the work piles up, I still wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a marketing strategist, podcast host and content creator. I like to think of myself as the “Black Fashion Connect” because through my podcast, marketing work and social media content, I help people learn about Black-owned fashion brands. I’m most proud of the education that I’ve been able to share through Black Fashion History. Daily, I receive messages from listeners expressing how much they’ve learned from my episodes. I love hearing that the stories of Black fashion legends are reaching new audiences and being preserved for the future.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are of traveling with my mother. She loves to see new places and always made sure to take me along. I loved seeing the country world with her and creating memories. She always made sure that I had experiences to remember and instilled in me the importance of making memories with your loved ones. She taught me to always take time to have fun and live life, even in the midst of work that life’s challenges.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistorypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackfashionhistorypodcast

Image Credits:
sweatshirt photo: Photographer https://www.instagram.com/akiaandco/ dress photo: https://www.instagram.com/jenaphotography/