Today we’d like to introduce you to Takieyah Mathis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started being a community leader around 2016. I was already pretty trendy due to my modeling and music career. When I moved to Atlanta, I went through a lot with my career, but it molded me and showed there was an opportunity outside of my hometown of Fayetteville, NC. My motivation to lead evolved when I developed a chronic skin condition called Psoriasis. It felt like it ruined my whole image because let’s face it… who cares about a girl with this crazy-looking skin representing their brand? I was covered head to toe in spots, rashes, etc. I decided that after my last set of shows that I was taking a step back… I started modeling and hosting shows less and started developing ” Awareness” events not for just psoriasis but PTSD, Suicide, and breast cancer using fashion and art as a platform .
I started them in Fayetteville, NC in 2017 because I felt I was still too small to do it in Atlanta. I formed a nonprofit where I give out resources and assist those with doing community work. Nobody knew me to be honest. So after dealing with all these doctors, judgment and more, I decided to put myself out there every single year. I adopted a park, I did community clean-ups, feedings and assisted domestic violence survivors. With using my voice, research and more, I came across others like me. I came across a whole community of those who had psoriasis or another autoimmune disease/ chronic illness. I just wanted to show people that they are not alone, that they are still beautiful, and to more over ADVOCATE for yourself. So many people get improperly diagnosed, and in order for this to end we must stand up and stand together .
Over the seven years of doing advocacy work in 2023, I began receiving my flowers. Cumberland County nominated me for the humanitarian award, and I received it. I then traveled to Alexandria, VA where the headquarters to the National Psoriasis Foundation is currently located trained to become an official advocate, and then participated in Capitol Hill Day. I have also received further community appreciation awards from the city of Fayetteville, Was the honored hero for the National Psoriasis Take Action event (atl) and currently nominated for three awards by ACHI magazine. I do currently hold a medical education, education in criminal justice, and currently get my BA in social work. I plan to open a trauma therapy and activity center for the community in the future. I am inspired by own my childhood. I went through a lot, and I just want to keep going, keep inspiring people that you do not have to be a product of your trauma.
Takieyah Mathis has been serving the community with advocacy since 2017. Takieyah started showing psoriasis awareness by bringing those with autoimmune diseases together and rejoicing in testimony and activities. Mrs. Mathis has also dedicated her heart to those in group homes, the homeless, domestic violence survivors and parents who need resources. Takieyah has been selected as advocated for the National Psoriasis Foundation and has won a community award as a humanitarian. Takieyah and her well-known husband Damien Mathis (artist graduate of FSU , retired marine vet ) have given back in numerous ways to the community. They have adopted parks to keep areas clean and built up gardens that allow others to be creative with nature in the community. Takieyah became a court mediator on the journey of obtaining her criminal justice degree. Takieyah loves to help others find resources. Takieyah has served even while battling chemotherapy from her autoimmune disease and loved to advocate for those who want to chase their dreams as she got discouraged with her entertainer career she still wanted to push others to be whatever they want to be. Mrs. Mathis has been more than influence to her community and other cities attended .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, absolutely not…. some of my biggest struggles were my mental health, especially after having children, the ins and out of trying to gain real support from your friends and family, and building business relationships.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, school is my life, and I am an entrepreneur. I run my nonprofit full-time, virtual local/state court mediation, I cater to and assist my husband with running an art gallery. I’d love to keep pursuing my education and interests in my field of criminal justice and social work so I can be better advocate.
I am an everyday advocate! And I Love public speaking!
What sets me apart from others is that I don’t give excuses.
I am most proud of the little family I built and the reputation I have built for myself.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The most important lesson Covid-19 taught me was to be flexible and teachable no matter what your education is, your business entails or your employment history.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itchygoddess
- Facebook: Takieyah Mathis
