We had the good fortune of connecting with Talaya Jessie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talaya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I would be doing something creative. I was taught to never dim my light for anything or anyone. I was involved in theater, chorus (although I could not sing), and sketched anytime I could to express myself. I used to be insecure about the way I talked, because I had a speech impediment when I was younger. I thought everyone heard my lisp when I would speak, which made me wonder and drift off into another realm of self-expression. If my mom or my brothers were writing this, they would tell you that Talaya will not do anything that she does not want to do. Creating for me, was for me and it was done my way. Because I have witnessed and experienced some things that could have sent me on an entirely different path, I used creativity as a way to escape reality at times. As I transitioned into adulthood, creating with my hands is a representation of my voice and who I am when I am quite unsure of how to word my thoughts, feelings, or wisdom. And now, I use my voice to create with words and build confidence toward the power my voice carries.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Fashion Designer and an Author. I love to create professional attire with spunk and sass for women specifically. It’s as if I see another piece of me bloom every time I sew or even do a photoshoot. I never once in a million years thought I would have self-published a book. My book is called Image Control and it’s about breaking false perspectives and healing from trauma. I was always told that I never fitted into any circles. I saw that as a bad thing until I realized that only means you have something different to bring to the table. Yes, fashion is over-saturated, but my why sets me apart and its seen in everything that I make. My faith has kept me going. My mom has kept me going. And my trials have kept me going to reach this point in my professional career. It was not easy by far, and I am sure it will not get any easier. I learned to control the things that I could, let go of what I could not, cry when I felt like it, and laugh through it all. I think they call that peace. I’ve learned to let go when it is time to let go. You cannot help someone who won’t help themselves. Know when something is not working and be okay with changing and pivoting. Pushing pass your limits breeds creativity and a better you! I want the world to know about my faith in Christ and that hunger He put in me to KEEP GOING!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my family for being so vibrant, outspoken, and faith-filled. It shaped my foundation and provided room for me to seek knowledge and shape everything else.

Website: www.talayajessie.co
Instagram: @talaya_jessie
Facebook: Talaya Jessie Designs

Image Credits
Joshua Penny (@joshcolepenny) Andre Howard (@drehowphotography)

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