Meet Tanya Byrd | Visionary Author & Content Creator

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

Hi Tanya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Great question. The thought process behind starting my own business BEAUTIFUL SURVIVOR is to be a positive, encouraging and inspirational impact for other woman going through a breast cancer journey. It’s important to me that woman know they can get through the journey and be whole again from a mental and physical perspective- no matter how tough the journey is. There are so many resources available today, but I believe God gave me this vision as a business owner/entrepreneur because there are woman waiting on me to hear my testimony. I thought about what helped me get through. All the tools I was given to use to help me heal, recover and endure the biggest fight of my lifetime thus far. I knew that if I didn’t act on the assignment God has given me, not only would I disappoint my Heavenly Father, but I would miss having the opportunity to be a voice women need to hear from. So, I began to put pen to paper and in 2022 I started by sharing my testimony with the world via my first anthology which was well received by so many. The entrepreneur “bug” bit me and I knew I had to continue.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets my brand BEAUTIFUL SURVIVOR apart from other breast cancer organizations or resources is my passion and purpose. It’s not just a brand, it’s a MOVEMENT that promotes encouragement and it’s infectious. Conquering breast cancer took a lot of strength, courage, faith, wisdom and hope. My journey taught me so much about Tanya such as the will to live. It gave me the added confidence I had been missing throughout my lifetime when faced with an uphill battle. I gained tools and knowledge that I must share with other warriors. What sets me apart also is that my brand represents the “beauty in the ashes”. It’s not about what you look like after you’ve conquered breast cancer, but how you got through it. Most of us have scars that will never go away. I also refer to them as “battle wounds”. For some, we unfortunately gain disabilities that will stay with us forever. However, as a thriver and survivor of breast cancer, our story/testimony has a beautiful outcome like the transformation of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, and it can have a positive impact on others. I believe out of all the adversities we endure in life, on the other side of it is peace, joy, an air of complete happiness because you beat it. You didn’t give up on yourself.

I get so excited and charged when I participate as a vendor at events. My brand has caught the attention of a large audience and I’m super proud of it. My journey as a Visionary Author, Content Creator, Digital Creator and Founder of BEAUTIFUL SURVIVOR hasn’t been easy. I lost a few friends and associates along the way and people I thought were genuine turned out to be toxic. I overcame the pitfalls by remaining positive and focused. I never waste time wondering about another organization similar to mine because I know God blessed me with this assignment and there are women on my path waiting to hear about it. Staying focused is key. If I stop and don’t continue on my journey to be a positive impact for other breast cancer survivors, I feel as though I may miss someone God appointed me to meet. If I stop and don’t continue on my journey and start to look over my shoulder or down and not continue looking forward and up, I may trip, stumble and fall. It takes way too much time and energy to start over again.

My brand BEAUTIFUL SURVIVOR is about being a voice for women that are breast cancer survivors. Whether they’ve been through the journey or going through the journey. I offer support, a spiritual life-line, products that help women create a zen. In the near future, I plan to have a podcast, magazine, affirmations, additions to my merchandise line, speaking engagements and write more by extending my anthology book.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s interesting you ask this question because a friend from college and I are planning her trip to Atlanta soon and we’ve bouncing ideas around about where we want to go and what to do while she’s here. I love the arts, getting pampered and I’m a bit of a foodie too. I love being outdoors because you get to take in the fresh air, watch mother nature and chillax. The week would be filled with the following- Spa Sidell. I’ve experienced a few spa’s in my lifetime, but this one consistently gives excellent service and never disappoints in my opinion. Brunch is my favorite meal of the day. You get the best of both worlds- breakfast and lunch. I absolutely love Egg Harbor Cafe on Peachtree St. It must be delish because I’ve seen a few celebrities there. You can’t go wrong with Starbucks. I’m a tea lover. All kinds of infused teas. I have yet to try it, but I’ve heard great things about Brooklyn Tea and that’s definitely on our list of places to go. Waffle House is another favorite of mine. We will get some shopping in at my favorite mall Perimeter Mall. Grab lunch at maybe 6 Feet Under, Marlow’s Tavern, hang out at Ponce City Market or Krog Street an open patio style restaurant. Some of my favorite places to have dinner is CT Reforma Taqueria, Bar Margot, STK and Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, No Mas Cantina and Paschal’s to name a few. Interesting places to hang out and listen to great music- Bar Margot has an awesome DJ on the weekend and believe it or not Fern Bank After Dark is pretty cool too where you experience live music, a full bar, food and museum exhibits. There is so much to do exciting and fun in Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, absolutely! First, I want to thank my Heavenly Father for giving me the vision of BEAUTIFUL SURVIVOR, my parents, children, family and friends, VoyageATL Magazine, the Co-Authors of my anthology- “Survivorship: Rediscovering Yourself Through Survivorship”, the Visionary Author & Co-Authors of the anthology book- “Rebirth of A Woman”, the Nature Girlz, Gertrudes House, Thge SheEO District, Nona Kerry & Friends, Westside Misfits on Misfits Radio, Jaestrete Magazine, , Women of Valor, the Atlanta Falcons and Podcast and creationsbyruby.com my Graphic Arts Desinger (God blessed me with you Queen).

Instagram: abeautifulsurvivor

Facebook: Tanya Byrd

Image Credits
Atlanta Falcons, Kobe Mathis( visualsbykobe)