Meet Tamiko Mills: Business owner

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

Hi Tamiko, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was that I didn’t want to work for anyone doing something I didn’t feel like doing anymore but I also needed to make the equal amount or more than what I was making. I also needed to figure out how to sell my craft to people.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have multiple businesses that all have nothing to do with each other. My most successful is my custom designer cake business, Ms. Cookies Kitchen. This was a real challenge because I wasn’t sure how to sell my product at first because it is cake. But it’s deeper than that lol. . Apparently my cake art was good enough to have a successful audience on Instagram and business has been booming. I’m glad I can be a reason for somebody to smile on their special day and be the center of attention for an event. All I did was practice and post consistently. I’m so grateful for this platform. My other business is Silk Riches braiding co. I specialize in Knotless braids and the care of natural hair. This venture wasn’t really hard because my work speaks for itself. I know I do a really good job when it comes to a person having to walk around with my work for the public to see. I take my time and make sure everything is right! Another Instagram business boom. I also am currently in school to receive my esthetician license. I currently perform facials, waves, lash extensions, and other skin services. I will be publicly offering these services live soon. Just stay tuned! I also have a YouTube channel with hair tutorials that was swiftly growing until I became too busy to post good videos so I’ve taken a break from there as well but it was great promo and a nice little surprise of a paycheck as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tassilis raw vegan spot is my top 3 favorite food spots in the city. That punani wrap is addictive. I also LOOOVE pizza! Fellinis pizza is my number one go to! Another great spot is at the ponce city market at a little mexican spot called Mineros. Their burrito is the best thing I’ve ever had. Mangoes for Jamaican food All day! Gut busters is my favorite breakfast spot. I’m pretty simple when it comes to eating out. I’m not with all that fancy stuff. I’m an introvert so I don’t go out to socialize at all and I don’t drink so I honestly can’t recommend any bars but if we hang out, food will be amazing. I do love cascade and golden glide tho.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
These are my family members that helped me stay focused on my different ventures and gave me new ideas on different ways to make money. My cousin Vicarro is the first person to come to mind when the subject is being your own boss. He’s had his own tech company for probably over a decade now and he’s only 36.. He’s always been a huge advocate for entrepreneurship. He’s been nagging me for years to do something for myself and it took me until my mid 30’s to finally take it into consideration. Thanks cuz! I now have 3 separate businesses and barely sleep but I love it! If I ever get rich, you’re part of the top 5 that’s getting broke off! Brittany Parks, you are the real MVP for being my model for everything! Brandon, thank you for helping out emotionally and financially with everything and providing the BIG tools needed for this venture to even be able to function at all. Liam and Jaylen, thank you for your help around the house. You do make life a little easier for me when I’m stressing. Tanikka Bradley showed me how to put my business on a whole new level by educating me on what products I need to invest in build my brand. DBOY!!! You told me to get my license and all trust other legal business stuff I need. I’ve come a long way and I appreciate all of you. I’m truly lucky that my small circle of people come with so much knowledge and opportunity.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmikofool/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/tamikomills