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

Hi Takiyah, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me happy is being able to make someone else happy. I’ve realized over the years, that genuinely giving in all forms, creates a karmic cycle of receiving Universal gratitude which creates more happiness within my life. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unbeknownst to me 10 years ago, I have always been on the path to helping others starting off as a very hands on direct service provider for people with specialneeds. Today, as a social services case manager for our most vulnerable populations, I have naturally been drawn to the proverbial “underdog” and wanting to assist in helping them reach their goals, no matter how small. During my journey within my career, I’ve realized that I’ve been so drawn to helping others who are disadvantaged because it represented my own hardships early on in life. What I want people to know about me and themselves, is that our purpose is always greater than our struggles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chicago has so many! Just to start with the basics, make sure to visit the museums and aquariums, especially the DuSable Museum. Take a drive down Lake Shore Drive and do some shopping on Michigan Avenue. The food is diverse and the best in the country… TRY THEM ALL! Some notable faves are the many steakhouses downtown, a Maxwell polish, Harold’s Chicken (with mild sauce) and Portillo’s for an Italian beef.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my sister, Yaminah Childress J.D. for inspiring me to pursue my own entrepreneurial passions without fear!

Website: Styledbykia.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/kiastyled
Facebook: Facebook.com/kiastyled

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