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

Hi Tashayla, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
That’s a great question. Honestly, I don’t believe there’s ever a true option to give up; in life, the only path is to continue forward, steadfast in pursuit of destiny. A wise pastor once said, ‘never make temporary seasons your permanent place,’ and that has become my guiding principle on this journey toward fulfillment. Where you currently stand does not define the end; it signals that there’s more ahead than behind us.

Often, we fail to recognize how far we’ve come in life, dwelling on missed opportunities or imagined outcomes. Yet, if those possibilities were truly meant for us, we would have reached them. The path may vary, but the promise remains. So, when life presents challenges, remember your humanity. Embrace mistakes, take calculated risks, love boldly, and be unapologetically yourself. It’s okay to start anew, undeterred by the glamour others may project. Keep your heart pure, maintain your unique zeal, and uphold your integrity.

Even if things don’t unfold as planned, or if a journey leads to a dead end, know that nothing in life is wasted. Before it’s all said and done, you’ll experience abundant grace and praise, far surpassing what you would have encountered by remaining in perceived ruins. A dead end doesn’t signify the end of life; it merely marks the end of that particular journey. Pivot, take corrective actions, dust yourself off, and begin again. The pivot you fear could illuminate the right path, leading to a life far beyond your imagination. In that pivot, you may find grace, mercy, and favor, guiding you toward the light.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While it may sound cliché, I truly believe that I am my art. Each photograph taken is infused with thought and a message I aim to convey through photography. For too long, I felt the pressure to conform to the standards set by others in my field.

However, I found liberation when I broke free from the influence of opinions and trends, realizing that authenticity is the cornerstone of the brand I am building. My primary goal is to remain true to myself amidst the ever-changing landscape of trends and imitations. I firmly believe that this authenticity sets me apart.

While there are countless others pursuing similar paths, my focus isn’t on comparison or competition. Instead, I am committed to showcasing the essence of Christ through my work. My greatest challenge lies in tuning out the distractions and criticisms that often accompany religious perceptions, emphasizing that the journey to Christ is rooted in relationship, not religion.

My mission is to guide others through life’s complexities, unveiling hidden truths and facilitating healing. Through my platform, I aspire to create a space where individuals can embrace their true identity in Christ, free from the constraints of societal labels and false idols.

Above all, I want to convey the message that one’s journey with Christ is deeply personal and unique. It doesn’t have to mirror the experiences of others. By staying steadfast in faith and embracing our individual assignments with boldness and conviction, we can confidently pursue our passions, knowing that God blesses the authentic expression of our gifts and talents.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a hard one. I really don’t have a specific list of spots in mind, but I’ve been relying on TikTok as my tour guide lately. It’s been amazing to discover new places, save videos, and even attend events based on other people’s experiences shared on the platform. TikTok has opened my eyes to numerous hidden gems in the city that often surpass the well-known spots. I highly encourage everyone to search hashtags and watch TikTok videos for authentic reviews and to explore those recommendations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, all praise to Jesus Christ! I couldn’t have foreseen that His unfailing love and sacrifice would lead me to be featured in a magazine or to the position I hold today. My past is far from deserving of where I stand now, so shoutout to Him!

I also want to give a major shoutout to my family, friends, and accountability partners. There are too many to list individually, but to all who have played a positive role in my journey, thank you. Thank you for seeing greater potential in me and for continually pushing me one step closer to fulfilling the ultimate promise.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tagomillion

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@The.AE.Podcast

Image Credits
Jonathan Knox, Joe Mapp, Norman Lagurin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.