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

Hi Tejah, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
If I were a parent, it would be vital that I expose my child to a variety of appropriate things. As a child, I had a very curious mind. I loved music from all kinds of eras, art forms from different cultures and countries, poetry, dance, theater; the list goes on. However, if I could go back, I wish I had more in depth exposure to these things. I wish I was introduced to playing instruments long before middle school. I wish my introduction to theater was beyond church showcases for holidays. I wish there was filmmaking and photography clubs for children, like they do for sports. I was never into sports, however, my younger brother and sister were all-stars in their athletic endeavors. I, on the other hand, struggled with finding my niche. I knew it wasn’t sports, but access and resources towards the arts were slim to none. Often I found myself isolated in my room, reading books, writing stories, or making faux music videos. Or learning a new dance, or playing piano or saxophone. I deeply yearned to find counterparts who had the same interest and passions as me. Fortunately, I found my circle in college, but I really wished as a kid there was more out there for a artsy kid like me. So, if I were a parent, I would expose my child to a collection of things and whatever they want to stick with will be their choice.

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.
“If she could daydream all day..she would.” I remember my 9th grade math teacher stating that at a parent teacher conference, and she was right. Closing my eyes, and creating my own world in my head has to be my greatest past time. Photography and filmmaking has allowed me to conceptualize my imaginations, I can finally see them literally “come to life”. This is the most exciting part of the process. Envisioning an idea, figuring out the detailed necessities, and then executing effectively is a huge rush. The high I get from creating is enough to keep me going for hours, sometimes days. It’s a feeling I am constantly chasing. In 2017, I experienced a great deal of grief after first losing my grandmother, then my childhood friend, my cousin, and then my grandfather. I became outraged. I fell into a deep depression. I wasn’t motivated to live anymore; it all felt like a waste of time. It wasn’t until 2019, once I was in a better head space, that I realized I lost my passion to create… my camera was collecting dust in my room. I knew I had to get back to my passion if I ever wanted to be happy again. In 2020, I lost my job due to the COVID Pandemic, however, this time allowed me to begin working full time with my camera. It wasn’t easy at all. I had to overcome a lot of internal doubts, and really push myself to keep going. Things started off super slow, but my motivation to make this final jump-start was more powerful than any hold doubts had on me.

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?
If we were best friends, honestly, we wouldn’t be doing much going out. I’m a huge home body and hate leaving my space unless its for money. Most of the time, my spot is the chill spot, but if we were to go out, we would start the day getting some breakfast. Definitely at the Atlanta Breakfast Club, next, we are heading to the Perimeter Mall to get an outfit for the night. After the mall, we will probably hit 10th street for some day drinks and then a nice smoke session in Piedmont Park. After the park, the sun has probably gone down by now and its time to get ready for the club. We’d probably end up bar hopping in Buckhead, and end the night at another friend’s crib.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my Mom, for raising me to be the entrepreneur she always knew I would be To my Dad, for always motivating me and talking me through my frustrations To my Siblings, for always supporting and encouraging me To my Friends, for making a safe space for me to be myself To my Lover, for always speaking light into me and having my back in my darkest times

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Facebook: Eye Tea

Other: Stay tuned, website dropping March 2021!

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