Meet Tejahne Malone | The inspiration

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

Hi Tejahne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My business idea actually came to me through a meditation. I started practicing meditation after I went through a phase of completely losing myself, doing anything to try to be remembered for this version of who I felt I was supposed to be. I let go and rediscovered a new world, new meaning, new purpose through discovering who I was based off of who my African ancestors were. I learned of Ancient Kemet, their history, their power, their practices, beliefs, etc. and was blown away. I began to practice these methods and saw the world anew. It was through understanding them that I was able to innerstand myself and that is why it was important for me to use African symbols in my brand. It is to pay homage and gratitude for being the cause behind one of my rebirth phases. I also learned that symbols impact people’s subconscious minds and vibrations, therefore my thought process was to use this in order to affect the world in a positive way. I would incorporate positive, uplifting, and/or empowering symbols into my prices I order to create that affect for not only my supporters but those who see the clothes are impacted as well. I had the thought of creating dope pieces that had real meaning and real power with them to evolve the way of thinking and living of most people because I saw how my life changed for the better.

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.
My art is a vessel from spirit to the physical world. A lot of times I may create something based off of a symbol I am drawn to and then I understand that later in my life the same message applies. I create pieces ahead of my time ( part of being an old soul I Guess) but it’s amazing to me because the messages and meanings really reflect me/ who I am, my spiritual conversations and connections. My brand is appealing to the eye because I grew up in an area where your fits had to be on point or everybody was joaning. Even if you were too fly, somebody would still find something so my clothes will always reflect that. However, there is a genuine meaning using ancient African symbols (andinkra symbols) in order to affect the world in a positive way. I haven’t heard of many brands doing that. What I am most proud of is my resilience. Artist understand sometimes because we are so passionate about things we think others have to be to. But thats not always the case. I’ve taken multiple Al’s financially, I’ve dealt with people who were not genuine, people who don’t share my perspective and instead of accepting we have different viewpoints, want to challenge me, judge me, etc. I believe in my brand so much especially because it was given to me in a meditation and I have no background in fashion, designing or anything. I’ve also dealt with a lot in my personal life with having a pregnancy from hell that required me to be hospitalized most of the time until I was sent home after getting a surgery in my arm that required a temporarily permanent IV. I was literally fighting for my life and the life of my child and I never gave up. Adjusting as a mother wasn’t always easy either but I never gave up on myself, my goals with this brand, or my passions. Instead I allowed life to inspire my creations now and future ones.
As far as where I am today professionally I believe I am still figuring things out. I am trying to just stay consistent, stay inspired, and trust the process. I am nowhere where I plan to be but still to have birthed an idea from a meditation to today being interviewed by another magazine is a blessing in itself. These are the things that keep me going. Every time I begin to get discourage, I am blessed with a reminder that this is destined, that people are actually watching and it’s all a journey. I just have to enjoy everything that comes with it, cherishing, valuing and capitalizing on each opportunity.
One of the lessons I tell everybody is that you can’t spell millions without a couple Al’s. Yes I know that’s a bar but it’s true. We are so used to seeing processes on social media of lavish living, overnight success, etc. but in my case, it’s been a lot about learning to trust myself, my intuition and trusting your process/ journey. Don’t judge it. Don’t expect too much from it. Just enjoy it. The highs and the lows. Nobody enjoys the lows in the moment but you e never had a low point that you didn’t overcome in the past. It’s part of the cycle of life. Keep good people around you and stay motivated.

I want the world to know that this brand is genuinely created with pure intentions. This brand is more than clothes. It is an expression of spirit, an expression of who I am, my soul. It’s also a way for me to leave a legacy for my life as this version of me Tejahne Malone so that my family can understand me when I’m gone and in turn understand themselves and their power better. Most of us do not have a direct way to connect or know some of our ancestors. My future family will.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I haven’t gotten to be outside in a long time with being sick from my pregnancy and then raising my sun and honestly I like chilling in the house anyways unless it’s to eat or brunch. So honestly I would be on TikTok all day just searching things and going random places. I’m a let the day show us the way type of person so we would do a bunch of random things.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout myself for trusting this process, the God that is within and around me that communicates and inspires me constantly, my ancestors for guiding me and reassuring me, my mother & sister for always showing love, my son for showing me what unconditional love is and inspiring a new rebirth phase for me, Dr. Umar even though he is highlighted in the media for black vs. white perspectives he has taught about way more such as symbolism, African spirituality, black relationships, healing, etc, @thehoodhealer on IG cus we’re going to be friends one day, Professor James Small, and of course anyone who has supported my passion financially, verbally, on social media, or any type of way. I am forever grateful. I hope every piece allows you to shine your light and brings some type of positive impact in to your lives.

Website: Www.oldsoulneverfold.com

Instagram: Oldsoulneverfold

Youtube: Old soul never fold

Other: TikTok: oldsoulneverfold

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