Meet Tyler Clark | Mixed Media Hair Artist

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

Hi Tyler, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been a creative person, but I am also really good in STEM. I decided to pursue a path in engineering because it seemed like the best route to success. So, I went to Spelman College and Georgia Tech, and studied Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering respectively. The transition from Spelman to Tech was difficult and I needed an outlet to help me get through the program. I turned to art and dedicated my time to painting. I realized I had a business here and decided to create one after I graduated from college. I had a full time technical job and built my art business at the same time. My 3D hair art has gone viral on social media. This encouraged me to pursue art full time. I took this leap of faith in 2020 during uncertain times, but I knew it was right for me. I have been evolving my business ever since.

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.
Hair is such a culturally relevant topic in the Black community. My company’s uniqueness is not only in the visual representation, artistic expression and the versatility of our natural hair, but also in the stories that our hairstyles tell. Whether it be locs, braids, curls, an afro or a silk press, there’s a deeper story and connection to our “roots” and our version of beauty in a world that has told us we are anything but that.

I had the privilege to have art auctioned off in the Wearable Art Gala presented by Tina Knowles for the past few years. My work was featured on WACO’s Wearable Art Gala on the OWN network. I was also featured among the top artists in the country during Art Basel in Miami. I have some celebrity collectors including Taraji P Henson, Chance the Rapper, Issa Rae and Quavo from the Migos. My art also decorates Common’s school, ‘Art in Motion’, in Chicago. I have been featured in All Access, Windy City Live, The Jam and Essence magazine. I was on the YouTube Original Series, Instant Influencer Season II which is a creative art competition. My biggest accomplishment was being the featured artist at MasterCard’s Strivers Initiative. I was the special guest speaker and was introduced to the stage by Jennifer Hudson. I created 23 custom portraits of black women business owners that are a part of their program. I successfully completed this project in 6 weeks and this was all hosted at the Apollo Theater in New York.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I always love a walk/run along the lakefront. It always brings me clarity and peace. We would get some good food, like brunches and dinner. I love restaurants like Luella’s for some great soul food and Fremont for a fun and tasty brunch. We would go to a day party at the WIT and a rooftop too. We would explore Hyde Park and some other tourist attractions like Navy Pier and The Bean. Boat day is a must, it’s always so much fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My team has truly helped me get to the place I’m at now in my business. My mother and MOMager Torri Clark has helped me with everything, from manufacturing and shipping art to traveling to another state for a special art project. My dear friend and Marketing Manager Kamiah Dabney has helped encourage me and keep my business afloat, from social media to text and email marketing and back end business support, she does it all. Taylor Malloy my protege, has helped me with events, sales, fulfillment and creativity. She keeps me going and always is happy to offer support.

Website: https://inspirebytyler.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65718569/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inspirebytyler

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/inspirebytyler