Meet Tamara Sykes | Content Creator & Brand Communications Consultant

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

Hi Tamara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business as a creative outlet for artistic and cultural expression. From 2014 to 2017, the mission was simple—to show women how to incorporate scarves, colors, and prints into their everyday style. However, in 2018, when I experienced financial hardship, navigated immigration, and became a mom, my mission expanded. My platform blossomed into a lifestyle and business forum that inspired ambitious women to create a life they loved.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Empowering women and shaping brand narratives are at the core of my work, blending Marketing & PR with a mission to elevate ambitious women of color! My dual role in corporate settings and as a content creator allows me to translate high-level strategies into actionable tactics for individuals who seldom see themselves represented at the top.

And what excites me most is building a community where high-achieving, multi-hyphenate women find support and inspiration!

Now, the path to where I am now has been anything but straightforward, personally or professionally.

Personally, challenges like navigating immigration, financial hardships, and significant health issues postpartum have tested my resilience. Professionally, I’ve overcome four layoffs—each coinciding with major life events—and battled paralysis analysis (a combination of imposter syndrome, the comparison trap, and unnecessary continuous learning). These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of maintaining physical and emotional health, uncoupling self-worth from work, and the power of a supportive community.

I share these stories on my blog and social media accounts, illustrating not just the struggles but also how I’ve turned each into stepping stones toward greater success. For example, after initially being unable to purchase a car due to credit issues, I revamped how I managed my finances, which not only led to buying my first car but also to acquiring our family’s dream-for-now home. I also experienced frustrating setbacks when my green card was lost in the mail back in 2019. Thankfully, I successfully replaced and received it right before the pandemic started in 2020. A huge shoutout to my father-in-law for connecting me with the right people to help me.

As I move forward, my goal is to show that it’s possible to craft a unique life. My brand and I stand as proof that anyone can achieve their dreams with resilience, strategic vision, and a supportive network.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week-long trip, the perfect time to visit me would be during Fashion Week Columbus, usually in the last week of September. We’d dive into Columbus’ thriving fashion scene with events ranging from the elegant High Fashion Tea to the vibrant Runway Finale and even mingle at downtown mixers.

For a taste of local cuisine, we’d enjoy Caribbean food like the BBQ jerk chicken from Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen on Cleveland Avenue and the mouth-watering curry goat at Val’s of the Caribbean on Refugee Road. We’d also try the menu items at Twinado Kitchen’s Jerk Shack in Pickerington.

Shopping would be on the agenda at places like Easton and Polaris, where we can explore a mix of national retailers and unique local boutiques. A relaxing spa day would be booked at Replenish, known for its calm environment and rejuvenating treatments.

We’d also indulge in the cozy, rustic vibes of Barrel & Boar in Gahanna, and discover some of Columbus’s newest dining spots. Beyond the hustle and bustle, we’d have plenty of time to relax at home, take walks around the neighborhood, and enjoy each other’s company—makeup-free and carefree!

It would be a balanced yet eventful trip for my bestie!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Whew! 😅 This is a long list, mainly because my community looks different depending on the seasons of my life. However, here’s who I’d like to dedicate this to.

“I dedicate this shoutout to my family, inner circle, and star collective. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been my anchor throughout my journey. Thank you for creating safe spaces and always believing in me, even when I doubted myself.”

Website: https://baydiangirl.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/baydiangirl

Other: Pinterest = https://www.pinterest.ph/baydiangirl/
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@baydiangirl

Image Credits
Photographer: Susie Coldren, Coldren Photography