Meet Tamika!

She inspires us so much we named the Tamika Color Block Pullover in her honor. Whether she’s spinning her fav Prince tracks or helping corporations adapt to the latest Covid guidelines, Tamika exemplifies what it means to #pushthestandard. Here’s a look at how she does it.

Name: Tamika D.
Age: 33
Occupation: Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist
Location: Chicago, Illinois

 

How do you push the standard?

I don't consider standards that did not consider me.

 

What’s on your mind at this very moment?

That I should have finished my coffee before starting this survey.

 

What’s your morning must-have before you talk to people or think about work?

COFFEE!

 

Describe the happiest moment of your life.

My wedding day. Cliché, I know. I am not the kind of person who had every detail of their wedding planned out since they were little. I was never sure what I wanted. We ended up having a very small wedding due to the pandemic: outdoors in a park, immediate family only, and it was perfect. Seeing Prince in concert is a very close second.

 

What meal could you eat every day for the rest of your life and be totally happy about it? SHRIMP N' GRITS!

 

Who are your heroes?

PRINCE! Also Quincy Jones, Josephine Baker and Dolly Parton.

 

What’s your biggest priority when you’re working to give back?

I just want to make a difference in someone else's life and if I have the resources to do so, then why not?

 

It’s time for a TV binge and you’re holding the remote. What are we watching?

Probably a Marvel movie marathon or something similar. Just finished “Shadow & Bone” (Netflix) and “Invincible” (Amazon).

 

What’s your greatest indulgence?

Lately, activewear. It's starting to become a problem.

 

 

Tell us about your most meaningful journey.

I think I have come quite a long way as far as being comfortable in my own skin. I have goals, and that's good, but I do not compare myself to other people nearly as much as I used to. You do YOU.

 

Everyone has a secret superpower. What’s yours?

People tell me I always know where to find the cheapest gas.

 

Where is your favorite spot in the whole world?

Seattle! I lived there briefly, but could not stay due to financial circumstances. I have visited once since, and would love to live there again. I dream about it frequently.

 

If you could wake up tomorrow with any talent, what would it be?

I've always wanted to be more flexible and be able to do splits.

 

What are the top 3 qualities of a strong woman?

I'd say that these qualities would be valuable for everyone: confidence, self-awareness and empathy.

 

What was your most mortifying moment and how did you save face?

I can't really think of anything at the moment, but I'm usually someone who has a good laugh at my own expense. Don't take yourself too seriously. We're all human.

 

What is your greatest passion?

I think I'm still trying to figure that out, and that's OK.

 

In your next life, you’d like to come back as ... 

My dog, Loki. I tell him all the time how good he has it but he doesn't believe me.