EDITORIAL

Tamika “Bodacious Bloom”

Self-confidence has always been something I struggled with growing up.
I remember people commenting on how pretty I was and that I should model
but I always let self-limiting beliefs hold me back.
I wasn't tall enough, I didn't have a thin "model" frame, I was too hairy and the list goes on and on.
I realized that so many times we get in our own way. We stifle our own greatness because of self limiting beliefs we adopt from others or we manifest ourselves.
Sometimes you have to give yourself the permission to just do the damn thing despite the fear.

-Tamika

This summer I went to visit my family in California and, thanks to the wide availability of vaccines, I was also able to see some old friends of mine! This was my partner Sam’s second time in the Golden State, and we set aside some time in our trip to go to San Francisco. Before we went, I contacted Tamika, a sweet friend of mine whom I met when we worked in The City at the same awful job. We agreed to set up a coffee date and just-for-fun editorial shoot at Salesforce Park in downtown San Francisco. She did the hair, makeup and styling herself.

“Styling to me has always been very organic. I remember loving the pomp and circumstance of going to the mall and trying on school clothes when I was young. That feeling never left me and I love to combine interesting pieces to create outfits that makes me feel powerful.”

Tamika is a creative in the Bay Area with a multitude of talents; she is a stylist and a model, she makes inspirational content for creatives, she designs beautiful acrylic earrings, and she works in the arts to support local BIPOC artists. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Art Therapy to help heal the BIPOC community.

I mean honestly what is there not to adore about her? Smart, gorgeous, talented and a big heart?!
But I’m not here to write her Tinder profile, so just look at the looks she served for this shoot!

Follow her on Instagram @bodaciousbloom
Her jewelry designs are called “Bodacious by Design”, visit the website at bodacious-by-design.com and on Instagram @bodacious.by.design

And finally, her creative inspirational work “BB Bloomers” is on Youtube and on Instagram

Photographer - Mychelle Vincent @mychelle_vincent
Model + MUA + Styling - Tamika @bodaciousbloom

Body - Canon 70D
Lens - Sigma Art 1.4 30mm
Location - Salesforce Park, San Francisco, California