Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahirah Bell.
Hi Tahirah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
TAHOOKAH started from a genuine love for hookah culture and the way it brings people together.
My journey began in 2019 when I was invited to participate in a promotional video shoot for a local hookah lounge in Memphis. Before that experience, I had never really been exposed to the hookah world. That day sparked something in me. I became fascinated not only with the flavors, but with the atmosphere, the conversations, and the sense of community that surrounded it.
In 2020, I began working at that same lounge, where I learned more about the industry and developed an even deeper appreciation for the craft. I started experimenting with my own flavor combinations at home, constantly blending different shishas and discovering how unique flavor profiles could create entirely different experiences. What began as curiosity quickly turned into passion.
As I spent more time in the hookah community, I realized that hookah was about much more than smoking. It was about connection. I watched strangers become friends, friends become family, and memorable moments unfold around a hookah table. I knew I wanted to create something that reflected that experience while also bringing my own vision and creativity to the culture.
In 2022, I officially launched TAHOOKAH. The name comes from my first name, Tahirah, combined with the culture that inspired me. My goal was to create a premium hookah brand that focused on quality, creativity, and community. I wanted people to experience thoughtfully curated flavor blends, elevated service, and an atmosphere that felt welcoming, stylish, and memorable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced periods where I felt overlooked, discouraged, and questioned whether all of my hard work was paying off. There were times when I wasn’t getting booked for events, opportunities I thought were a perfect fit passed me by, and it seemed like other businesses were being recognized while I was still trying to prove myself. Building a brand from the ground up as a Black woman entrepreneur has required a great deal of patience, resilience, and faith. There were moments when I felt invisible despite the countless hours spent perfecting my craft, investing in my business, and showing up consistently. However, those challenges taught me how to keep going even when no one was watching, how to believe in my vision before others did, and how to use rejection as motivation to continue improving. Looking back, those difficult seasons helped shape the determination and persistence that continue to drive TAHOOKAH forward today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Honestly, I’ve always been a creative before anything else. A lot of people know me through TAHOOKAH, but I also have a background in modeling, creative direction, and visual storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to cinematography and the process of bringing ideas to life, which is why I started creating and shooting my own short films. I love taking something that’s just a vision in my head and turning it into something people can actually see, feel, and experience. That same mindset is what I bring into TAHOOKAH. Every event, flavor menu, photoshoot, setup, and brand concept starts with a story or feeling that I want people to connect with. I’m most proud of being able to build a brand that feels like an extension of who I am creatively while creating spaces that bring people together. What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell hookah—I create experiences. My background in modeling, film, and creative direction allows me to look at things differently and think beyond the product itself. Whether it’s a themed event, a custom flavor blend, or a lounge setup, I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into a world that was intentionally created for them. For me, creativity has always been the foundation, and TAHOOKAH is one of the many ways I get to express it.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, and support me. Through TAHOOKAH, I offer mobile hookah experiences for private events, festivals, brand activations, and community gatherings. I’m always open to collaborating with other creatives, event organizers, photographers, videographers, models, and brands that align with my vision of creating memorable experiences and bringing people together through culture and creativity. Beyond the business itself, supporting TAHOOKAH can be as simple as attending an event, sharing our content, telling a friend about us, or engaging with our journey online. As a creative director and storyteller, I also love connecting with people who are passionate about art, film, entrepreneurship, and community building. More than anything, I’m excited to continue growing alongside other creatives and businesses who believe in turning ideas into experiences and creating something meaningful that leaves a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tah__.o?igsh=MXU2azVuOWJtaTRsYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tahookahcloudsandgraze?si=GnCDshNUwaWcAL4h
