Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomeka Burkley.
Hi Tomeka , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out on social media just for fun. A visual diary and a way to connect with others. I’m introverted so social media allows me to connect and be social, without being social. If that makes sense.
I’ve always loved playing in clothes and getting dressed in bold colors, patterns and textures. I would always post my outfits. Which now are called OOTD. Who knew that would be a for real thing. Lol I’m a color and holiday maximalist. So any a counts that reflect that, it’s an immediate follow for me. I’ve found my people.
As I grew on social many of my OG followers know me from my business Crafty and Chic. What started out as a hobby crafting and personalizing for my daughter Chloe and posting just for fun. Many requested I make those items for their children. Which consisted of custom tees for birthday parties, and seasonal personalized crafts for school. And that’s how we grew into a profitable business.
The business really grew. I added my love for jewelry and accessories to the website. Which consisted of personality pieces to add to your wardrobe. The thing I love most about the community I’ve built on my socials is they support and buy pretty much anything I would sell. I stepped away from the business bc during the pandemic it was so much harder getting my shipments and getting the merchandise shipped to my clients. It was stressful with me working full time as well.
Fast forward to today my new business I recently started last holiday was offering Christmas tree designs and decor. I am very festive but Christmas is my favorite holiday. I’m a visual merchdiser by day and I decorate the store doing all the visuals and window displays. So I’ve taken that passion and offering the service. I’ve been asked for years so I stepped out on faith and I’ve had 2 successful holiday seasons. I’ve taken master classes in Houston with one of my favorite designers and I’m continuing to perfect my craft. To take on more clients this year.
Over this last year my community has really grown. Specifically from college moms. I recently became an empty nester. My daughter went off to college. So I started a FaceTime series with her on tik tok. And all of a sudden all of those videos go viral. I loved documenting those FaceTime calls bc it just shows how we were so sad when she first moved. But as the months go on you can see the excitement and adjusetment through the phone. So many others follow me now bc the content is relatable. Posting those videos really helped me navigate without my daughter being home. Her father passed away in an accident before the pandemic. So I’ve carried this weight of being both parents. And It was just hard letting her go. Interacting w moms that are going through the same things as freshmen moms was just refreshing. It’s really hurtful how many young girls that don’t have the support of their mother. Reading my comment section would really crush me sometimes. So it really heals my timeline displaying what a healthy mother daughter relationship looks like. Being their friend and meeting them where they are and having compassion.
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My love for visuals , fashion and art.. has intertwined into me pursuing interior design. And I love all the inspiration I get from so many creatives I follow.
Although I used to just post for fun, now I enjoy posting GRWM, OOTD, and day in the life of a visual merchandiser and lifestyle content. To make social media an actual business for me. I’m here anyway posting so why not!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest it has not been a smooth road. It was fun when I posted for fun. I used to not watch the numbers, views, and follower count. But since I’ve wanting to make this a business I have to treat it as such. And showing up daily sometimes is a struggle. Especially when engagement is low. And although a lot of my mother/daughter videos go viral.. i want an authentic community. That will engage in my content. And sometimes viral videos don’t bring followers interested in your content. So it can be discouraging when you’re showing up daily and not getting the traffic. I feel some days I’m fighting for my life with the algorithm. Lol
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a visual merchandising manager. I love that I get to be creative everyday
I’m doing something different. So I don’t get bored. Doing the window displays is my favorite thing to do. I’m most proud of being able to have a vision for something and being able to execute it.
Something that sets me apart is I never try to be anyone else besides me. I can be inspired By someone but I’ve never try to work in the purpose of others.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My family and friends know.. but my co workers and brand followers may not know how introverted I really am. I show up energetic and I’m so social on social media and engage with my friends that have turned into my virtual cousins. . But I require a certain amount of alone time to recharge my social battery everyday. Lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tomekaburkley.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @withlove.mek
