You know, I think I’ve always wanted to start a clothing line. I vividly remember sketching designs for our cheerleading uniforms in grammar school and re-designing all the hottest Nikes I couldn’t afford. I was customizing Nike’s before it was ever an option on a website. So earlier this year when I decided that IContinue reading “New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished”
Tag Archives: Art
ISSA POP-UP EVENT!
We’re excited to announce that our mother company, EbonySun Chicago, is partnering with this dynamic group of Black-owned businesses next week to offer you all NEW merch (like new NEW… not even on our website… exclusive NEW) and of course, boxes of Sincerely, Tyra-authored books! Join us and share the good news! Happy Sunday! —Sincerely,Continue reading “ISSA POP-UP EVENT!”
Love: A New Inquiry
So I’ve been listening to a lot of Drake and Anita lately. But somehow in between them, I was able to come across this song, Sacred Space, by India.Arie. Honestly, between her and Anita’s Tidal playlists, I’m rethinking the type of love that I need and want in my life. There’s a lyric in thisContinue reading “Love: A New Inquiry”
What About Self-Awareness?
I want to hide… Literally just want to get under the covers, ball up like a baby and hide. Why? Because of this feeling of rejection—and how I chose to respond to it. Disclaimer: This post is going to share my flawed reactions to a recent male friend’s choice to be in a relationship withContinue reading “What About Self-Awareness?”
Prayer for Inner Peace
Here’s a question: What does it mean to “match energy?” The other day I was writing and reflecting on a few things and a thought came to me: “Vow to never again reciprocate anyone’s negative energy….” It’s no secret to the people that know me the best: I don’t “match energy” well. When someone doesContinue reading “Prayer for Inner Peace”
Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update
So, “The Goddess of Self-Care” looked up and realized I’d been taking care of everyone else’s needs first. I love to help others and am usually the person friends and family run to when they want something done. I also really struggle with saying the N-word, at times. You know, “no” is not as easyContinue reading “Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update”
Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us
Good morning Family! I pray that you are all healthy, happy, and adhering to the Shelter-in-Place guidelines in your area. #StayAtHome (as much as possible). There has been so many movement-building moments happening in the past couple of weeks. I have been participating in marches, reading up on the Black Panthers and Toni Morrison, researchingContinue reading “Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us”
Make Us Better | Prayer
Dear God,Sometimes I wonderwhat You think of me.Am I pleasing You?When look at me,do You smile? Is Yourheart satisfied? Teach mehow to live out life like You.Hold my hand, ordermy steps, and set a firein my soul for Your ways.Consume me, filling allthe cracks and crevicesof my being with Your Spirit.Make Me Better,in Jesus’ Name.—Amen.
COVID & The Conference Call
We’re on these conference calls and you can literally hear the fear and angst in people’s voices. I know we all have obligations and deadlines (in spite of/during) this pandemic…. But I just want to remind you that it is okay to not dial-in or to dial-in and stay on mute if you are notContinue reading “COVID & The Conference Call”
Go Vote—with Your Children!
Listen, sometimes what looks like an obstacle is actually an opportunity! If you can, take the babies with you to vote today. It’s a reason they are out of school and we are off work at the same time! It’s the perfect opportunity for them to see the process and learn something. My Joy hadContinue reading “Go Vote—with Your Children!”
The Black Woman | Poem
This womb was created to create life These hands made to make magic These feet and legs, stand stronger than a pyramid, immovable during struggles This heart pumps blood of Ghanaian warriors and American freedom fighters This hair grows closer to the sun each day, vivid reminder of my royalty She sustains a legacy farContinue reading “The Black Woman | Poem”
Support Your Friends (…Yes, for Free!)
Supporting your friends’ small businesses doesn’t require spending all of your money.
Gotta a minute? …Yes?!
Okay, awesome! There are two ways you can support…
Promises to My Joy, The Princess
I promise to show you how extremely talented you are.I promise to listen before I say no.I promise to hear your point of view.I promise to make room for your heart’s desires.I promise to remind you that you are the princess (and yes, I’m The Queen—although it sounds softer when you remind me).I promise theyContinue reading “Promises to My Joy, The Princess”
Chicago Peace Project Revisited
(Politickin: The Chicago Peace Project participants discussing future goals, ancient societies, and their favorite cartoons while creating art in trauma-informed breakout sessions facilitated by the Teen Arts Council members.) (Drop Me Off at the L: Teen Arts Council members facilitate an icebreaker called Mr. Taxi Driver for The Chicago Peace Project participants.) Is it stillContinue reading “Chicago Peace Project Revisited”
#SlayTheDream | A Catalyst Story
I realized a long time ago that when you start wanting better for yourself, people might want to tear you down or destroy your vision…
Move on, Sis!
“If we both wanted the same thing, we would be in a relationship right now.”
I had to explain to my friend that I knew this because he never made a deciding move. Don’t get me wrong now, we’re not on bad terms. We don’t hate each other. We simply aren’t meant to be committed to each other. And ultimately, his actions (or lack thereof) spoke for his desires.
You are INSPIRING | #GRWM
Dear Righteous and Holy Father, I’m sure You heard me say that I would close out this year on “Cloud Nine,” praising You and blessing Your Name for all this goodness that You have done thus far…. I think right as I was saying that the devil asked You if He could try me. ThereContinue reading “You are INSPIRING | #GRWM”
Living on Cloud Nine
I’m on cloud nine and I don’t wanna come down. | Natural high, haters can’t make me calm down. | Hunting for it and I could eat it right now. | These mf’in poems ain’t gon sell theyself na. | 😂… (Okay, I got it out of my system! I watched the entire season ofContinue reading “Living on Cloud Nine”
#DearSelf
Honestly, I haven’t been feeling like myself lately… Then, I remembered I’m cut from a different cloth: I’m a Queen. I’m genuine and caring. I have goals achieved and that are making progress. I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. AND, I know my purpose. So despite everything, I was born to win. WomenContinue reading “#DearSelf”
#DearSelf
Dear Self: Stop trying to compact your love in their tiny box. It’s too huge; too vast; and too much a thing to be marvelled. Not at all a fixture to be hidden or revealed by decision of a weak ego needing to be stroked. –Sincerely, Tyra
Worth the Work
Writing this post thinking of some of the ways that I have blocked my own blessings in the past: A. By moving too fast, B. by trusting too quickly (yes, there’s a difference between trusting people and being naive like I was), C. by doing my own thing out of pride, D. and by notContinue reading “Worth the Work”
Comments on Control and Being Still
Bruh, here’s a not-so-secret secret: I struggle with being in control. If I’m being real, I can paint a picture for you. Give me a second… Okay, so: A. Sometimes, I roll my eyes at people who I think don’t know what they’re doing instead of helping them. B. Although I’ll say when I’m wrong,Continue reading “Comments on Control and Being Still”
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yo I’m tired now that I’m actually sitting still —BY MYSELF. Finally. Hosted an event, facilitated class today, and an hour and a half-long admin meeting. But God gave me the strength… This is a Gal. 6:9 moment. Just being able to sit still, alone. Grateful for a day filled with great conversations, but IContinue reading “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Eartha-Ntozake Mashup
“From the Desk of Eartha-Ntozake: Interesting how that works for a woman—brown-braided and radical like myself. I can be as fragile as flower and as submissive as a servant. And yet, it’s always been the ones that said they want a woman who has something to offer the world that leave me abandoned. So they’llContinue reading “Eartha-Ntozake Mashup”
A Laying of God’s Hand
I really have to thank God every day that I am not who I used to be on so many levels. Any girls/women in messed up/abusive relationships, I feel for you—mostly because I used to be you…. My Joy and I witnessed a domestic situation between two strangers late last night. And she’s talking aboutContinue reading “A Laying of God’s Hand”
#HealitGod: Fear of Love
I read somewhere that God can’t heal what you are unprepared to reveal. This is an interesting concept that requires us to do a bit of work. Mainly, if you are not in the mindset to be self-reflective and confess your flaws and sins to God, they’ll remain thorns in your side. As my relationshipContinue reading “#HealitGod: Fear of Love”
Free Woman
No one wants a free woman. They want us to be small and contained, unopinonated and ashamed of all our own ideas. When I say, “Stop that. It hurts me.” They’d rather recall how strong I was before and parade my wounds around like a trophy. I just want to be a free woman, fullContinue reading “Free Woman”
Bellies & Babies
Sometimes I look at my stomach and cannot believe there used to be a living, breathing being inside of it… at least until My Joy decides to randomly pat it and says “I used to be in Mommy’s tummy” or “I wanna be in Mommy’s tummy” or… the most infamous one of all: “its looksContinue reading “Bellies & Babies”
My Joy the Mastermind
After tub time, My Joy likes for me to pick her up and stand in the mirror and hug her—like I did when she wasn’t half my size. Last night— My Joy: Pick me up, please. Me: I did pick you up (literally sitting on the side of the tub with her wrapped in herContinue reading “My Joy the Mastermind”
I talked to God in Public.
I think I’ve just now decided to call this what it is. I’m not a preacher, not an evangelist or a even a great intercessor. But I am consistent. And I’ve been consistently praying over us. Yes, even you–who I may not know. But you’re reading this right now–so yes, definitely you, too. There’s aContinue reading “I talked to God in Public.”
Not Your Average 4-Year Old
I love when people talk to My Joy likes she’s an actual person. Don’t treat my big girl princess like a four-year old that’s not up on game. She is too smart for that and will let you know as much with her level of conversation. Honestly, we should make it a practice of treatingContinue reading “Not Your Average 4-Year Old”
Happy New Year
If you’re reading this, it’s 2019. Dope things happened for us in 2018. Don’t let the mishaps, missteps, mistakes, or even the misfortune fool you into to believing that you didn’t make it through gloriously. It’s time to reflect, be grateful, increase your faith and do even more this year! —Sincerely, Tyra #SlayTheDream #ChiPeaceProject
Excerpt from “Soul Fed”
Dear Self Project
We have ten days left in 2018. You’ve made it this far despite this year having been a test of of your patience, your strength—and possibly—your sanity. But there is definitely something to look forward to and many more things for which to be thankful. Remember, my words you’ve made it THIS far. Keep going!Continue reading “Dear Self Project”
The Meaning of Tyra
Someone called me the Goddess of Self-Love. I find this interesting because according to Google the name Tyra in Scandinavian is the feminine variation of Tyr: god of War, Battle. Most of my life, I’ve been trying to figure out how to reframe that “definition” into a positive one or redefine my name based onContinue reading “The Meaning of Tyra”
God Promoted Me
On this day last year, I found myself accepting a new job… Since then, everything I’ve touched has been favored and blessed. The only thing I miss are my residents and the dance studio. 😊 Less than a year later, that opportunity shifted from a new position to a new promotion. This year has beenContinue reading “God Promoted Me”
Career Change?
I think that I may have missed my calling… I have been off work for two days and now I’m thinking about becoming a stay-at-home mom/home-maker. Bruh, I was so productive earlier in the day, started cooking dinner at 4PM, and we have cleaned the kitchen and eaten all before 7PM. I luhh my job,Continue reading “Career Change?”
A Genuine Invitation
We all know a few people that may not have the best relationships with their family members—and those that may not have the luxury of being able to see their family. Check on those people today. Invite those friends to the house or at least to pick up a plate. (Or drop it off, ifContinue reading “A Genuine Invitation”
Sameyah Haile
I love conversations with My Joy. She is so free with her emotions that I learn something new about confidence, imagination or love with each dialogue. You can’t teach this type of self-love. It makes me weary wondering how I can protect her from the darkness of the world. So I pray her light neverContinue reading “Sameyah Haile”
#SundayFunday
We went on a mission to see Shakespeare in the park and failed up with an extraordinary play date with some new friends, a photo shoot, and ice cream.* We were sharks, zombies, frogs with sharp teeth, and zappers (whatever that is). Oh, and I can’t forget–astronauts discovering new galaxies! —Sincerely, Tyra 🖤 Sometimes IContinue reading “#SundayFunday”
#ChiPeaceProject
So I’m at the monthly HIVE Meetup and to spark small group conversation, I’ve been asked 1) to share the 5th photo in my phone and 2) how I felt during the moment it was captured. A1: Clearly, this is a screenshot (which means I stole it, but that’s another post for another day). A2:Continue reading “#ChiPeaceProject”
Dear Self | Reminders
Artistry withstands the times long after the artist cannot. —Sincerely, Tyra #SincerelyTyra #SlayTheDream #RIP #RIH #Basquiat #design #interiordesign #decor #art #artist #time #forever #past #future #quotes #artwork #writer #poetry #painting #portrait #publishing #entrepreneur #keys #facts #linkinbio
RIP King Basquiat
“Artistry withstands the times long after the artist cannot.” —Sincerely, Tyra #SincerelyTyra #SlayTheDream #RIP #RIH #Basquiat #art #artist #time #forever #past #future #quotes #artwork #writer #poetry #painting #portrait #facts
Validation + Self-Worth
Quick reminder: Everybody ain’t able, beloved. I honestly have to talk to myself like this sometimes, because people… 1) want to stress you out 2) want you to be miserable w/ them 3) can’t understand your gifts 4) want to put limits on your talents 5) love you when your positive energy is flowing fromContinue reading “Validation + Self-Worth”
Prophesy:
New posts and stories on Instagram @SincerelyTyra and @TyTaughtYou on Twitter!
from Pocket Mantras.
So since December, I have been working on ways to self-motivate. The most effective one I’ve found is, of course, writing (go figure) about the strength that I already possess. Harping on these strengths seemed arrogant at first. But the necessity of seeing what could I handle and what I am capable of accomplishing onContinue reading “from Pocket Mantras.”
7 Things I Do When I’m Sad (Self-Care Post)
So, this list is comprised of actions that have helped me get back to my routine after being laid off; overcome a bad breakup, and grieve a loved one’s death. They all may not work for you, but I encourage you to find what does work to help rebuild your confidence and your happiness. -Sincerely,Continue reading “7 Things I Do When I’m Sad (Self-Care Post)”
Hair Wars and Self-Care
Spoiler Alert: This is a “Hair Appreciation” post. Yall. I used to be the queen of bone straight hair which over time ended up damaging it. Literally took me 10 years to become comforatble with my natural curl pattern. Would have never worn my hair like this even two or three years ago. My hairContinue reading “Hair Wars and Self-Care”
A Sprinkle of Black History Magic
Dear Everyone: Biennially, I do a daily post during Black History Month (BHM) on my Instagram. I treat it like my own little 28-Day challenge. Perhaps next year, I’ll get my life together enough in January to actually create one of those cute, little calendars that mysteriously floats around the internets with a daily themeContinue reading “A Sprinkle of Black History Magic “
5 Steps to Reading Happiness!
Dear Followers, Wanna know the “5 Steps to Reading Happiness?” 📚 1. Search🔎 2. Find: A Smothered Scripture 🎯 3. Download⬇ 4. Read (& hopefully, enjoy) 📖😁 5. Review🆒🖒 -Sincerely, Tyra #SincerelyTyra #SlayTheDream #ASmotheredScripture #amazon #kindle #writer #books #reading #happiness #download #review #ebook