We had the good fortune of connecting with Tameka Tate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tameka, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career because I love making things. I love to think about creations in my head and then just making them happen. It’s actually funny how I started my small business . I was gifted some shea butter and tried making body butter and fell in love with it. I truly enjoy when my customers tell me how people complement them on their skin and ask them what scent they have on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an early childhood educator, I have worked with children for nearly eighteen years. I am also an entrepreneur and have been one for eight years now. I am a single mother of a beautiful four year old little girl.I am most proud of how my daughter looks up to me and always wants to try out my new body butters. She loves to tell me “Mmm they smell so good”. It has definitely been a challenge juggling these three roles. I am trying to put myself out there more and promote my business.I try and stay positive and keep pushing .I know what I create is an amazing product even though it’s hard to feel that way when sells are not where I would like them to be. I want the world to know Zuri Melanini (Beautiful Melanin) is an amazing body butter hand made with love in every batch. I just want to be successful and have a legacy to leave my daughter.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hey I’m San Diegan so first stop mission beach then of course we got to head to 43rd Street to go to Humberto’s Taco shop.Then we have to head to old town to the crystal shop and we can’t forget National City to go to Royal Mandarin for the Salt and Pepper Chicken .I would say we would hit up a paint and sip as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my best friend my sister Misty for always believing in me. She was also my very first customer and swears by my products. So thank you boo for all your love and support.

Instagram: Zuri_melanini

Facebook: Tameka Tate

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