ABOUT

So what do you actually do?

I am essentially just a glorified Project Manager dressed up as an entrepreneur who loves fashion business.

What has your career path been?

I got my first job three months before my 16th birthday in retail, and worked in retail until my second year of university.

In my final year of university, I interned at different fashion magazines and realised how inhospitable, micro-aggressive and outdated their team structures were. So I started my own magazine to help students get the experience they needed in journalism. WILDABOUT Magazine grew into WILABOUT Collective, a triad of magazines, and that was the first time I got a taste of business. Since then, I have worked as a consultant and facilitator in the area of business.

What is the best part of your job?

Having the freedom to be able to build a diverse and sustainable team, with inclusion being the authentic and thought cornerstone of company culture.

Why do you do your job?

I was tired of wanting to see change, but it not happening.

I knew I was diligent, business smart and a person-centric leader - so why not do something impactful? Why not lead in a way that others have not before? As cliche as it sounds, why not become the change I want to see in the world.

One piece of advice for someone starting in your role?

In the infamous words of Birdman, "when my name comes up respek it!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLT7GQYNhI).

You have command and believe that you are worthy of respect. Take up space. "Respectable" business has always been synonymous with white, wealthy, ageing men. As a Black woman, I knew there were no seats at the table, so I always brought a folding chair. Trust your vision and never be afraid to ask for help.

Check out Tskenya’s socials below!

DAY IN THE LIFE

Damn, well, before I start to talk about my day I have to say that it is always in flux. I suffer from anxiety, and I am neuro-diverse, so it depends on what is going on - I guess that is why entrepreneurship works for me. But on a typical day:

7am - Wake up, shower, do my elaborate 7 step skincare routine and go for a walk (on occasion).

9am - Start my working day. Set out a to-do list and colour code them in terms of importance. Check-in with the team via Slack and read fashion news.

11am - Usually procrastinate for half an hour of so by scrolling through Instagram, Twitter and shock horror I am getting old, Linkedin...

12:30pm - Break my intermittent fast and catch-up with a friend or team members on Facetime.
1pm-3pm - Meetings and boring business bits and bobs.
6pm - Cook and eat dinner.
7pm - Long baths, even more skincare, candles and books.

Now, what I describe above is a perfect day, that maybe only happens once a week.

Sometimes I am up until the early hours working, or I have to take a break, nap or watch something on Netflix because my anxiety is off the charts.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy, and we don't hear that side of things enough. You can laugh, cry, scream and dance in the space of the same hour. You just have to roll with the punches and never devalue or sideline your well being. When you are well, as is well, usually.