Read what one of our clients, TaNisha, had to say about her experience with the 40 over 40 Project and why she wanted to be part of this confidence-boosting experience!
A Little About TaNisha’s Background and Life
TaNisha, the eldest from Tupelo, MS, witnessed her parents’ enduring love across their 45 years of marriage. Settling in Nashville after attending Vanderbilt alongside her brother, she credits her vibrant and strong-willed female influences—grandmothers, aunts, and godmothers—for shaping her essence and kindness. Her mother, a resilient fireball of emotions and determination, particularly left an indelible mark, as did her feisty aunts, who influenced her deeply.
Q+ A With TaNisha
Why was being part of the 40 Over 40 Project important to you?
Being a 43-year-old Black woman with no kids comes with its own set of societal pressures. I found myself at a crossroads during the pandemic. I was in a relationship I knew needed to end and felt trapped. My normal support systems were deeply disrupted during a time when I needed them most. It was during this time I realized my “armor” wasn’t strong enough to fight my battles alone. My miscarriage was the catalyst for my hanging up my cape.
I’d begun a new relationship, bought my first home, and landed my dream role all in the two years before the world shut down. I was exhausted. The first few months of quarantine were pretty uneventful. It wasn’t until winter 2021 things went off the rails. My parents and best friend would later ask why I never spoke up about how bad things had gotten. I just thought I could handle it. It turns out losing a child isn’t something you just handle.
How did I arrive here? My cape. I helped everyone else and “handled” my own stuff. Two long term periods of unemployment, disappointments, and a sheer need to survive had left me hyper independent. I was bankrupt.
So, how did I survive? I opened up, said what I needed and I worked in (not just went to) therapy. Trust me, I’m still a hot mess. But, speaking up has really done nothing but strengthen all my closest relationships. Good people are a gift. God gives us them for a reason. We should acknowledge and utilize the amazing gift of our own beloved communities more often.
What is your profession?
IT Consultant
What are your achievements and hobbies?
I’ve run two half marathons, my first at 35. I was still a pack a week smoker, think Carrie Sex in the City balcony action after happy hour. I will always count this as an achievement because it honestly changed my life. It was just the boost of confidence I needed to go after another level of goals.
I also love to cross train with boxing at Title. Saturday hikes are a must to keep me at peace and my almost two-year-old goldendoodle keeps me pretty busy.
When I’m not with her, I love to hang out at local spots. Brewery patios and smaller locally owned bars are more my speed with Plane Jane being my favorite. Though my bedtime is 10pm these days, I still love a good opportunity to dance. Nash Feels throws the best monthly parties I’ve seen if you just want to get comfy and have fun.
Community is a large part of my life. I’ve served and currently serve on boards for organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS outreach (Street Works), civil rights and workforce development (Urban League Middle TN), leadership training (New Leaders Council Nashville), and girl’s empowerment (Girls on the Run Middle TN).
In 2018, I was also awarded the Nashville Emerging Leaders in Technology through the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. I’m especially proud of this honor as it not only focuses on professional achievement but places equal importance on community engagement.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is my surviving the absolute darkest time my life and coming out the other side an even better version of myself.
What is your personal motto?
I may not be perfect, but I will always have joy!
What is something that matters to you?
Black women matter to me. Our wholeness, happiness, respect and our just due. It’s our time. I know so many sensational Black women! Gorgeous, stunning, genius level, boss women. I want us all to win and to experience luxury as a way of life. I want to rest without guilt. I want us to demand our worth without qualifiers. I want us to have adequate, safe, and humane reproductive experiences. I want our trauma to matter. I want us at peace.
What quote defines you?
If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive. – Audre Lorde
What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Fuck what “they” think.
What would you like your legacy to be?
She loved herself fiercely.
What are 3 words that define you?
Discerning
Genuine
Fun
When you look at your final 40 over 40 portraits, how do feel about yourself? What words would you use to describe the woman in the portrait?
I feel, “This woman has grown.” There is a confidence and a power in my posture that has not been present before. I’m really proud of her.
If you’re ready to book your photoshoot, you can start the process by sending an inquiry here.
Or you can see more of my Portrait Photography photos here!
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