Tasheen Parrish Thomas is an Entrepreneur and Influencer, born and raised in Buffalo, New York. His passions include music, teaching, personal development, and spirituality. Tasheen sees entrepreneurship as the vehicle to combine all his passions into one great movement. His goal is to edify the human family. To that effect, he founded the Parrish Borden Consulting Agency in February of 2020. This not only houses his present pursuits but also gives his love of teaching, entrepreneurship. and independence a place to grow and thrive.
We’d love to learn more about you. Can you give us a little background?
My name is Tasheen, and I’m 30 years old. I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. I’m an Entrepreneur and also just re-launched my clothing line (The Grace and Gratitude Clothing and Merchandise Collective), which is available on StoreFrontier.
I work as a freelancer teaching English as a Foreign Language and give private lessons in voice. I also host a podcast “Spiritual Sunday with Tasheen” (on Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and YouTube), and am a Certified Life Coach.
When I’m not busy with work, I’m baking a cake, making fried chicken, listening to smooth jazz, reading a good book, talking to God, or whatever else pleases my Spirit.
What went into building your brand? What is the purpose or goal of the Parrish Borden Consultant Agency?
I created this brand out of the belief that if you build it, they will come. I started these different projects going as far back as 2011. I’m doing things the way I want to do them and not how society expects me to do them.
As a Black man, born in the wealthiest country in the world, living in a society that told me even if I did everything they wanted me to, that it would never be enough, led me to the ultimate conclusion that it was time to create my society. That’s what I intend to do. That’s what I’m doing. That’s what I will do.
How does your brand work? What’s involved in the process?
My brand works on inspiration and dedication. I show up every day because I get to do what I’m doing. No one else can do what I’m doing, the way I’m doing it. In certain aspects, like podcast recording or social media posting, I set aside time to plan what content I’ll share and how. I like to leave room to respond to current events and other issues in community discourse.
With teaching, I do have lesson plans, but because I work on one the lesson plans are modified to suit the needs of the student. At the end of the day, the dedication I have to myself keeps me inspired. The inspiration for knowing that I’ll be doing this again tomorrow keeps me dedicated.
What message do you have for readers? Do you have a tip for them?
Don’t limit yourself! We are multidimensional beings. Life should be as fulfilling as possible. You have great ideas. Allow yourself the opportunity to explore those ideas. You’re worth the time and inquiry. You matter!
What challenges did you face while building your business?
Analysis Paralysis, Information Overload, and not trusting my intuition are the biggest challenges that I have had while working on brand creation. I would get so caught up on how others were doing things and the bombardment of doing it exactly as they do it. It didn’t fit me or my truth because I don’t like being told what to do!
How do you manage your business finances? Did you get funding?
I have taken a portion of my finances from my freelance work but then put it back into the business. Now that I am in the process of formalizing the structure of PBCA, I do hope that I will have access to greater capital, very soon.
Where do you see the future of your brand going? What’s your next level dream?
I want to expand my vision in such a way that includes helping, mentoring, bringing along people of color, LGBTQIA+, and other allies and co-conspirators. I want to help them transition into working for themselves, so they can experience the joys of entrepreneurship. In a detail that includes training on teaching, mindset, and personal development.
What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
To those who desire to create something of their own and make a living through it: You have everything, you need within you to start. You have a brilliant mind and are quite capable. Plan. You have a computer and a cell phone. There are plenty of sites where you can get started for FREE! Most of all, choose yourself. You are a worthy investment.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
Please support other Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. BUY their products/merchandise/services. LIKE and follow them or their business on Social Media. RECOMMEND their business to your community. There are many ways we can offer simple support, especially in times like these.
Company name: Tasheen Parrish Thomas
Website: www.facebook.com/tasheenparrishthomas
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tasheenparrishthomas
