Meet Tameika Fletcher Birmingham | Creative Entrepreneur and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tameika Fletcher Birmingham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tameika, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In starting my own business, my thought process was deeply rooted in my passion for creativity, fashion, and the desire to inspire women through unique pieces that are reminiscent of the vibrant Caribbean culture, colour and style. My journey began with a strong love for fashion in the family business and an innate drive to create something that not only reflected my personal style but also celebrated island life. As I delved deeper into the world of fashion, I realized that there was a gap in the market for accessories that not only embraced modern trends but also carried the essence of the Caribbean spirit. I was driven by the aspiration to create not just fashion accessories, but experiences and connections with my brand. This thought process, rooted in passion and purpose, continues to fuel my entrepreneurial journey and push me to create designs and experiences that are unique and make women feel beautiful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a fashion jewelry designer creating pieces inspired by the Caribbean has been a profound exploration of creativity, resilience, and self-discovery. What sets my brand apart is its uniqueniness, style appeal, and focus on a shopping experience.

What I’m most proud of and excited about is the way my designs encapsulate the essence of the Caribbean and how it makes women feel when they wear Aya Styler. That feeling of lushness and luxury is attainable and available for women from all walks of life to enjoy.

The path to where I am today has been a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Even though at times it was not easy it has always been enjoyable, I am always excited to create, and if I had to do it over and over the passion is unwavering, The uncertainty of shifting careers and entering entrepreneurship and motherhood was a lesson and a blessing. My journey continues to shape my character, my knowledge, and my determination. I found strength in believing in myself and having a vision.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. I’ve realized that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every doubt is a chance to reaffirm my passion. I’ve learned that success is built on love, empathy, consistency, and a willingness to adapt. Surrounding myself with a supportive community has been instrumental in maintaining my motivation and perspective. People are the heart of what I do and the joy they reciprocate makes it worthwhile.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I belong to a thriving ecosystem of incredible creatives from the Caribbean. We’re more than just designers; we’re storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and dream weavers. My brand’s journey is a testament and tribute to the resilient spirit of the Caribbean people, our innovation, our warmth, and our perseverance. No matter where you come from, your dreams are worth pursuing, your voice is worth hearing, and your story is worth telling to the world.

‘ A piece of the islands’ – Aya Styler

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Book that trip to Trinidad and Tobago make sure and prepare for an adventure as we say a marathon. It will be epic to experience Trinidad and Tobago during our Carnival celebrations, one of the best festivals in the world, and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colours, food, and music. Carnival offers an unforgettable journey through Trinidad’s multicultural heritage.

On the agenda are daily food expeditions across both islands to enjoy local cuisines and beverages such as Doubles, Bake and Shark, Pelau, Crab and Dumplings and so much more. The highlight will be the daily events or as we call fetes that start from sunrise to sunset with lush atmospheres, and vibrant ambiance that will invigorate you to want to jump and wave to the sound of our local music such as Soca, Calypso, and Chutney. When we are not out partying, we are enjoying the cultural displays and experiences that are happening across the country all leading up to the main two-day celebration which includes our Jouvert and the Carnival Parade of Bands. That is the moment the world waits for, to parade the streets of our city in mud, oil, or the most beautiful costumes following the rhythm of the music truck. To cool down from the invigorating week of fetes and adventure, we cool down on our sister island Tobago with a tour,  to enjoy the magical waters of the Nylon Pool and then a relaxing evening  to watch the sunset  at Pigeon Point while sipping on a local rum punch celebrating an epic one week visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my mother, she is no longer with us but her legacy lives on!

My passion for fashion and entrepreneurship draws inspiration not only from my personal passion but also from the incredible legacy of my mother, Ambrosia Fletcher. She stands as a pioneer in retail fashion in my country having carved out a distinguished path and creating a household name in Trinidad and Tobago with her business Bang Bang.

My mother’s journey is a testament to her visionary spirit and unwavering dedication. In a time when the fashion industry in Trinidad and Tobago was still emerging, she seized the opportunity to make a significant impact firstly in manufacturing local garments and then diversifying into the importation of fashion clothing.

Through her hard work, creativity, and determination, my mother transformed her small venture into a thriving business that was not just about clothes, but about creating memorable experiences. She understood the power of making people feel confident and beautiful through the garments they wore. Her commitment to exceptional customer service and her innate sense of style and ability to connect with customers turned them into loyal patrons who spread the word about her store in a time before social media.

As I reflect on her journey, I am inspired by her willingness to take risks and push boundaries. She was not just a retailer; she was a trailblazer who redefined the fashion landscape in Trinidad and Tobago. Her legacy serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial gains, but about leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the lives of the people you touch.

I carry forward the recognition of my mother’s achievements as a guiding light in my own entrepreneurial journey. Her dedication to quality, her passion for fashion, and her deep connection with the community continue to inspire me as I strive to create pieces that honor her legacy and resonate with the fearless spirit she embodied.

In my business, I channel the lessons she taught me – to be innovative, to embrace challenges with determination, and to create not just products, but experiences that weave stories and touch people, My mother’s pioneering spirit lives on through my work, and I am committed to building upon the foundation she laid, bringing her vision into the modern world and continuing her legacy of excellence in Caribbean fashion.

Website: www.ayastyler.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ayastyler

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ayastyler

Other: threads and tik tok @ayastyler

Image Credits
Credit; Studio 28 Photography Models: Latisha Wallace Chelsea Wharton Makeup Artist: Tricia Steele Creative Director and Designer: Tameika Fletcher Birmingham