Meet Colah B Tawkin | Black in the Garden host and founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colah B Tawkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Colah B, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don’t speak out ain’t nobody going to speak out for you.”
This quote is from Fannie Lou Hamer who I consider a significant civil rights inspiration for her Freedom Farms. It’s affirming to me as it encourages me to continue to speak up for myself and speak out against injustices that prevail among my community with volume and vigor.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is the creativity that I bring to my niche at the intersection of Black culture and horticulture because it’s contemporary, fun and engaging in a way that hasn’t been produced before. I’m most proud of what I’ve contributed to my niche and my community being as unique as it is and excited about the many ways that my media career is rapidly expanding.
It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today professionally because I had to build the plane as I was flying it and rely mainly on intuition as well as faith in myself to acheive what I set out to do. I didn’t have friends or family who could advise me and support from my family was minimal at best. I actually began my podcast weeks after my ex husband abandoned me with our children a few months before the pandemic began.
I learned to build community as a support system and to be transparent about my needs as they arose. I also learned to seek help when needed and hire help when possible to supplement my growth in areas I wasn’t proficient in. In the interest of not quitting, (I was tempted many times) slow motion is better than none at all. I want the world to know that Black people are just as innovative and skillful at growing plants and tending to the land as we are in areas we’re most associated with.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The area would be Atlanta. I would take them to Atlanta Botanical Garden first to show them some of my favorite plants while we converse and kiki. We would spend a lot of time outside hiking some of the many incredible nature trails/retreats and exploring the Beltline. We’d visit historically Black sites in Sweet Auburn, take a Civil Rights tour and do some people watching in Little Five Points. Along the way we would try some of the many Black owned restaurants that contribute to Atlanta’s rich food scene. Brunch at Paschal’s is a must!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kid Fury and Crissle West of The Read podcast. They have exemplified what it looks like to be successful pioneers in podcasting by showing up very authentically and unapologetically Black which inspired me to start Black in the Garden.
Website: blkinthegarden.com
Instagram: @blackinthegarden
Linkedin: Colah B Tawkin
Twitter: @blacknthegarden