We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamekia Swint and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamekia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is stepping out to do an action, not knowing the results, and stepping out into the unknown. Risk has played a significant role in building the foundation for the company I founded 15 years ago. I decided to quit my job and pursue my passion, a risk, to step out and start something new, wondering if anyone would join the effort. I had to be willing to take risks in everyday situations, such as talking about my ideas with strangers and winning them over to take actions that would motivate them to take action around the cause I’d initiated.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Styles 4 Kidz 12 years ago after I met a transracial adoptive mom in my community who needed help managing her Black daughters’ hair. After meeting her, I met a group of adoptive, foster, and biracial families who lacked resources and support for learning how to connect and bond with their kids over hair care.

Our program is truly one-of-a-kind because it addresses a problem that has yet to be solved by anyone else. We have dedicated staff committed to creating a solution that is effective and life-changing for our community’s parents and kids. Styles 4 Kidz is on a mission to start a movement that addresses the hair care needs of children with textured hair in biracial, adoptive, and foster care communities.

I have arrived here today because of my passion for work, grit, and resilience. It has been challenging because I am building a bridge that will outlast me. I overcome every challenge by focusing on the end goal: a world where every child feels confident and empowered inside and outside!

Lessons I’ve learned: “Work harder on myself than anything else!” “Never look back with regret, only go forward hoping for a better tomorrow!” “Anything not tried could be exactly the solution you have been looking for.” “If I build it, they will come!” “Don’t assume; always ask. What you don’t ask, you won’t know.” “Stay curious, it’s how you learn.” “Go slow, then fast. Evaluate, then repeat!”

I want the world to know that “we” and “me” are not going anywhere; we are just getting started. We are building a legacy that will impact generations to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, architecture, baseball parks with Chicago-style hot dogs and beer, shopping, and nightlife.

Sunday, first stop Giordano’s pizza-Art Museum downtown
Monday, The Chicago Architectural Tour, Shopping at 600 N Michigan Ave, Downtown
Tuesday, Hit the White Sox baseball park and grab a hot dog and beer
Wednesday, Drive the city and see the sights on the North, West, and South sides of Chicago-visit the lakefront
Thursday, Dining and Shopping along Michigan Ave
Friday, Catch a show at the Chicago Theatre or the Chicago Symphony Theatre.
Saturday, Navy Pier -Boat Ride with dinner- Fireworks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to: Ryan Swint, my husband, life partner, and # 1 fan!

Website: www.styles4kidz.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/styles4kidznfp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamekiaswint/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/styles4kidz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/styles4kidznfp

Image Credits
Hawa Images

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