Meet Tareka Leshay Aka Memaw Jankins | Comedian Host & Motivational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tareka Leshay Aka Memaw Jankins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tareka Leshay, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved to entertain people. It may be hard to believe, but as a child, if I didn’t know you, I was shy. However, when anyone turned on music or I had an opportunity to perform in front of others, especially dancing, I turned into a different person. So, I did a lot of theater growing up, and I was always told I was funny and very entertaining and that I should try doing stand-up. That was a definite no for me. I could not imagine standing in front of people and making them laugh, and the only focus would be me. I was used to being in an ensemble or with a partner. I had also stopped acting for many years, but during the pandemic, I fell into a deep depression. I lost some very important people in my Life. I would cry for days on end, and while balancing these losses, I was also attending the University of the Pacific and had to take a medical leave because I felt like I was going to lose my mind. I prayed a lot at that time, and to distract myself, I would watch TikTok and Instagram videos anything that would make me laugh. One day, I saw a wig in my room that was from a play I was in called “Dam/Aged” and I decided to make a video because I was getting frustrated by the constant reminders to wash our hands during the COVID-19 outbreak. I felt like it was something that we should already know., So, I decided to address the issue humorously. I knew a few of my friends were watching, but I didn’t realize others were watching too. Folks started requesting more videos and sending ideas of videos they wanted me to respond to. My friend and sister in Christ, Stephanie Nelson of Stepz Dance Fitness Studio, invited me out to perform at her Block Party. She encouraged me to keep with my character because everyone loved me and the whole world needs to know me. My friend Dymond had also asked me to host her record release party and that her production team requested my character. Then, I met stand-up comedian Jerry Law, who offered me my first paid gig as a stand-up comedian and helped me develop as a comedian. I wrote the jokes and performed, and he would critique me after all my performances. Five years in, Memaw has her own IG & TikTok pages and has a growing fan base.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born and raised in Oakland, California. I transitioned from creating online content to performing live on stage, overcoming challenges and making people laugh along the way. With my natural talent for humor and engaging storytelling, I have captivated many audiences with my comedic brilliance and unique personality. From dancing during performances to bringing high energy,. I am a clean comedian due to my Christian values and my work with children. Being a clean comedian has opened so many doors for me. Such as modeling, hosting, and. Inspirational speaking. I have plans to expand my brand. I take pride in my ability to entertain people of all ages. This road has not been easy at all, especially in the comedy world. It’s definitely not for the weak; there have been many times. I wanted to quit, but I reminded myself that this was where I was supposed to be. I pray before every show, and I leave it all on the stage.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God for giving me the Talent
My Parents for their continuous support and encouragement
Susannah Woods & Linda Fielder -Drama Coach & Mentor
My Valley View Church of Christ Family
My VERY supportive Family and Friends
My wonderful Sister circle- They know who they are. I don’t want to leave anyone out and get in trouble
All of the Comedians that booked me on their shows
Ms Kash – Childhood friend for this interview -We are both living the dream we talked about as teenagers
And my amazing, beautiful, adventurous, creative daughter, Dream

Instagram: Itsmemaw510

Other: Itsmemaw510 TikTok

Image Credits
Hennessy Williams photos Stockton, CA