Author Spotlight: Tamiya Davis

During her early years, Tamiya Davis lived a fast lifestyle surrounded by a number of friends, being seen in the hottest cars, experimenting with drugs, and the wearing latest fashions. However, on April 3, 1997, the trajectory of Tamiya’s life was changed forever as a result of a near-fatal car accident. The beauty and “bad girl” lifestyle she once thought could get her anything she wanted, was gone. In her eyes, she had the ugliest face and was the most crippled girl in the world. She labeled herself “Beauty & The Beast.”

“From Fatal to Fierce”, is Tamiya’s debut book which chronicles her journey of survival from her life-changing event, to the fierce, beautiful, and successful woman she is today. Through sheer dedication, drive, and God’s anointing, Tamiya was able to rebuild her life and is now sharing her testimony through writing.

Tamiya has worked as an International Longshoreman in Virginia for nearly two decades. When she is not at work, Tamiya is pursuing her dream of achieving icon status in the fashion world and in human rights. In 2016, she ran a restoration of rights chapter and helped over 100 felons receive their right to vote. She is the former owner of the fashion jewelry line Ynot Autumn Jewelry, which is credited with providing jewelry for the legendary R&B group SWV. Tamiya and Coko of SWV, were co-owners of a women’s shoe boutique in Virginia Beach’s Lynnhaven Mall, named C&T Shoe Bar. To date, her fashion credits include styling at the Grammy Awards, WE TV’s “SWV Reunited”, MTV’s Video Music Awards, TVOne’s “R&B Divas of LA”, and the 2018 Soul Train Music Awards. In 2019, the fashionista joined forces with designer Travian Vann, to found The Hampton Roads Expo Extravaganza; a festival-style event with business networking where attendees can learn, shop, build connections, and enjoy music and fashion.

Tamiya’s goal is to empower people and show them what it looks like to live their dreams and achieve God’s purpose in their lives. A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tamiya is a graduate of Old Dominion University and a proud mother to her son, La Tony. Learn more about the new author below.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Tamiya, Tamiya?

Tamiya: I am a woman who has been scarred mentally, physically, and emotionally. Yet, I still smile and look towards a better day. The things I’ve been through, a person who’s around me every day would never see because I’ve learned to live without my “life-abuse” on my sleeve. The strength I display as leader is living in the, “What Can I Do Better?” philosophy. By doing this, as a leader, I strategically think, stay focused, open-minded, be visionary, and stay inspired. Most of all, I love myself. The more I’ve learned to love myself, the better I’ve adapted through obstacles in life.

Fancy: It seems that after your accident, your lifestyle changed dramatically. Outside of your physical injuries, would you say you were also suffering from depression?

Tamiya: Yes, I suffered for a time directly following and even recently, from depression. It’s a constant ebb and flow for me, because I not only deal with the physical, but emotional scars from the accident, but it’s also a situation that often makes me ask, “why me?”. I deal with things alone a lot, because if you haven’t been through it, then it’s hard for you to understand the journey. The physical ones are obvious – the fact that I will always have to wear bangs to cover my forehead, and my fingers will never fully function the way they did before. Emotionally, my struggle with my body image at times brings on feelings of insecurity, especially, when it comes to intimacy, in full transparency.

Fancy: How did you rebuild your confidence?

Tamiya: My faith allowed me to rebuild, along with my friends and family constantly showering me with love and motivation. I learned to love my “new self” again. Loving yourself is a process, but I figured it out after many bumps and bruises from life’s obstacles. Most of all, I believed in myself, and I realized I can manage to do the same things as someone with all their abilities. I do a lot of things using the “Mind over Matter” mindset.

I am a woman who manages to get things done, while multi-tasking a million other things and making it look easy. I am the woman who runs the business, keeps up the house, gets to work on time, takes care of the family, and still finds time for a small social life. I know that I am in control of my life, so I choose to deal with the tough moments with patience and grace while remembering that “troubles don’t last.” I live in the moment but fight for the future. I know that things will come because Rome wasn’t built in one day. I learn from my mistakes and use them as stepping-stones. I keep God first and I know that being grateful for all the amazing things in my life, leads me to feel amazing and in turn, I accomplish more. Being grateful fuels my happiness and I simply get more things done when I believe in me.

Fancy: So tell us about your new book, “From Fatal to Fierce”.

Tamiya: “From Fatal to Fierce” is my debut book and it chronicles my journey of survival from my near-death accident, to the woman I am today. Through sheer dedication, drive, and God’s anointing, I was able to rebuild my life, and now I’m sharing my testimony.

Fancy: You are also a fashion stylist. How would you describe your style?

Tamiya: Clothes are a form of self-expression in the world. I use a wardrobe to discover joy and confidence in myself. When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re ready to work the room. I’m always aware of when, where, what and how. When is the event? Where is the event? What is it about and your role? Ultimately, what matters the most is that you feel good in the clothes you’re putting on your body and you’re able to smile and grace the room. And, of course, catch a few eyes.

Fancy: How were you able to get your jewelry in the hands of SWV?

Tamiya: I met Coko about eight or nine years ago when she was shopping at my jewelry store kiosk at the Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia. My employees continued to tell me that she was a routine shopper. I told them the next time she comes, to gift her the jewelry in exchange for a shout-out on her social media pages. One day, I was at the store, and we talked briefly. She stated that she was instantly drawn to the edginess and the overall uniqueness and quality of the pieces. Eventually, I decided to close the kiosk, and Coko caught wind and inboxed me on Facebook. She said she wanted to continue to get the jewelry pieces and asked me to meet her for dinner. Dinner led to her inviting me to attend the Grammy Awards with SWV months later. Years later, we are still as thick as thieves!

Fancy: What sparked your interest in working to restore the voting rights of convicted felons?

Tamiya: I’m an International Longshoremen, and I was appointed to be a part of an organization by the name of A. Philip Randolph Institute. Randolph was a trade unionist and civil-rights leader who was a dedicated and persistent leader in the struggle for people’s justice.

While being a part of this organization, it was brought to my attention that one in five black Virginians was permanently barred from voting because of a past felony conviction. Virginia has been one of only four states where voting rights are not restored automatically upon a felon’s completion of prison time, parole, or probation. Since more than half the state’s prison population is African American, the effect has been racially skewed, depriving perhaps a fifth of the state’s black population of the vote.

At the time, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced that he would restore the voting rights of felons in his state. Announcing that his administration would process applications for 13,000 felons, so they are able to vote.

I was a young adult that got into trouble (similar to family members and friends around me), so I joined to help our local people who wanted a second chance.

Second chances are an integral part of the fabric of our nation. If we want to create and sustain communities that thrive, we need a criminal-justice system that not only encourages people who have broken the law to make amends but also ensures they have an opportunity to lead productive lives with dignity when they reenter their community. Together, we helped over 100 ex-felons restore their rights.

Fancy: With the 2020 presidential election already causing quite the stir, will you or are you working with others to ensure they are able to vote in this upcoming election?

Tamiya: I will team up again with my community leaders to help ensure people are able to vote, rights are restored, and people are educated on voting. 

Fancy: You wear several hats, how do you balance it all or do you seek harmony instead?

Tamiya: Because I love everything that I do – from being a Longshoreman to everything I do in the community – it makes it easy to prioritize and balance. I put passion behind the things I part take in. I also believe in self-care, so I enjoy “me time,” my vacation time, and having fun!

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?

Tamiya: As of now, my focus is on becoming a best-selling author and motivational speaker from my new book “From Fatal To Fierce”. I hope to touch many people with the words and lessons from this book and my life’s journey.

Connect with Tamiya below.

Website: www.tamiyadavis.com

IG: @ynottamiya

FACEBOOK: Tamiya Davis

TWITTER: TamiyaDavis3