MYRQ: Michael Yates
T: Tanesha Terrell

Data log: May 15, 2008
I’d arrived in Los Angeles 4 days earlier only to discover that the Hammer Museum was hosting an event that featured one of my favorite visual artist (Kara Walker). I will admit that I was super excited to finally get to attend a solo show of hers. Being in New York three months earlier, I’d only gotten to see a few pieces here and there in various galleries. The show was exhilarating, emotional and moving, it had the ability to make you remember things that you’d never experienced. Here is a link to the show, you should become familiar with her work. http://hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/detail/exhibition_id/85
Once I’d made my rounds and had experienced all the work, I noticed a young lady with a 24k gold Obama t-shits on, her name was Tanesha Terrell: the conversation went something like this…

Me: What’s up wit ya though? You got a lot of money wrapped up in that t-shirt, you must be positive he’s gonna win the election.
Tanesha: You know it! We gotta represent! Once he wins I’m gonna sell this shirt on eBay and make a mint.

Me: Dig that! Those are really high expectations form such a little lady. What do plan to do with all the Benjamin's that you’re gonna make?
Tanesha: I’m going to invest it into my career as a fashion stylist. I’m going to become the biggest stylist in Hollywood, America and worldwide….

THE END (this conversation has been changed to protect my memory)
Needless to say we’ve worked together on a few of projects in the past but the best is yet to come.

MYRQ: So Tanesha, it seems that life took over and we got kind of disconnected since our last project. What have you been doing with yourself and what’s new with you?
T: I'm constantly on the grind. Trying to build an empire. I recently got engaged, so when I have any downtime from work, I'm wedding planning.

MYRQ: So when is the big day?
T: June 26th, 2010. The day my life will change forever.

MYRQ: Back to the day we met: What was the most moving thing at the show for you? How did it affect you?
T: Kara Walkers exhibit was very intense. Not only is her medium and technique amazing, she portrayed images that I would be embarrassed about. That show uncovered some wounds.

MYRQ: You told me an interesting story about your struggle and transition from STL to LA. Care to share the story?
T: In 2006, things kind of fell apart for me in St. Louis. I lost my car, job, and even my boyfriend. I kept getting signs that I needed to move to LA, although I had nothing going for me. LA is one of those places where you just have to be here if you want to be successful. I'd rather take the risk and fail, then regret later for not trying. My dad paid me to paint a cabinet, I spent that money on a one-way train ticket to LA; told everyone I was leaving and packed my bags. God has carried me to this point. Only by the grace of God. I had $150 in my pocket that lasted me until I got a job that allowed me to save my money. The grace of God.

MYRQ: What inspires your style and creative vision?
T: My lifestyle and nature. I want to live life in comfort and security. So, I like clothes that are comfy, yet have structure and high quality.

MYRQ: You are a really chill individual. What does a person have to do to set you off?
T: Not use their turn signal.

MYRQ: What’s your most memorable story or learning experience to date?
T: Let your intuition guide your spirit. Let go. Listen.

MYRQ: What will you leave us with as your legacy?
T: That I was a loving and passionate person. And strong. And maybe smart.

MYRQ: What other interest do you have besides styling?
T: I love to go bowling. I enjoy outdoors, sports, traveling, shopping, and food. The riches in life.

MYRQ: What does an average day for you consist of?
T: Everyday is different, but I typically fit in hygiene, smoking a bowl, eating fresh food, and grindin'.

MYRQ: Tell us a secret about yourself that you want everyone to know.
T: I eat a lot of cheese.

MYRQ: What is your strongest connection to the fashion industry?
T: Working with BCBG and you.

MYRQ: What does style mean to you?
T: Style is an expression of yourself. The way you feel, the way you live, what you do. A persons beliefs and thought patterns are reflected through their wardrobe. It's an expression of your inner being.

MYRQ: What do you fear the most?
T: Stuffed animals.

MYRQ: What are your desires?
T: Peace. Love. Happiness. Guidance. Wisdom. Intelligence. Health. Wealth. Harmony.

MYRQ: What did you do with all the money you made off the Obama t-shirt?
T: I think I'll sell it when it's vintage.