Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Jackson.
Tamika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Am I The Only One started from a rant session with my then roommate and sorority sister Iesha about how hard it is to be an adult. We felt like it was so much that we didn’t know, or have a grasp on. We started thinking, we can’t be the only people who feel like this. So, we decided to create a survey monkey with just one question “Do you feel like college prepared you for the real world?”. We sent it out to all our friends, millennial organizations, social media accounts and group mes. We got an overwhelming response, and for the most part, everybody responded with a passionate no. Iesha and I both are journalist/publicists, so we knew we had to share our story and create a community on and offline for millennials to not only vent but share resources and flourish. We launched our website on January 1, 2016. With no prior experience with tech, we put our heads together and figured it out. Sidenote, work and developing Am I The Only One has been one of the greatest teaching tools I’ve had in my adult life. I’m constantly challenged to produce things I never thought I could. But back to the story, we got our feet wet. Experimenting with different topics, hosting guest bloggers and using videos for a multi- media feel. Once we hit our year mark, we wanted to start having events. Our first event was our one-year anniversary brunch. I remember how nervous we were, and I was like I hope people come. To our surprise, it was a huge success, perfect way to start off the New Year. Since then, we’ve produced five events, our “toast and talks”, Year By Design, and our very first live podcast event. Every year, we try to add a new component to our brand. Early this year, we launched our podcast. So, we drop one written blog and one podcast episode every month. Creating a podcast was a huge challenge, It stretchheddddd me, but I appreciate it. Am I the Only One has given me experience in audio engineering, graphic design, event planning, content creation and more. It taught me that I was capable of much more than I thought. Am I the Only One also has a home base in Detroit, my co-blogger was born and raised there. She moved back about two years ago, Fun fact: Iesha and I haven’t lived in the same city the entire time we’ve been running AITOO. Our next Live podcast event will be in Detroit 9.8!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in my life has ever been easy. I’ve also been a fighter, literally and figuratively. But my journey with AITOO has been worth it. I believe having a stronger business/friendship with my co-founder is making our foundation so strong. She holds me accountable, we keep each other motivated when we feel like things are moving a slow motion. I think the hardest thing has been feeling like your work is going unnoticed. I believe a lot of creatives have felt this, and my remedy for those times is my support system. As cliche as it is, surround yourself with some riders! And keep a friend like me, who will tell the truth even if it hurts. My advice for women who are just starting is DO IT ANYWAY. If you don’t know what to do or where to start, it doesn’t matter. If you do it long enough, you’re bound to pick up some knowledge along the one. Don’t be scared to venture outside of your friend groups, the relationship is KEY to everything. And SUPPORT, you see other women doing something you like TELL HER.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Am I The Only One? Blog & Podcast – what should we know?
I love everything about us, lol. But seriously, I love our events! They are always filled with such great energy and collaboration. Our podcast is hilarious, check it out when you get a chance. I love the fact that we don’t shy away from topics and were very timely. What sets us apart from others is our opposite personalities, we have a great contrast. Also our diverse topics and events, we aim to leave you with something.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
You’re going to mess up, but it’s not the end of the world. You are not the sum of your greatest mistakes. Forgive yourself and others. And lastly, DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, period.
Pricing:
- AITOO pins are $5
- AITOO stickers are $4
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amitheonly1.org/
- Phone: 773-708-5221
- Email: info@amitheonly1.org
- Instagram: @_amitheonlyone
- Facebook: Am I The Only One
- Twitter: @amitheonlyone13
Image Credit:
Kandace Miggins IG:@K_miggs
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
