About
WELL HEY THERE,
with the support and media strategies they need to thrive.
(plus a drama-filled reality TV show, tbh).
Cultural diversity and unique life experiences
I offer a distinct perspective because of my Caribbean upbringing and lived life in two cultures (Barbadian and American).
Kindness, mindfulness, and empathy
My approach prioritizes understanding and respecting the needs and goals of others.
Strategic thinking and holistic game plan
I create processes that seamlesssly work together and provide practical steps that drive personal and business growth.
Expertise in storytelling and compelling narratives
I craft engaging narratives that will resonate with your target audience, making your content and communications impactful.
Personalization and tailored solutions
No cookie-cutter recommendations here! Our conversations will always start with your vision and end with aligned options.
A TIMELINE OF
In my early 20s, as an immigrant chasing the American Dream, I felt trapped by the confines of my business management degree. Determined to break free, I started Baydian, a fashion brand showcasing hand-painted scarves, and launched Baydian Girl, a blog sharing creative ways to incorporate scarves into everyday life. This leap allowed me to defy limitations, embrace my multi-faceted self, and forge my own path.
I fully embraced the hustle, collaborating with friends and models to showcase Baydian’s unique designs in magazines and fashion shows. Every outfit I owned became an Instagram-worthy masterpiece, capturing national attention via influential platforms, like Fashion Bomb Daily. Collaborations with popular brands amplified my reach across platforms, garnering a flood of likes and followers.
But then, everything changed when I attempted to buy my first car. Despite the online accolades and admiration, I was unexpectedly denied a loan and, a subsequent conversation with a financial advisor exposed a bleak financial outlook.
Adding to the mix, I also became a first-time mom this year.
These pivotal moments forced me to confront nuances I’d previously overlooked and redefine my version of success.
With newfound clarity, I created a life I loved online and offline, a drastic departure from my hustlepreneur years. On my blog and social media platforms, I offered glimpses into my family life, delving into deeper topics, and sharing the valuable business strategies I had learned through trial and error over the years. In real life, I embraced rest and discipline. I reconnected with my Bajan roots after a decade, and developed responsible financial habits that allowed me to save for significant purchases, like the car I proudly acquired later that year.
In the midst of the pandemic, I made the decision to trust my gifts and pivot from blogging. Drawing upon my 7+ years of digital marketing know-how, I boldly launched my agency, Next Level Presence.
However, despite the progress I had made, it still felt like I had too much on my plate.
Although I had taken a hiatus from my fashion brand, Baydian, and established a healthy rhythm between Baydian Girl and Next Level Presence…
I sensed that something was missing.
I found myself grappling with how to authentically show up as myself.
Additionally, managing the operations of both brands proved to be a continuous challenge, requiring dedicated teams and efficient systems to maintain them. It was a far cry from the carefree days before, prompting me to reflect on finding balance and rediscovering my true essence.
Now: I made a bold move by taking an unannounced break from Instagram, and stepping away from writing blog posts. Initially, fear gripped me – what would happen if I took a step back?
Could I continue to build the life I wanted without succumbing to the rat race?
Yet, my leap of courage prompted a remarkable shift in my life. I learned to ask for the help I needed and live in alignment with who I was. This led to outsourcing meal prep, hiring a personal assistant for the first time, landing great clients, and even being featured as an expert in renowned outlets like Forbes and Marketing Brew.
Are you a creative soul or an entrepreneur? This is the ultimate list of must-do actions to craft a blog that’s uniquely yours. Take the exciting first step toward your dream blog. Download the checklist today!
Tamara Sykes
A digital marketer dedicated to helping you create a business and life that you love.
