WELL HEY THERE,
without burnout or shrinking themselves.
(plus a drama-filled reality TV show, tbh).
Cultural diversity and multi-hyphenate perspective
I offer a distinct perspective shaped by my Caribbean upbringing and lived life in two cultures (Barbadian and American).
Kindness, mindfulness, and sustainable success
My approach prioritizes alignment over hustle—helping you grow your brand in a way that doesn’t come at the expense of your joy.
Strategic thinking and holistic game plan
I create reliable marketing and brand-building systems that work with your strengths and support your multi-passionate nature.
Expertise in storytelling and brand positioning
I help you craft a brand story that fully reflects all of you—without watering down your talents or trying to fit into a box.
Personalization and tailored solutions
No cookie-cutter strategies here! I work with you to build a brand that fits your vision and supports your long-term success.
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. With this leap, I began to reject limits, embrace a multifaceted identity, and create my own lane.
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 decided to trust my gifts and pivot from blogging. Drawing upon my 7+ years of digital marketing know-how, I boldly launched Next Level Presence — originally envisioned as an agency, but ultimately evolving into my professional hub for PR & marketing thought leadership.
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.
I made a bold move, taking an unannounced break from Instagram, blogging, and the constant push to stay visible online. At first, fear crept in. What would happen if I stepped back? Would everything I built start to disappear?
But something unexpected happened instead.
That break became a turning point. Offline, I was growing in ways I hadn’t expected—I had another child, landed dream clients, maintained a healthy business bank account, and secured major press features like in Forbes and Marketing Brew. More importantly, I learned how to build a flexible personal brand—one that could evolve with my life, not the other way around.
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.
