‘I Realized That I Had To Be Who God Created Me To Be’

Black women are having a moment. Queens are excelling in a wide variety of arenas, and in the most visible and far-reaching ways — reaching extraordinary heights in business, politics, culture, and athletics. 

Recognition and reward for those achievements is not restricted to those running for the White House, standing on the Olympic medals stand in Paris, or filling stadiums on tour behind diamond-selling albums. 

In fact, few embody the grace and greatness of modern Black womanhood quite like Tabitha Brown, whose increasingly ubiquitous presence in American life is something of a marvel. Whether it’s a television series (“The Chi,” “It’s CompliPlated”), bestselling books (“Seen, Loved & Heard,” “Feeding the Soul”), the hair care line (Donna’s Recipe), corporate brand partnership (Target), or a national advertising campaign (Goli apple cider vinegar gummies), Ms. Tab, as she is affectionately known to millions of young children (thanks to her smash YouTube series “Tab Time”), is everywhere. Thirteen million social media followers are making sure it stays that way. 

Brown has become known as “America’s Mom,” and is being welcomed into so many lives, for simple but profound reasons: her authenticity, preternaturally comforting manner, and unyielding belief in human potential. Las Vegas Black Image sat down with the North Carolina-born lifestyle guru for a revealing conversation about her “recipe” for success in business and life. 

How did you first recognize that your authentic self would resonate so well with the consumer market? 

I really didn’t realize it. I was already into it when I started creating video content and realized that I had to be who God created me to be. Initially, I was very nervous because I was coming from years of conforming and trying to fit into Hollywood. As an actress, I was always concerned about covering my accent, wearing my hair a certain way, dressing a certain way and just trying to look the part. When I let all that go, trusted in God, and became who he created me to be — then my whole life started to change. I guess I really realized that when doing the social media videos and getting the response from the people. Freedom is the best thing I ever did.

How did you realize that social media was such a good platform for your relatable voice? 

I never looked at my social media voice as being marketable. I was just trying every day — and I still do — to reach one person and make them feel loved, heard, and not alone. I want them to feel they have a friend in me. So when I do my videos, that is the only thing I am thinking about. I am not thinking about trying to attract billions of people. It just happened. But I am not focused on that; I focus on the heart of one. And it just seems to translate. That’s the part that really makes it work, because I’m only thinking about that one person who might be watching me. Whoever that one person may be — that transcends to others.

How do you make all the components in your life and career click into place? 

To be present is strength. Just knowing where my help really comes from, which is God. God is my foundation and the village that surrounds me — my family. Also, knowing when I am not strong, and that too is okay. When things are going great, it’s beautiful and I am grateful. But when it’s not going great and it doesn’t feel so well, I’m also grateful. I think that is where the strength comes from. Just being grateful for what God is doing and being alive. I’ve been in dark places before, and I have been unwell before. It’s not a good feeling. Just knowing that I am alive, and I can go through anything I am going through, is a blessing — and I pull from that. That is where my gratitude comes from.

What advice can you give as it relates to conflict resolution in business and life? 

Conflict is going to happen, isn’t it? There isn’t anything we can do about that. That’s real life. You take conflict as it comes. Don’t react out of emotion. Try to make sure you are in a calm place, mentally, before you react to conflict. Sometimes if we get too emotional, we will make the wrong decision. Also, try not to take everything personally — really deal with whatever the conflict is. Especially when it comes to people and social media. Most of the time, people don’t really know who you are. You shouldn’t ever think of things as a conflict. Instead think, “So it happened,” and deal with each moment as it is. And really take time to process it, so you don’t overreact and do something out of emotion.

How did you secure a partner like Target? 

It’s an organic relationship that was formed with Target. I started in a program called Target Family, doing content videos like cooking in the kitchen and inspirational videos while using Target products. It was very organic, and I was never trying to sell something. I was just doing my natural, normal thing and Target loved it. The Target team asked me, “Is there anything else or bigger things you want to do?” I replied, “You know, I have ideas.” Target initially gave me the opportunity to design my own clothing line. Then I developed accessories like handbags, hats, glasses, and earrings. I continue with the partnership with office supplies and home furniture. Then I did food and items for the kitchen and outdoor entertainment. The products did so well because of y’all. Everybody who showed up and showed out at Target. It all happened organically, and numbers don’t lie. People showed up for me and I am grateful for that. That’s how it continues to be fruitful and successful.

How did your tag line, “That’s my business. You have a good day and if you don’t, don’t you dare go messing up anybody’s else’s” come to be? 

The slogan came from my daddy. That is how he raised me.

Tell me about your “Tab Time” children’s show on YouTube? 

I love doing it. I’ve seen so many shows out there that are great, but some move so fast for children. A lot of children become over-stimulated. When I decided to do a children’s show, I wanted to slow it down. When I was growing up, I loved watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” I wanted to learn — and children get excited when they are learning something new. I knew that the best thing I wanted to teach them was to love and respect themselves and others. Despite all our differences, we can learn something together in the world. “Tab Time” is such a big success, and we are in our third season.

You are a vegan. What would you say about our health as it relates to what we eat? 

The biggest thing is to always listen to your body. A lot of times we eat something, and our bodies don’t like it, but we will still go back and eat it again. But if we start to really listen to our bodies when we eat something that really messes with our stomachs, or we get a headache, or our joints start to ache — nine times out of ten your body responds badly because of something we eat. So, I say listen to your body and do everything in moderation. Too much of anything will kill us. Also, try to eat something every day that is alive such as fruit or vegetables or something raw.

Your new Donna’s Recipe hair care line is doing so well. 

Donna’s Recipe, named after what I call my hair, are all natural products for your hair. I tell people that I don’t bake, but I cook from the spirit. I say that Donna’s Recipe is dessert for your hair. For the last two years we have launched the sweet potato pie for the hair that is shampoo and conditioner available on our donnasrecipe.com website. We just released our new whipped vanilla cream hair products that will soon be available at Ulta.

Kamala Harris is running for President of the United States, and one of her slogans is “When we fight, we win.” Do you think there is always a fight to win in business and life? 

Absolutely! The fight is the win, because if you are willing to fight you are willing to win. The more you put up the effort — that is a win. For me I’m going to keep on fighting and keep on winning. “Pursuit” is another word for “fight” in my opinion. The pursuit is winning, and I’ll keep pursuing a dream or a goal until I accomplish it. That should be everyone’s goal.