We had the good fortune of connecting with Tionge Daka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tionge, how do you think about risk?
I am of the belief that achieving something I desire or a specific outcome requires embracing some form of risk. For me, that risk materialized in being open and honest in front of the camera when I launched my YouTube channel during high school.

This endeavor was a risk because exhibiting vulnerability and showcasing my 4c natural hair wasn’t widely accepted, especially during that period.

However, I’m grateful for taking that chance as it allowed me to cultivate confidence and establish my own community and audience, who I called #tiostars.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a fusion of excitement and dedication, primarily focused on managing and creating content, both for myself and others. What sets me apart is the genuine essence I infuse into everything I do.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey marked by consistency and a relentless pursuit of proving to myself that I could achieve what I set out to do. It hasn’t been easy; I’ve faced numerous setbacks and failures along the way. However, these challenges have been instrumental in shaping my resilience. Embracing rejection and using it as a learning experience has been crucial. Instead of being discouraged by a “no,” I strive to understand and grow from it, preparing myself better for the next opportunity.

I am most proud of my ability to infuse my unique identity, represented by the element of “Tio,” into all my work. This authenticity is the cornerstone of my brand. I want the world to recognize the genuine nature of myself and my brand. Every piece of work I create carries a piece of who I am, ensuring that authenticity shines through.

Ultimately, my story is one of perseverance, learning from failures, and staying true to myself and my values. I aim to inspire others by showcasing that despite obstacles, remaining authentic and dedicated to your passion can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Explore the City Morning: Start the day with a visit to a local coffee shop or brunch spot. Try a variety of local specialties.
Afternoon: Head to the city’s historical district or landmarks. Visit museums, art galleries, or any iconic spots.
-Evening: Enjoy dinner at a trendy local restaurant. Find a place with live music or a great atmosphere for a lively evening.
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
– Morning: Take a day trip to a nearby natural attraction, such as a national park or scenic hiking trail.
-Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the great outdoors, and engage in activities like hiking, zip-lining, or kayaking.
– Evening: Return to the city and unwind at a cozy local pub or rooftop bar.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
– Morning: Visit local markets or attend a cooking class to experience the local cuisine up close.
– Afternoon: Explore neighborhoods known for their cultural richness. Visit ethnic enclaves, art districts, or historical sites.
– Evening: Have dinner at a fusion restaurant that blends local flavors with international influences.
Day 4: Relaxation Day
– Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning at a spa or wellness center.
– Afternoon: Have a relaxing lunch at a health-conscious café.
– Evening: Opt for a quiet dinner at a waterfront restaurant with scenic views possibly by the galleria.
Day 5: Art and Entertainment
-Morning: Visit local art galleries or attend a cultural event.
– Afternoon: Have lunch at a trendy, artsy café like Toute Suit or bean/ bottle

Throughout the week, I would try mix in spontaneous adventures. Of course adjusting the itinerary based on my friend’s preferences.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate a shoutout to several influences that have played a crucial role in my journey. Firstly, “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale has been a transformative read for me. This book reinforced my core values and continually reminded me to maintain belief in myself, especially during challenging times.

Moreover, I draw immense inspiration from influencers like Patricia Bright and Jackie Aina. Seeing these remarkable women, who share a similar African background to mine, has been pivotal. Witnessing their success and authenticity made me strongly believe that I could achieve similar heights. Their stories resonated with me and instilled the confidence that I, too, could pursue my aspirations.

Their influence has helped in shaping my perspective and giving me the confidence to step into the world of content creation and share my story.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtionge/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcjJGyFuVJsFWH92dFvDWw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.