Tea

[tierrabenton]

Let them Eat Cake Editorial for Savannah Magazine

A year ago today I had the pleasure of shooting a super sweet editorial spread curated and shot by the super talented photographer, Lauren Jones for the Sept/Oct Issue of Savannah Magazine. Take a moment to view a a collection of my favorite shots from the day and may you be inspired to embrace the sweetness of life and celebrate your unique gifts.

#Beyou #BeTrue

-Temakha <3

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My Beautiful Conversation and Cover Shoot with Paprika Southern

I met the dynamic duo, Bevin and Siobhan when they came to our family home to shoot my mother to interview and photograph my mother in her studio for a feature in their home grown publication, Paprika Southern. The shoot went well and as I helped the ladies pack up for departure we discussed the possibility of us collaborating in the future for an editorial.

A year later these talented storytellers got back to me with an awesome idea for an interview and editoral for the summer 19 issue.

Check out the images from our day at the beach in addition to the Beautiful Conversation I was blessed to have with make-up artist and mom, Jules Loves Me.

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LIFE IS A BEACH : LADY GUNN EDITORIAL x CHROMAT

You know your are walking on sunshine when your work actually feels like pure freedom. That's the feeling I experience as a womban living the fullness of my divine dreams and so much more. I had the supreme pleasure and blessing of hitting far rockaway beach with #Chromat designer, Becca McCharen Tran  and my fellow #ChromatBabes for this outstanding editorial published in Lady Gunn Mag shot by Jena Cumbo. Check out a few of my favorites from the shoot as well as a some awesome black and white BTS shots captured by #ChromatBabe - Olivia Burgess.

[tierrabenton]

Tall Girl Struggles : Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans

The average height for women in the U.S. is just over 5 ft. I’m 6'2" and I will say, being tall does come in handy when reaching the upper most shelves of the grocery store. In fact, most people who meet me for the first time are so thrilled by my height, many express,

“ I wish I was tall ”

 to which I giggle and say,

“ until it’s time to purchase clothing ”.

I’ve always been all legs and taller than most of my peers. In middle school, I was taller than most of my teachers and the challenge to find jeans became apparent. A fashion model and actress now living in New York, I rock with a lengthy 38” inseam and a round derriere. Take this journey with me to one of the busiest shopping malls in the country on the hunt to find the perfect fitting jeans. 

[tierrabenton]

Texture on the Runway Recap

 Texture on the Runway for New York Fashion week was a celebration of all that is beautiful in the world of kinky curly and naturally textured hair. After a fun day of preparation with the Creme of Nature team, I was afforded the incredible opportunity to hit the runway along with my fellow curly girls, Britney, Wemi, Victoria, and Taiwo. Our hair was layed by the incomparable celebrity hair stylist Chuckie Amos, the incredible red collection of 70s inspired looks were crafted by the talented Brooklyn based fashion designer, David Delacruz.

We each sported bright red lips with a supermodel attitude and a collection to match on the chilly eve of valentines day. Backstage was crazy, as to be expected with hair brands of all kinds preparing their models and their tresses for the show. We were the third group to hit the stage, following the beauties from Soft Sheen Dark and Lovely. As we were are all taking selfies of our beautiful makeup - compliments of the Milani cosmetics team- the producers ran down stairs yelling.

"Creme of Nature your up now!"

Not yet dressed, the five of us quickly made it over to David and his assistant to get ready for the runway. In a flash, we made it up stairs and backstage. In rehearsal David encouraged each of us to really have fun and to channel the mood and energy of the great supermodels who slayed before us. Our funky groove music pumped through the curtain and with no time to spare, David shouted

" Tea, your first! "

As those black patent leather YSL pumps hit the top of that cat walk, it felt like 1980 and I had just stepped into the center of studio 54. Time stopped. Camera’s flashed. Curls flew, and life was given. The energy in the room was amazing and through my fire engine red shades I could see the glow of camera phones, and curly afros all over the place. The chorus of YAAASSSSS and WERK rang from wall to wall and must say I enjoyed every second of the slay. It was so refreshing to be in an environment celebrating the radiant beauty of healthy, natural hair complimented by quality brands and products.

I'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the lovely team of Texture Media! A Special STANK YOU to the Legendary Chuckie Love for our heavenly hair styles and David DelaCruz for such a beautiful and show stopping collection. Lastly, much thanks to the lovely ladies leading the brand of Creme of Nature especially Teneya Golston and Jolorie Williams. We have been working together since 2009 and I appreciate every opportunity you allow me to support and grow with such a pinnacle brand. 

[tierrabenton]

Fresh Off The Runway

Last summer was a busy one. I was booked nearly every day and enjoyed the chance for travel to Miami for Swim Week. In fact, my calendar was so slammed that the day I was scheduled to return to NY - I was also booked for the first day of filming Lifetime's premier Season of Project Runway Junior. The call time of 12:15 was same time I was due to land. YIKES. Tried everything including getting to the air port at 4:30am to slide on the first flight out. Denied and had no choice but to cut it close with my original 9am departure and cross my fingers that by some blow of the wind we land early allowing me time to make it to the studio. To add to the drama, I didn't pack the required model uniform of jeans and a plain tank - instead my suite case was full ofsun dresses, shorts, and and bikinis . Thank the heavens for my partner and brand manager, Marvin who would drop off gear.

We boarded early and everything was all good. I shot a text to management to share good news and closed my eyes for a well needed nap. I came back to consciousness nearly an hour later to find we where still on the runway. I suppressed my urge to flip out and took a deep breath. Meanwhile my phone alerted with several stressful messages from my booker as she found out about the delay. If I couldn't make it to the studio on time I was due to be replaced. whooosa. By then, the sun had risen and as my eyes caught its radiance I heard the wisdom of my mother’s voice.

“What is for you, is for you…"

After 10am we hit runway to finally lift off toward NY - I had no control of what was to come and really didn't know what would happen so I rested. I was in and out of dream world until around 12 when the pilot said we would be landing soon. At 12:20 I could see the NY skyline and for a split second considered cutting time by taking a parachute to glide directly to the studio. As we landed I got the text no model once to see.

" If you can’t get there in 15 they will have to replace you"

By the way- Laguardia is 25-30 minutes away from the studio. Game Time. I made the decision to make this booking BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.The moment I exited the plane I ran like a hungry cheetah in by my jungle green romper and cheetah sandals by Sam Edelman . I high jumped over children and rolled by sweet old ladies in a mad dash for the exit. I slammed through the exit doors to find a lengthy line of those ahead of me for a cab.

That's when I got into character. [ cues tears ]

" I’m so sorry ladies and gentleman but I have a HUGE job opportunity today and my flight was delayed and I just… please if you could..." [ insert sobbing and more tears] 

Affected by my display, the first lady in line said I could go ahead of her - I smiled inside as I wiped my tears and expressed my sincere gratitude.I hopped in the cab and just like the movies I exclaimed,  STEP ON IT! The odds were against me, by I was still was 20 minutes away. Oh and did I mention it was rush hour bumper to bumper traffic? Luckily, I had a creative driver who didn’t mind driving very fast as he floored it on the highway shoulder. With my phone battery on 5 percent, I called Marvin to confirm he dropped the gear - behold he too was in traffic.

Desperate, with my deadline swiftly approaching,  I sent screen shots of my location to Trask, the model coordinator, confirm that I was close as the cab plowed through the freeway. It felt like a scene from Fast and Furious the moment was so intense. Thankfully Trask, was able to buy me more time. I was relieved when the cab screeched up to the curb of the studio and I was greeted by his and Marvin's smiling faces.

Yay! Tea you made it! 

exclaimed by smiling faces from the room of models, many whom I've worked with before.[ wipes brow] whew. SHOWTIME!

I really wasn’t sure what to expect, I was told Victoria would be my designer as we all lined up to begin filming.

ACTION! We entered and the hugs and nice to meet you’s commenced. Victoria had a sporty all black look with some kick ass boots. She rocked a bright purple lip and had this vibe like she could do some serious work on a base guitar. From Cleveland, with a sporty posh vibe she told me about her inspiration she made adjustments.

Each week we worked together to give the judges our best on the runway. I admired Victoria’s confidence and positive view of her work no matter the reviews. She reminded me of myself as a teen, in my own word on my own rhythm and clearly different from my peers.  We bowed gracefully after Episode 4: OMG! That's Michelle Obama, when the judges offered their final critique of her work for the School Girl challenge.

Participating in this production was such a rewarding experience. I enjoyed working withthe young and talented #DesignerVictoria as well as the awesome production team. I look forward to more greatness from Victoria as well asall the designers as they bloom into maturity and mastery of their craft.  My experience from start to finish has proven my mother's wisdom to be true. When I really think about it, everything always works out- especially when your willing to put in the work.  It was only a few years ago I moved to this city for better career opportunities. My eyes are bright with ambition to see what adventure, the future holds from runway to runway.

 Be sure to watch Part 2 of the Project Runway Junior Finale Show TONIGHT on Lifetime Feb 4th at 9/8 CT

[tierrabenton]

Born into the 90s

 I remember back in the ancient world - The 90s-  when photography was a process. First Mommi had to open the back of the camera, carefully insert film, and then she was ready to shoot. Next she would check exposure settings, take a peek through the view finder and CLICK! Moment by moment she would capture memories. Next she had to carefully remove the film and take it to the local photo shop to be developed. After a day or two, we could return to see the finished and printed products of her labor. Lastly, we would purchase a photo book to organize the comical and sometimes embarrassing moments of mine and my brother, DeVonte’s childhood.

Today the process of taking an image and sharing it can be completed in seconds. Simply identify the subject, take out smart phone and tap screen, edit and share to the social media platform of your choice. These days people barley invest time to read a paragraph let alone wait days for photo to be printed to see it. Though I still shoot film, I'm not a stranger to swift social sharing.  My drugs of choice, Instagram and Facebook.These platforms make keeping up with memories, family, and friends from around the world is so swift and simple.

But surely, I'm not the only one who still appreciates the classic photography process. There is nothing like seeing your photos live and in print. But who has the time to invest in the process?

" Not I " said the modelprenuer.

This is why I LOVE CHATBOOKS. I get the best of both worlds. I can continue to share my posts to Instagram and ChatBooks will organize AND print my feed in a quality photo book. I continue to live my fast paced, high octane, selfie generated, city life and ChatBooks handles the printing for me.

Did I mention ChatBooks offers great service AND can deliver your photo books to your door?

As a millennial , with ChatBooks I can hold on to what really matters- my iPhone, my Starbucks chai latte, and my memories and you can too.

Use my code tierr597 to subscribe your Instagram feed and receive your first photo book FREE!

[tierrabenton]

Is your DREAM worth fighting for?

As I’ve grown, and matured in my career I have been met with quite a bit of challenges. I’ve had my hard work and investments reduced and defined as a pretty face, a product, a means to make money and most of it for someone else. I’ve been paid in well wishes, empty promises and the ever popular “exposure” neither of which can seem to sustain me or my financial security.

I’ve traveled countless hours by car, train and on foot accompanied by my roller bag full of clothes and shoes for the possibility a photographer to meet me half way in producing stellar images, timely. So I can then take those photos to an agency as proof to why I am worthy to be signed and represented and shown to their deities - I mean clients.

I am sure I have heard it all; “Your too tall, Your butt and hips are to big, Your books just not strong enough, Your book is too strong” I’ve been in and out of every model agency from NY to Miami and have been turned down and turned away from more agents and bookers than I can care to remember.

As I reflect on a career full of quality projects and collaborations, I'm glad I never gave up.

Quite frankly, fitting in with others has never really been my thing and anything worth having is worth fighting for. Some times the battle is against those professional haters who gave up on their dreams a long time ago and wish you would too. To be real, most times the battle is within myself. I have to fight those parts of me that doubt I can do it, beat the hell out of those fears and what ifs. I have to go straightWWF on any part of me that try to rationalize why it’s ok to give up.

When building an empire there will be many who will test your values. Many more who will fight your vision. I encourage you to stay focused, play your game and be ever careful in your actions. Because when your time comes and you must fight you're in a better position to strike with strength and TENACITEA.  

That is of course if you want to live the dream.

What will you fight for?

[tierrabenton]

Eclipse most times I think too much this time I'm not so much to share so much to build it all starts with a thought careful with my building blocks as purpose fills my goals invite the light Illuminate my mess of fears exposed

Photo captured by @MarvinTVerna during a lunar eclipse 2015

Hair + Makeup + Styling by @tierrabenton

www.tierrabenton.com

[tierrabenton]

This week on @projectrunway junior #DesignerVictoria created a sporty dress piece for the unconventional material - Car Wash challenge. It wasn't an easy feat but as you can see, we made it work 😉

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My look from the first challenge of @projectrunway junior with #DesignerVictoria be sure to tune in tonight to see what we will hit the runway with next! 😘 #mustbeteatime

[tierrabenton]

It's imperative that you create and dream and to share your story along the journey - you never know who is watching, and inspired by the ignition of your inner flame. Keep it up @citizins and stank you for sharing

[tierrabenton]

Created by @citizins feat Tea and the 9 Queens

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| Black Girl Magic | an art piece created by @citizins I am honored and humbled to be one of the inspirations to the movement of your pen. May we all be guided and unified by the magic laying deep within us all 🙏🏾

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The cost of progression is a matter of will. Wishing for it just isn't enough. Live as you will. PHTGRPHR @johnnydotjpeg #adidas

[tierrabenton]

Furry Fierceness and Fringe Earrings. Accessories- shop-karmaboutique.com www.tierrabenton.com

[tierrabenton]

You are such a beautiful human

stank you suga, simply reflecting your radiance Queen.