Today we’d like to introduce you to Ta’Kedriana (TK) Smith.
Hi Ta’Kedriana (TK), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
First of all, let me say that if I would have known that a simple YouTube search, would have changed my life, and opened so many promising opportunities, I would of clicked on a full glam makeup tutorial years ago, but now that I have arrived, let me go ahead and introduce myself. I am Ta’Kedriana, better known as TK or TKOBeatdown. A creator and business owner, who is determined to turn the cosmetic and fashion world upside down, with one look at a time. Located near the southwest side of Houston, I create a lasting impression by providing knockout beauty services ranging from an au natural glam to a fierce full glam, at unbeatable prices. I promote self-love, confidence, and never limiting yourself. Looking back, I only daydreamed about this life, and now I’m living inspiring and encouraging as I go. Let’s get into it!
As a kid, my mom didn’t allow my siblings and I to wear any makeup. Her whole message to us was that ‘You’re too pretty for makeup’. Although not knowing anything about makeup, outside of lip gloss of course, I really wasn’t too bothered. As long as my outfit was on point, you couldn’t tell me anything. Makeup didn’t become a thought until I had a very important event to attend. An event where I didn’t need to just show up, but I needed to show up and show out! My everyday lip gloss was very cute, but it wasn’t giving what I was looking for. I needed put a little umph on the look while knowing exactly where to start. I then went straight to YouTube and watched countless makeup videos. The idea was to create a perfect look for an unforgettable night. Let me just say this… The confidence that coursed through my body was electrifying. When I entered the room the feeling, I felt was nothing short of amazing. I felt and knew that I was THAT GIRL, and I wanted to have that feeling every day. That night, I discovered a life-changing passion in beauty and fashion, and from that moment on, TKOBeatdown was created.
In 2020, like most I was affected by the pandemic and lost my primary source of income. Not really knowing what direction to go from there, I had a very important decision to make. My two choices were to return to corporate America or pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur. The undeniable decision was to of course that I bet on myself… I decided to make a full-on commitment to perfecting my craft, while bringing something different, but also relatable to the cosmetic and fashion world. I then began creating content on the popular apps known as TikTok and Instagram. Showcasing the process of becoming a baddie from start to finish, while including to some of my favorite popular songs. Not knowing the impact my content would have on others, TKOBeatdown began to grow more popular by the day. Absolutely blown away by all the love and support that I received, I was able to successfully launch a line of Beatdown Robes, featured in every video, provide easy to follow beauty tips and tricks through a selection of Beatdown makeup courses offered on TKOBeatdown.com, and work with some incredible individuals and brands. My social media presence has allowed me to not only show the world my authentic self but inspire and encourage all women who aren’t your typical beauty standard to reach for the stars with the upmost confidence. No matter her age, color, or shape.
Which brings us to today, still perfecting my craft, while finding new obsessions every day. As I continue to grow as a creator, and business owner, I just ask The Lord to continue to bless me with the vision, faith, and patience. Also the opportunity to connect with women around the world through creative expression. This is only the beginning, and there’s so much I haven’t thought about yet! In other words… the world needs to get ready to feel this light
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a growing content creator and business owner, I can honestly say, although this lifestyle has been very rewarding, it is not an easy one. There have been several times where I thought about giving up and throwing the towel in. From lack of support, sleep, cash flow, and many sacrifices, with little to no recognition, sometimes I felt like everything that I was doing was pointless. Consistency is key but when you’re being consistent, and not seeing the fruits of your labor at the rate you want, consistency is the last thing you’re thinking about. In the beginning, investing more money into my brand, than what was coming in, was just another obstacle that had my mind racing. Due to the fact, that it doesn’t matter if I had a slow week when them bills are due, they due. Another obstacle was the relationships/friendships that changed or ended due to me pursuing my dreams. When I really started to take my craft and brand serious, I did notice that some of the company I kept weren’t as supportive as I would have liked or would have been with any of their endeavors, and it use to really bug me. Never supporting, but always was asking how business was going! It was bananas to me, that a stranger would support quicker than those close to me! It’s really a mind a thing, and I have to admit these obstacles were really messing with my mental in a major way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Every day I’m so blessed that I can get up and do what I love to do, be me! What does being me consist of you asked? I got you boo! Now I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I am a woman of many hats. Starting off, I primarily served as a knockout makeup artist, who specializes in delivering stunning glams ranging from my clean au natural ‘Ali Beat’ to thee fierce showstopping ‘Mayweather Beat’. No matter what you need your beatdown for: editorial/fashion shoots, events, weddings or simply just because, I got you covered! You bring me the vision, and I’ll take care of the rest. Outside of leaving a lasting impression on each of my baddies that choose me to be their makeup artist, I have now entered the content creator world. Being known mostly as ‘The Twerking MUA’ I create entertaining and educational cosmetic and fashion material through the popular apps such as: TikTok, Instagram, and now adding YouTube to the list. Being a content creator, not only do I get to showcase my authentic self, but I have also been able to work with some incredible established brands, photographers, and other small businesses. The opportunities and genuine connections are endless; however, consistency plays a huge role in your success. This is something that I definitely struggled with in the beginning of my career, and can honestly say from time to time, I still do. This is why I am truly proud of how consistent I have been within this year alone. So much as changed within these first six months, I still can’t wrap my mind around it. I am more organized, I like to have a plan for all my content, and I keep going no matter the views, likes, support, or engagement. I give myself my own flowers each day because this life is not easy, but someone has to do it! If not me, then who? This is what separates me from the rest. I’m going to gracefully keep going, and betting on myself every chance I get, no matter the obstacle or challenge. I have this God-given light in me that the world needs to see, and I won’t stop until all around the world witness it.
What makes you happy?
I wake up every day, blessed with another opportunity to not only be a better version of myself but also to connect and teach our everyday woman who isn’t viewed as your typical beauty standard woman. Being able to connect, inspire, and encourage each of these amazing women daily while being myself, bringing a fire look, and magnetic vibes is truly one of the highlights of my career. It is my mission to show women of all shapes, sizes, color, and age that their dreams/happy life is obtainable with the right mindset, and hustle; It really starts within. Knowing that one of my videos/look has impacted someone so deeply that it ignites a burning desire to love themselves more, learn a new craft, or pursue their dream job/life, fills my heart with complete joy. That’s what it is all about for me, reaching back and helping those same women any way I can once I’m in the position to so. The growth of others while growing myself makes me almost too happy! We can all win!
Contact Info:
- Website: TKOBeatdown.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkobeatdown/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tkobeatdown?lang=en
