Today we’d like to introduce you to Taleigha Harrell.
Taleigha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Yes! I’m Taleigha Harrell and I am a content creator, lifestyle journalist, and photographer originally from North Carolina. I moved to Houston as a teenager, navigating the challenges of adjusting to a big city while finding my voice through writing. What began as a personal outlet quickly became a deeper calling: storytelling as a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment.
In college, I fully immersed myself in journalism and media. I worked as a Multimedia Journalist for Bearkat Student Media News and interned with Ribbon Magazine, where I sharpened my skills in writing, reporting, editing, and producing content that amplifies underrepresented voices. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, an experience that broadened my worldview and fueled my passion for cultural storytelling. Outside of media, my work in customer service and healthcare has shaped my empathy, patience, and people-first approach to every project I take on.
I’m continuing to grow as a mental health advocate and creative professional, committed to building safe, honest, and impactful media spaces. Whether it’s an article, a TikTok, a reel, or a campaign, everything I create is rooted in authenticity, mental wellness, and the celebration of Black girlhood and everyday culture. My goal is to collaborate with brands that share my values and to craft stories that feel real, intentional, and empowering.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth. I transferred between four universities before I graduated from Sam Houston State University in August 2024. Each transition came with its own challenges, from adapting to new environments to managing the emotional toll of starting over. I faced intense bullying, toxic spaces, and financial instability that made it difficult to stay grounded. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I’d be able to afford another semester, let alone finish my degree. On top of that, I battled depression and anxiety in silence, often having to rebuild myself while pushing forward in pursuit of my goals.
Despite it all, every obstacle became a turning point. The pain I endured didn’t break me, it shaped me into who I am today. Those struggles deepened my commitment to mental health advocacy and inspired my passion for storytelling that centers truth, healing, and visibility. I’m proud to say I made it through every storm.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a content creator, lifestyle journalist, and children’s portrait photographer at Fairytale Photography Studio. I specialize in blending strong visuals with thoughtful narratives across platforms like short-form video, writing, and digital campaigns. Through roles at Ribbon Magazine and Bearkat Student Media, I’ve developed a voice that’s raw, reflective, and rooted in truth. My content is crafted not just to inform or entertain but to make people feel genuinely seen.
What I’m most proud of is earning my degree from Sam Houston State University in August 2024 after transferring through four different institutions. That journey, filled with personal battles like bullying, poverty, and mental health struggles, has deeply shaped my voice and mission. I create with purpose not just for engagement, but for connection, healing, and visibility. What sets me apart is my commitment to building safe empowering spaces through storytelling, especially young Black women navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for them. My path wasn’t perfect, but it made me powerful and that’s the energy I bring into every project I touch.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid or powerful. For a long time, I felt ashamed of how many times I transferred schools or how many setbacks I faced—because it was either financial struggles, mental health challenges, or feeling like I didn’t belong. However, I’ve realized that my journey, with all its detours and delays, made me who I am. I’ve learned that healing, success, and growth aren’t linear and that you don’t need to be perfect to be impactful. Showing up as your full self, even when it’s messy or uncertain is brave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Taleighaaah
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taleighavision?igsh=ZTBnbXU2ZzY5Y3Js&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taleigha.harrell.9
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taleigha-harrell
- Twitter: https://x.com/Taleigha191
- Other: https://taleighamharrell.wixsite.com/mysite
