Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamyria Knighten.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up in a single-parent household with a mom who always nurtured my creativity and encouraged my love for self-expression through style and performing. Her unapologetic femininity and confidence deeply inspired me as a child.
Like many kids, my early and middle school years were challenging. I was often bullied, which made me want to blend in—wear what everyone else was wearing and do what everyone else was doing just to fit in. Growing up in a Pentecostal household also meant my choices of dress were very limited.
Things began to change in high school. I started to discover my personal style without restrictions, mixing textures, turning unconventional items like paper clips into accessories, finding loopholes in the school dress code (we wore uniforms), thrifting with my mom, and even rocking a men’s haircut. I was different, and in a city like Baton Rouge, that was risky. But surprisingly, my boldness set trends and inspired others to embrace themselves too.
Outside of school, I participated in several fashion events, including runway modeling for local designers. That experience fueled my passion for fashion even more, and my plan for college was set: I would major in Fashion Merchandising at Southern University.
Being the oldest of five in a single-parent household, though, wasn’t easy. I worked three jobs to help support my family. I remember an adult family friend once telling me I should major in something “more practical” because fashion wasn’t lucrative, and that comment stuck with me. Still, I kept my major the same.
After graduating high school, I was accepted into Southern University and attended orientation week. But on the final night, Baton Rouge flooded, and everything came to a halt. Some of my family members lost their homes and had to stay with us. Bills needed to be paid, and I had to work. Once the flood subsided and school reopened, I made the difficult decision to withdraw and work full-time to help my family.
In 2017, we relocated to Houston. Over the next few years, I struggled to figure out what I truly wanted to do. I cleaned homes, worked retail, and stocked shelves at Walmart. I battled depression and lost touch with the creative spark that once defined me. I didn’t love myself anymore, especially not how I looked.
Eventually, I realized I had to learn to see myself the way Jesus sees me. The unconditional love He has for me was the same love I needed to extend to myself. Out of that season of healing and rediscovery, House of Agapē was born in 2021.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve dealt with dry seasons of no visibility or sales, creative blockage, personal challenges concerning my livelihood, etc. These are all growing pains and I appreciate them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
House of Agapē is a boutique that specializes in unique styles of handbags that don’t follow the “rules”. Some of which are hand painted by myself, the owner, giving each design a personal and artistic touch. House of Agapē is more than a business. It’s a reflection of my heart. It represents the way I desire for women of all walks of life to embrace and express the peculiar God given qualities of themselves. Every bag tells a story of boldness and individuality, standing apart from the masses. What makes me most proud is the impact my brand has on my customers. The confidence they exude when carrying their bags. These aren’t just accessories to toss your belongings into; they carry meaning, personality, and a sense of identity.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A bit of a loaded question lol
In previous seasons my typical answer would be a clean house, spending time with my dogs, an adventurous day with my family, a nice steak dinner, girls chat with my friends, etc.
But in this season, what would make me happy is peace and security. Both in God and concerning my daily life. This year has been a whirlwind and there’s nothing more that I want than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Houseofagape.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofagapeshop
Image Credits
Touch of Class Photography, Shelia Harris
