Meet Tanieka Clarke | Actress, Producer

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

Hi Tanieka, how do you think about risk?
It’s said that “great things never came from comfort zones” and while I’m still and always will be ‘becoming’ great, I’ve learned that taking risks is all a part of the journey. From embarking on a career in acting, to co-producing a documentary, owning a wellness business and even formerly operating a spa suite, almost every step forward required me to do something I’ve never done and that didn’t always feel safe. In each moment, I either wondered if I could or should or if I would fail or succeed and had to decide if I would sit with those questions forever or act on what I could see in my mind and knew in my heart. I needed to put the works to put my faith and that was not always in the absence of fear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist/creative the expectation sometimes is for you to fit into a mold, People need to define who you are and sometimes the temptation is to meet that expectation and fit but one of the biggest and most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that true authenticity doesn’t cost a thing but is valuable and expensive. No one, including me can get the real benefit of me showing up in the world if I’m not showing up as my true self or if I am trying to be like someone else. The essence of who I am and the uniqueness that I bring will never be realized if it is overshadowed by a watered down, suppressed version of me. So what sets me apart is this truth. I owe it to myself and everyone around me to show up as the best version of me.

Currently, I am most excited about a comedy where I play the role of Sofia Bardot, a publicist to a pop icon in the movie Just My Type streaming on Prime Video, Google Play & Tubi.
I am also excited about a drama where I play the mysterious role of Jade in the movie Bae Night: The Little Black Book also streaming on Prime Video…Go check them out!

While I still have leaps and bounds to go professionally, I am forever thankful for my beginnings. I can’t say its been either hard or easy. I served, I worked, I showed up even on days I felt ill-equipped, and I continue to with or without recognition. There are days or certain aspects that feel hard in the moment but my hard is someone else’s easy and I’m constantly checking my perspective to make sure I see a glass half full. That part definitely isn’t always easy but necessary for me to move forward. The journey is uniquely mine.

I want the world to know I’ve relegated my life to one that is spirit-led and this is what I attribute any and all success to. It doesn’t mean perfection but it does mean constant growth, lessons learned, self-improvement, redirection and complete surrender.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With my roots in Miami, I definitely have to say Miami has so much character from beaches to spice and flavor. For a quick itinerary, I would recommend taking your taste buds and all your senses to Wynwood. I happen to love Suviche -Sushi & Ceviche. It’s a great hang out spot artsy murals, fun swings for photo opps and of course some real savory and flavorful Sushi and Ceviche every time. Nearby you can grab dessert at the award winning Bake Shop, Fireman Derek’s. The portions are nothing to play with so this is the kinda dessert you pack up and take home…

For some divine relaxation, head north to Hard Rock Hollywood’s Rock Spa and enjoy all their therapeutic amenities. The ambiance is a 10! Afterwards, head on over to dinner very close by at my new fave dining experience, Abiaka. Seriously, every bite here is an experience to anyone with a more than simple food palate. I love that this place is “a one stop shop” because if you’re up to it, there is more than likely some great show or concert there you can make plans for as well…you’re welcome!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! This is difficult. I definitely consider myself to be a thankful person and there are so many people that have been both supportive and a very instrumental part of my journey. That said, if I chose anyone to give a shoutout to first, it would be remiss of me if I did not share the vital role God has played in the woman I have and am becoming in all areas and aspects of my life. After that, my parents and my son have been my back bone, wind beneath my wings and my biggest fans. In addition, the # 1 book ever sold (the Bible) has been my guiding light through hard times and challenging moments as well as triumphant ones. The list of others that deserve credit would be too long to share and I’d hate to leave anyone out but hopefully with the air in my lungs and in the way I make strides to succeed everyday and show them how much I appreciate them, they’ll know that a special shoutout definitely goes out to them.       

Website: IamTanieka.com

Instagram: IamTanieka

Image Credits
Paul Smith Photography
Bjoern Kommerell
Arturo Lorde
Dwight Montgomery
MATV Media