Meet Tazhna Williams | Media Personality Producer | Content Developer | Voice Over Talent & Coach | Lead Chick for the ShopTalkJa Podcast

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

Hi TAZHNA, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
At a very tender age my mother affirmed that I, Tazhna Danieka Williams, would be successful in all my endeavours. However, that was not entirely so as I have fallen flat on my face too many times to count. Though this reality frustrated me in every way, my drive to succeed never dimmed.

As I recently celebrated my birthday on March 23, I decided to dub this season, “Tazhna’s Second Act”. I still do believe that even though I have achieved many things in this life, worked several full-time jobs that I have loved, and now leading a team of extremely talented individuals on our podcast titled “Shop Talk: The Unfiltered Truth”, one cannot help but pause to reflect, “have I been successful?”

One is tempted to think, “Sure I’ve learned a lot in my life, made some money, gained a whole lot of experience, and gained an education but, what are the habits that got me here? Most importantly, do they mirror some of the world’s wealthiest individuals?”

In reflection, I can comfortably say that I am successful at whatever I pursue because I have adapted some simple habits:

1. I have quiet time. This is where I spend 15 – 25 mins focusing on all the tasks I need to complete.

2. I am always writing. I journal everything starting from what I intend to do in the next 5 mins to as far as what my plan is for the next 3 months. The takeaway is “Write everything down”.

3. I spend time around people who inspire me. I consciously handpicked the people who I needed to have around me and a part of my journey. These people are highly motivated and is certainly not afraid of failing.

4. I am obsessed with pursuing my own goals. I have been told that self-made millionaires plan to get rich, plan how to make it happen and then they do it. With that said, I learnt very early that to be successful, you must chart your own path, create your own dream, develop your own goals, and pursue them.

5. Getting the right amount of sleep is very important. Without at least 8 hours sleep, your memory function and creative thinking will be of no use to you.

6. Reading and exercising are extremely important but equally so is CONSISTENCY. Without consistency, you are already defeated in the race called life.

There are two quotes that I use as guidance through my journey. The first is by the great Brazilian former footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pelé; “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

The other is from the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, who said “Failure at some point in your life is inevitable but giving up is unforgivable.”

Upon close evaluation of ourselves and our lives, we should all recognize that we are all creatures of habit. However, I decided early in my life to carve out habits that would only add value to my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?

In my world, I could easily describe myself as a connoisseur of media. Simply put, I have committed myself to learning all things media related. Approximately 17 years ago when I first started at Zip 103FM, I armed myself with the discipline and drive needed to excel in the broadcasting arena. It was just not enough to be good, but it was extremely important to be close to perfection.

Having honed my talents in Feature and Show Production, Voice-over Talent & Coaching, Radio announcer and TV presenter, Copywriting, Organizational Management, Events Coordinating and Producer, I can safely say I am a cut above the rest.

In addition to the numerous skills and titles I boast, what sets me apart from others is how diligent I am about my job, my work ethic is incomparable, and my consistent hard work and perseverance is seen and felt

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I am super proud of the reputation that I have built over the years. When people hear my name, they immediately think and know that I am “about the business”. On the other side of things, I am always ecstatic about any project that I venture into! To add even more excitement, I am super proud of the talented human beings I am working with on our newest project “Shop Talk: The Unfiltered Truth”.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

I got to where I am because I am consistently working on what needs to be done to improve myself and my skills. Additionally, I remain open to criticism even when it’s the hardest thing to hear.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

• Failure is a must.
• Giving up is unacceptable.
• You will fall flat on your face too many times to count.
• People who you know will disappoint you.
• Age is not a limitation.
• If you are able to find a career you love, do so because doing what you love makes life so much easier.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I have always had trust issues with men and that story began a long time ago with my dad. Now on June 7, 2020, along with my really capable team, I embarked on a project that would put me on a trajectory that would finally allow me to start healing those old open wounds from my past.

My brand is “Shop Talk: The Unfiltered Truth”. It was formed not only to assist in my therapy, but to entertain with spirited and hot button discussions whilst assisting young men to develop personal responsibility. Additionally, we wanted to encourage them to build out their dream. An important aim for me and my co-producers were to introduce our listeners to positive male role models who are leaders in their own spheres of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday: In Kingston we will have breakfast at one of my favourite spots Mr. Breakfast.We would take a quick trip to “The Spa” at Devon house for a girls’ spa day. When we are through with the spa, we would go to another one of Devon houses’ hidden gems called “Simo’s Commissary” where we would indulge in any of her savoury, sweet or even alcoholic treats which are simply divine. By then it would be time for lunch at “Pimentos”! The menu is overflowing with so many tasty Jamaican meals to choose from. After all those goodies, we cannot leave Devon house without visiting the ‘Devon House Ice Cream Shop,” as we must walk away with at least one scoop. To close off the day in Kingston we will end with dinner at ‘South Avenue Grill’ for an upscale Italian Texas Jamaican style feast.

Tuesday:
We will head to the parish of St. Ann to explore the beautiful town of Ocho Rios. Our first stop is Konoko Falls to enjoy the cool waters. For lunch we will head on over to the ‘Ocho Rios Fishing Village’ for their freshly cooked seafood! To close out the day, we would then head to the parish of Trelawny where will stay overnight at one of Jamaica’s finest resorts, “Melia Braco”.

Wednesday:
After breakfast at the resort, we will make our way to Martha Brae River for some rafting. For lunch, we would stop in the parish of St, James at the “Usain Bolts Tracks and Records”. We will close out the day at “Secrets Hotel” for an overnight stay. For dinner, we will go off property and dine at the “House Boat”.

Thursday:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head on out to Negril located in the parish of Westmoreland. This journey will be all about more Fun, Sun, Sea and Sand on Negril’s 7-mile beach. For lunch, we will head to ‘Fireman’s Lobster Pit’ after which we will make our way to the “Catch a Falling Star” resort.

Friday:
After breakfast, we will make our way to the beach. For lunch, we will dine at the very popular “Miss Lilly’s” then to cool down, we will make our may to the “Chill Pop” to try out their natural icy popsicles. We will then return to the hotel then relax for dinner at the “Kuyaba Restaurant .”

Saturday:
We will make our way back to Kingston where we will head on over to “M1O Bar and Grill’ for dinner.

Sunday:
I will escort her to the Norman Manley International Airport for her midday flight.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends are my family and I cannot thank them enough for their support over the many years

Thank you Kadia Darby & Fiona Fennell for never allowing me to settle and never allowing me to give up on me.

Thank you Amali Vojn Wilson for being my harshest critic and sounding board. Everyone needs someone in their life who will call a spade a spade.

My everyday CheerLeaders – Celene Gordon, Keisha & Sean Reid,Jowaine Graham, Andrica Rigg,Evone Walters and Shanik Ramson.

My mentors are many but I must give kudos to Fae Ellington,Paula Ann Porter-Jones and Judith Ann Bodley

Website: https://shoptalkja.buzzsprout.com

Instagram: @shoptalkja

Twitter: @ShopTalkJa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoptalkja/

Youtube: ShopTalkJa Podcast

Image Credits
I just want to say thank you to our team who have given of themself since we started this ShopTalkJa journey a year ago.