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

Hi Timbria, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my brand is authenticity. I am transparent about how my brand was not purposefully made but is now purposeful in its message. TB’s Collection of Concepts was created by accident, yet its designs have always been meticulously crafted with bold statements and ideals.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe my transparency is what sets me apart from others. I am honest and open about my struggles and the areas I lack in, while continuously striving to be better. My designs have meaning, background stories, and passion. There are not the trendy sayings that you will hear and see everywhere, but they do start conversations and catch the attention of many. They are created with intention and therefore take ample time to produce. Consequently, it is not easy at all. I struggle with consistent social media presence while maintaining other aspects of my professional and personal life. I also worry about not having more than 1-2 new designs at a time. To combat these feelings, I remind myself that having a brand is new territory and there is a steep learning curve. I’ve learned that striving for perfection is futile, instead I strive for quality and intentionality. One major lesson that I’ve learned is that even when it seems no one wants what you’re selling, there is always one person who believes in you and your brand. Recently, in a class introduction, I talked about the “Health Equity is My Love Language” crewneck I designed and was sure no one would pay attention to it, but soon after, I saw notifications for purchases. It had been a dry season for me, so I was pleasantly surprised and was reminded that you should always promote yourself, even when you feel you’re the only one listening.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My best friends and I are all from Fort Lauderdale, FL, so it would be difficult to take them somewhere they haven’t been, but I would try my best in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas. Some of these places are on my to-do list, but most are those I have experienced and loved myself.
Sunday: Breakfast at Just Spoons Cafe (the best grits ever!), grab Publix subs and fruit bowls for a picnic at Fort Lauderdale Beach, drinks and dinner at Aruba Beach Cafe.
Monday-Friday: Brunch/Lunch at Bar Rita and Tap42; Taco Tuesday at Taco Craft, Velvet Lounge, or Tatts & Tacos; Sushi from Phat Boy Sushi Kitchen & Bar; Dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Shooters Waterfront, Japan Inn, World Famous House of Mac, and La Perla Peruvian Restaurant; Drinks at the Sugar Factory; visiting Wynwood walls, Miami Art District, renting bikes to ride on the beach, parasailing, ax throwing, go-kart racing, and Top Golf.
Saturday: A chill day at a museum, perhaps Super Blue Miami, Bonnet House Museums & Gardens, or Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, then dinner somewhere in the area.

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?
There are too many wonderful people to name who have contributed to the success of my brand. To keep it brief, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, siblings, grandparents, best friends, good friends, boyfriend, and so many others who have gone above and beyond to support my vision. I would have never thought people would bother purchasing shirt designs that I originally made just for myself. However, my loved ones encouraged me to set up an online store with Bonfire, create a business Instagram page, and never stop believing in myself. My designed products have been purchased by businesses and individuals who resonate with the messages I hold near my heart. I am forever grateful to be blessed by God with a supportive tribe and loyal customers.

Website: https://www.bonfire.com/store/tbs-collection-of-concepts/

Instagram: @collectionofconcepts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbria-burke-047600199

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

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