Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville girl and mom help develop young models
Atlanta based rap icon Jay “Young Jeezy” Jenkins released his Grammy-nominated hit song “Put On” in 2008 as an ode to his hometown. The phrase “putting on” has become synonymous with displaying the best of the best.
Furthermore, “putting on” describes the act of providing opportunities to others.
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Thomasina Bradley has been utilizing a platform that she established for her daughter, Taelynn, as a means of putting on for her city. Though she was born in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Thomasina calls Fayettevillehome.
Like many military children, Bradley has moved around the United States. However, she is a graduate of Seventy-First High School. She enrolled in North Carolina Central University after graduating to pursue her degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in juvenile justice.
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After obtaining her degree, she returned to Fayetteville after learning she was pregnant. “Sina” returned to Seventy-First as a cheerleading coach and Safe Schools Coordinator. Coaching and advising discipline for students intensified her passion for helping youth.
Her passion is evident in willingness to cultivate the growth of her daughter’s modeling career.
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Initially, Taelynn’s modeling started as a way for her grandmother, Lutricia Bradley, to pour into her first grandchild. She entered Taelynn in her first pageant at Cross Creek Mall. By age 1, she was receiving multiple offers from major brands such as Gerber.
Sina noticed that her child had a natural gift and assumed the role of “momager.” However, she did not abandon her post in the school system.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bradley transitioned to the role of a teacher for 6th-grade math and science at Westover Middle School.
But as a manager for models, Sina was the student. She had no formal training or mentor to guide her. Many of the lessons she gained through experience.
“Sometimes you have to pay for lessons,” says the single mother.
Those lessons taught her the importance of due diligence. Bradley thoroughly vets and researches every offer and event before committing. She understands as a single mother, she is under intense scrutiny.
Her own parents expressed skepticism in the beginning stages. But Bradley refused to accept the negative criticism and continued to learn, invest and support Taelynn’s love for the fashion industry.
Her determination and love for her daughter led her to the formation of Tailor-Made by Tae, LLC. The company is dedicated to growth and providing opportunities to aspiring models.
Sina understands the hardships associated with the modeling industry and works to ensure others do not have to endure those same obstacles. Furthermore, she loves to use Taelynn’s platform to help other kids pursue their passion.
Thus, the Put On For My City Fashion and Talent Show was born. The Put On For My City event is designed to showcase the youth’s artistic capabilities. In addition, the show allows independent fashion designers theopportunity to have their work displayed on the runway.
The event also features local performers and vendors on-site. Tailor-Made by Tae helps models produce content that will further their career with the Mom I Want to Model Workshop.
The most recent installment of the event was held at the Crown Coliseum and featured the Seventy First High School choir. The night ended with awards and scholarships provided by key people in the industry.
With that fifth installment, Tailor-Made by Tae celebrates three years in business.
Taelynn’s time in the business has been marked by a number of highlights, such as being in rapper Morray’s “Trenches” video; meeting national recording artist Jacquees; and being a part of a show hosted by iconic actress Vivica A. Fox.
However, one of the greatest highlights for the business was taking 25 families to New York Fashion Week and Nickelodeon Indoor Theme Park at American Dream Mall.
Providing experiences for others is a cornerstone of Taelynn’s brand. Thomasina’s greatest challenge is maintaining a healthy balance between business and Tae’s childhood.
When they are not working or in school, the pair loves to travel and share new experiences. The support of their family helps the brand continue to grow. Sina and Tae are currently sifting through a number of offers and plan to share some important announcements in the near future.
To follow their journey, subscribe to all the Tailor-Made by Tae sites on social media platforms. Anyone interested in their child being involved with Tailor-Made by Tae LLC, emailTailormadebytae@gmail.com.
Salute to Tae, Sina and every activist getting active. Peace.
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville girl and mom help develop young models
