Tamekia Powell, tell us about yourself:

My name is Tamekia Powell. I am a Chicagoan. I am currently an elementary school teacher, 2x breast cancer survivor, breast cancer speaker, runway and print model, and entrepreneur. I have my own clothing brand called “Two Phaced”. My brand represents bravery, strength, and survivorship. I created this design for those of us who are fighting battles that people may or may not know we’re fighting (cancer, depression, disabilities, suicidal thoughts, etc). 

One thing that I love to do is to help others. Being able to give back means everything to me and it warms my heart. My dream is to continue beating the odds. I’ve been rejected many times in life because of my illness and the way that it affected my looks and other things. With every negative thing that I’ve been told, my mission has been to never let the odds keep me from doing what I feel that I’m meant to do and to know that success is even sweeter when achieved against all odds! My goal is to be that positive role model and example for my students, my community, and everyone else to show them that anything is possible, anything is achievable no matter how you look, where you are from, what you have battled, or what you are going through. Once you choose hope, anything is possible! 

You can find me on Instagram at:

@ meka_themodel 

@ twophaced_twoworlds