Meet Tay D. Lewis | Entrepreneur | Podcast Host | Magazine Influencer | Public Figure

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tay D. Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tay D., alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success, to me, is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond mere achievement. It involves the pursuit and attainment of goals that align with one’s values and passions. It’s not solely measured by external markers like wealth or fame but encompasses a deep sense of personal fulfillment and contribution to the well-being of oneself and others.

In a broader sense, success is a dynamic journey rather than a static destination. It involves continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in the face of challenges. It’s about embracing failures as opportunities for growth and maintaining a balance between professional accomplishments and personal well-being. Success, therefore, is a holistic and ongoing process of self-discovery and improvement.

Furthermore, success extends beyond the individual to include positive impact on the community and the world. A truly successful person, in my view, contributes positively to society, fostering connections, and promoting well-being. It’s about leaving a lasting legacy that transcends personal achievements, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and positive change for generations to come.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My Entrepreneur Journey

While growing up I always had the vision of starting a business. I used to look up at so many teens starting up a business and I looked at it like it wasn’t that hard because I saw everyone starting up one back to back so that’s when I got my ideas set. ZTR Face Masks Aesthetic was the first business I started with my best friends Zoe & Regan. We established this back in 2019/2020 when the pandemic started.

We saw that everyone was making and selling customized masks, so that’s when we decided to take action and make masks and sell them to the public since the pandemic had hit us about that time.
Things were going well until there was some conflict that occurred between us as far as the quality of the masks and the presentation we had of them.

So with this being my first I took a lot of gained skills and techniques and started my own business. On February 27th, 2021 I established Eco Apparel LLC as a clothing and accessories business where we sell T-Shirts, Shoes, Bookbags, and Keychains. February 27th was one of the happiest days and most blessed days of my life.

At that moment I knew I finally did it, I am doing something that I really wanted to do and I will continue to do great things and excel. After that day I took more action with things, I took an entrepreneurship class and got my certificate, and I also did an analytics course for beginners and intermediate and received my certificates.

So then eventually I wanted to go even higher with things. I wanted to start a class for teens to help them start a business and brand while they get themselves out here. In 2021/2022 I decided to start a new line called Grace By Tay. Where I sold T-Shirts that say Grace with a crown and set 2022. For that line, I sold a little bit of everything. That’s when it wasn’t just Eco Apparel LLC it was then Eco Apparel LLC x Grace By Tay 2 different businesses collided to be one with two different views of clothing and accessories.

That same year I received an opportunity from Voyage Magazine Michigan to give them a story about my business and that was another exciting day I had. The day they published it was about 3-4 weeks after I did the interview process of giving them a story.

Fast forwarding to 2022/2023 I wanted to do more so that’s when I decided to start up a new business separate from Eco Apparel LLC & Grace By Tay. Now I bring to you Selfmade Clothing Apparel where our slogan is as we go up, we glow up. In this business, I sell T-Shirts, Hoodies, & Beanies. This business idea just came in the blink of an eye for me. I really wanted to target my generation of people and create a site and sell products they would like and will be able to copy a couple of fits from the site.

So to this day, all businesses are in motion except ZTR Face Masks Aesthetics, which closed in 2020 towards the end of the year. But the important thing is anyone can put an idea to light and start it, you don’t necessarily have to be 18 or older to start your own business, you can start now and excel in the business world at 14, 15, or 16 years or maybe even younger than that. Just apply the knowledge you have and believe in yourself. Once you begin you will have haters and fans everywhere praying about your downfall. See those people who want you to fail/give up but keep faith in god and your business and continue doing you and being great.

And as of today I have now
. Selfmade Clothing Apparel
. Dreamerz Photography
. Dreamz Sweets n Treats
– And. A podcast The Winners Circle Podcast

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Detroit Riverwalk. Stretching along the Detroit River, this scenic pathway offers a captivating blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty. The skyline of Detroit provides a striking backdrop as people stroll along the river, enjoying views of Canada just across the water. The Riverwalk is not just a picturesque location; it also brings events, festivals and you build relationships with your kind there.

I would also take them on just a regular walk Downtown Detroit, Ferndale and Royal Oak. All are beautiful areas to take pictures walk around shop and eat.

Never wanna miss out on two of the most amazing shopping centers either Great Lake Crossing and The Somerset Collection. Wonderful stores and lots of fun with friends.

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?

I would like to send out a few shoutouts. Firstly shoutout to my team at The Winners Circle Podcast Mara Duplesis, Darray Martin, Quentin Shah, David Kelly, Aaron Hewlett, and Brooklyn Terrell. Without them I wouldn’t be able to start up this podcast. Without a strong team on your side how will things get done? That is something I always think when I’m starting on something new & big. And they are all amazing people to be around I love all of them with all of my heart they are all bosses in their own lives like me.

Sending a shoutout to my bro and assistant all the way in Florida Michael D Moten. Without him a lot of my ideas and help that I needed with business and just a little bit of everything wouldn’t be possible.

A few People I just wanted to shoutout for always being there and helping me

My Summer Counselors, Taylor S, Logan, Autumn W & Zay, Nikkyrah G, Amani, Aleiry M, Aniya D, Jasmine N, Chandler C, Jasmine M, Kennedy C, Skye, London S, Sammy M, Ghost, Asiah M, Jordan, Angel A, Kenya E, Zoe H, Regan T and lastly Jordan Marshall. Thank you all for being there for me every step of the journey and process. A lot more people but those are some to mention.

Shoutout to my brothas Korey, Mar, and Rocky since kids we always talked about growing up and doing big things and every step of the way they were right there supporting me and everything.

Supper Big Shoutout To Mama T from da D aka

Rosieee, she has been a big supporter ever since I met her i love her with all my heart she continues to be there for everything and help me grow and I always come through and make sure I’m there for her when she needs me!!

Shoutout to my senior English teacher and her student teacher who encourages and pushes me to do better everyday and always being those people that I can talk to about anything and get input.

Shoutout to my mom, pops, brothers, auntie, grandma and grandfather and my great great grandmother and Cousin Jill in NY for always being by my side to support me in all of the amazing things that I do. And my family in Tennessee who sees everything I do and supports me from down there.

Shoutout to my amazing 11th grade English teacher who always believed in me and helped me do better and obtain new information and helped me become a better writer.

Shoutout to my advisor and mentor and teacher Green for believing in me and giving me the roles and opportunities as a leader

Shoutout to an amazing geometry teacher who is my friends mom who always is there when I need to talk.

Shoutout to my coworkers at my job who supported my business and bought customs from me and just supported me with everything.

Shoutout to my 10th grade English and History teachers who also believed and me and always encouraged me to do better

Shoutout to my greatest of friends Romiya for always holding it down and supporting me every step of the way.

Big Shoutout to my friends Braylen B my vice-president of Student Council, President Of The Class Board and Student Representative For The District. Always there for anything great support and great person to work with on many different projects and opportunities.

I can keep going but those are some people.

Thank You All!

( Most Importantly Thank You God )

Website: https://selfmadeclothingapparel.bigcartel.com/products

Instagram: @0fficially_tay

Other: Podcast: IG @winnerscirclepodcast1

Image Credits
Braylen Boyd – Football Game E Brown – Hoco & Cobo Nadia S – Birthday Etc