One on One With Tameka Raymond

In life there are many moments that are designed to impact your life in more ways than one. Some would say the birth of a child, the opening of a business or being a mentor to many is what they consider to be life changing.

I had the amazing privilege of speaking with the resident trendsetter Tameka Raymond and this blogger was speechless.

More Tameka testimony after the jump

To hear this professed businesswoman greet me with a simple statement of "This is Tameka" was the top of the mountain for me. Her voice was just as sweet as her personality on the television screen and she was just as welcoming as one would expect her to be.

There has been numerous things good and bad written about this super talented mom of five but as we have said before, there is more to her than meets the eye. Recently, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Passion for Fashion Scholarship Event for her contributions to the fashion and entrepreneur industries.

During our spirited conversation, I found her to be nothing but pleasant, witty and most of all loving as she opened up about her career, family and her craft. Check it out and see if you agree,

Tameka, tell our readers about some of your previous projects including those you have worked with. Well as you know I have worked with everyone from Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Jay Z. I put Lauryn in the big wooden bangels mixed with the more earthy and modern look.

I styled the whole "Black Album" project including the live concert "Fade to Black". I also did the whole Change Clothes video where I brought Jay into the button down shirts. I worked with Usher on a various projects including giving him a more grown up look as well.

Recently you were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Please share with our readers the basis of it all.
Actually the achievement award was for my contribution to fashion as I have created styles that have been embraced by various cultures. Not only did I receive an award but I spoke to the students about the importance of entrepreneurship.

There is nothing wrong with the Gucci and the other stuff but you have to find ways to own your own and start your own business.  Many don't realize that I taught fashion at American InterContinental University in 2004.

That's amazing, Living in a digital world, many people can blog about the good, the bad and the ugly concerning you and leave readers with preconceived notions about you. How do you deal with it all?
I really don't let it get to me. Many people say really hurtful things such as I don't love my kids or I am not with them alot.  I LOVE my kids and we spend alot of time together but what many people don't realize is that my oldest is twenty years old and he doesn't want to be apart of all that.

Listen, I do agree with you, If my mom were in your situation, I would say, "Yes, Tameka Raymond is my mother and that is it.
Absolutely, I love my kids and I spend alot of time with them! People say all kinds of things regarding me such as I have had plastic surgery. Actually I haven't had any surgery done, I did go oversees to get Liposuction but I had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Now please know, I WANTED lipo but it just wasn't the right thing for me.

I actually saw you a few days after the medical reaction was reported and I said, "Clearly she didn't have anything done simply because you were sprinting thru the airport." Right! People make up all types of things to say.

I know you are working with R&B Crooner Lloyd and judging from some recent on the set pictures courtesy of Twitter, you are once again doing it.
Oh Yes, there are some amazing things coming up with Lloyd and I am excited.

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with us. Its an honor.
No Problem, I'll see you on Twitter, we will be tweeting! LOL

Just an amazing woman!!!!