Check Out Tajuana Blackmon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tajuana Blackmon. 

Hi Tajuana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I officially established myself as a digital content creator in January of 2017. However, the story behind my brand has been a lifelong journey. No matter where I went, I was always the tallest, the darkest, and the BIGgest. As a kid, I needed a consistent reminder that it’s okay to be different from everyone else. I went on to high school and continued to do everything my “straight size” peers were doing like volleyball and cheerleading (unofficially). In college, I participated in multiple steps shows, pageants, and fashion shows because I wasn’t seeing representation for girls that looked like me. I was always taught if you don’t see the change, BE THE CHANGE. 

That motto birthed the Curves and Crowns Pageant I hosted by way of my sorority. The pageant highlighted curvy bodies and served as a visibility project for plus-size women. After returning to KCMO, I created a YouTube Channel under my nickname TeeRunTheWorld, posting beauty reviews, tutorials, and plus size tips and tricks through my “Hey Big Girl” series. In 2019, I expanded “The Hey Big Girl” to an Instagram blog in order to establish a community promoting body positivity, liberation, and unity among the plus-size community. When I started my YouTube Channel, I vowed to always be the woman I needed when I was a kid which is my foundational purpose for the work that I do. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey hasn’t been a crystal stair but it has definitely been worth it. I’ve learned so much about my creativity, my ability to connect with others, and how to make a long-lasting positive impact on the people who need it most. Being in the media space has challenged me to be more disciplined with my time and what it truly means to be consistent and show up for myself, on a daily basis. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a full-time HIV Prevention Specialist and Sexual Health Educator. I graduated from The University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Studies and a focus in Community Health, Sociology, and Psychology. Although I work primarily in the healthcare field, my education and experience are also reflected in my wellness-based content as well as my lifestyle and empowerment content. My biggest priority is to raise awareness about social determinants of health, tips for breaking down barriers, and normalize what society has created a stigma around. 

I pride myself in being multifaceted so I have a lot of hats that I wear. I am the Community Manager for The Curvy Fashionista’s new private online community for plus-size women, The TCF Style lounge. I am also the Vice President for Kansas City Plus Size Weekend, a four-day festival celebrating larger bodies. 

I am also the founder of a new service-based organization, Impact Above Influence aiming to assist young women with their transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

What makes you happy?
Evolution makes me happy. I love to witness growth both internally and externally. I love how everything changes with time and the way that we are able to adapt to all the changes thrown our way and come out on top as a result. There’s definitely beauty in evolution and I love being able to pinpoint changes and reflect on the lessons learned. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: teeruntheworld.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/teeruntheworld?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Teeruntheworld/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoarCdowV3MYgJl75scyYjQ/videos