What started off as the intersection of mixing style, class, and luxury silhouettes later turned a lifestyle and fashion influencer into one of the most sought out forces within the fashion industry. Tenicka Boyd, most notable for her social media influence on Instagram and her fashion and beauty Pinterest TV series, is pushing boundaries by dominating the world of fashion with bright hues and monochromatic looks.
Boyd is a Manhattan-based mom, wife, and executive that’s spent over 15 years in the nonprofit world by serving with leading organizations such as the system equality coalition, ACLU, and the racial justice coalition, Color of Change. As the National Organizing Director and Deputy Political Director at ACLU, her work with human rights and social justice has helped to influence a better world for systematic and economic equality for all people.
In addition to Boyd’s work as a human rights activist, she is continuing to transcend the bar by helping to inspire women to take their power back through self-expression, confidence, and a bit of edge. By honing in on inviting more color within our wardrobes and within our everyday lives, Tenicka has created her own Pinterest TV series that provides style tips, some of her favorite Black designers she supports, and more dope content that focuses on self and women empowerment.
Gabrielle Tazewell: Tell me about your background! Where are you from and what inspired you to get into the industry of fashion?
Tenicka Boyd: I always loved fashion, travel, and beauty. I was raised in the midwest by really hard-working Black women, who although they lacked a lot of resources, they always dressed really fly. I was always inspired by that but I never really thought of fashion as a career. I worked in social justice for 15 years for organizations like the ACLU and Color Of Change, and I also worked in the Obama administration. During 2020, I started a TikTok account for fun, making videos about fashion. I thought no one would ever see my videos, I was just doing it because I thought it was fun. Now, I have over 700K followers across my channels and I recently have started doing content creation full-time.
GT: What are a few key fashion essentials you can’t leave the house without?
TB: Living in NYC, I always think a great coat is an ultimate fashion essential. I obsess over blazers, wool in the fall and cropped linen in the summer. I love a great bag and I’m a huge lover of pants. The higher and wider the better!
GT: Can you tell us more about the work you’re doing with Pinterest? What inspired you to get into content creation and how are your platforms an extension of showing the world your identity?
TB: I’ve teamed up with Pinterest for their Pinterest TV Series for Black History Month. I get to talk about incredible Black designers from resort wear to handbags. I also share with the Pinterest communities all kinds of unique and interesting ways to wear colors! I really love the series as it’s the kind of long-form content that really invites people into my world and I get to interact and answer questions on the spot!
GT: Can you walk us through a few fashion trends you’re currently loving this month?
TB: This month, and every month, I am all about supporting Black-owned brands. Of course, this month, it’s particularly poignant with Black History Month to showcase Black-owned brands on my channels to educate my followers on some of these more emerging brands that they may not necessarily know about. In terms of a trend, I definitely hope it has staying power, and isn’t just a trend, but I do love that so many people have realized that their voice as a consumer is powerful and are shopping brands that they believe in with their wallet.
GT: Which Black-owned fashion brands are you supporting that 21N readers should look out for?
TB: So many! I’ve been a huge fan of Fe Noel, Sergio Hudson, Andrea Iyamah and Christopher John Rogers for a few years now. Obviously, I proudly carry my Telfar and Brandon Blackwood bags, but there are also some great, emerging handbag brands like To’sha, Daniel Diyepriye, Bruce Glen, and Liselle Kiss. During NYFW, I saw some great collections from brands like Dur Doux and Ndigo Studio that I’m really excited about for spring!
GT: Why is fashion such a key aspect within your life when it comes to self-expression?
TB: Fashion has always been a passion of mine. I love mixing bold, bright colors with classic staples. Growing up, I would watch my mother getting ready and I have always thought there is a certain magic in getting ready to transform yourself into anyone you want to be for the day is very powerful.
GT: You put colorful pieces together so well! How can we embed more colorful palettes into our wardrobes without looking crazy?
TB: Thank you, I personally just love color so much! I have never been someone to shy away from color. I think when it comes to wearing color- just go for it! Pick a strong color palette that makes you happy and that makes you feel confident. Start with a bag. Start with a coat. Start with a top and a pair of jeans. You will feel more confident the more you wear colors!
GT: What is some advice you can give to aspiring influencers wanting to make ground within the industry?
TB: Keep doing it. Do it imperfectly. People will find beauty and ultimately themselves in your imperfections. The word authentic is overused at this point, but there is definitely truth in creating content that is true to you. Put yourself out there and your tribe will find you.