'RHOA' Star Tanya Sam Is Creating Space For Women In Tech
We all know that when it comes to entrepreneurship, women are killin' it. Black women in particular are the fastest-growing community of entrepreneurs, yet still face major obstacles in getting funding or even being taken seriously for their products, services, and business acumen. Research has shown that men were "significantly more likely to secure funding than women when pitching the same business content," and, in terms of race, black entrepreneurs in general are "three times less likely" to be approved for loans than white entrepreneurs.
Many advocates have joined in the fight to level the playing field for women not only to survive in business but to thrive and serve their communities. One remedy that is popular is "capital entrepreneurs" who actually find innovative ways to invest in those who are in disenfranchised communities. Among those is a new leader who has decided to use a popular TV platform---the wacky, wild, and salacious world of reality TV---to provide a leg up for women entrepreneurs: Real Housewives of Atlanta's Tanya Sam.
Courtesy of Tanya Sam
The Toronto-native stans for entrepreneurship, particularly inspired by the savvy of her fiance Paul Judge, a serial entrepreneur in his own right and co-founder of Tech Square Labs and Pindrop Securities. Sam has now launched The Ambition Fund to help women and underrepresented entrepreneurs reach heir goals. And though some might have just recently become familiar with Sam on TV, she's been on the Atlanta scene disrupting in entrepreneurship well before she hit the small screen.
"I've been in the tech and startup ecosystem in Atlanta for quite some time. We opened Tech Square Labs in 2014, a startup and co-working space for early-stage entrepreneurs primarily building high-gross, scalable technology companies. We invest in and help them scale their companies---everything from access to market, capital, etc.," Sam said during an exclusive xoNecole interview. Along with her duties as founder of the fund, she also serves as director of partnerships at Tech Square Labs.
An Idea Out of A Need
When she joined the Bravo TV show cast, Sam had a light-bulb moment after viewers of the show expressed a need. "So many women and other entrepreneurs [began] reaching out to me saying, 'Wow your story is so interesting. You went from nursing to technology. How did you do it? I'm building a business. It's not necessarily in tech but can you help me?'"
"I'm harnessing my passion for working with entrepreneurs, helping them to build and grow, across industries---helping to provide access to capital and networks so that they can thrive and succeed."
Sam, a graduate of the University of Toronto who was raised in a family of doctors, chose to pursue nursing after college, working for top hospitals in New York, Toronto and Atlanta. It was during that time that she got the idea for her first business, Limitless Smart Shot. At the time, she had read Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person and was inspired to take a leap.
"I love that book. I bought it years ago and I just feel like it was the right time for me to say yes to different opportunities. I was a bone marrow transplant nurse, and I worked in oncology and chemotherapy. I'd ran the gamut of the nursing profession. And at one point, I fell into entrepreneurship because I was going to work everyday with these super-smart people, and we'd walk into work and cheers our coffee cups and say, 'I hope this gets us through our shifts.' And people were relying on caffeine which can give you energy, but it doesn't actually increase your brain performance. I decided to fall back on my science background and formulate a beverage designed to increase your focus, attention and memory and actually boost your brainpower naturally. So that's where Limitless Smart Shot came from."
From 9-to-5 to Living Her Best (TV) Life
When she started dating Judge, he was in the throws of launching a company, so it was a match made in entrepreneurship heaven. "I was getting this real-life, real-time business experience of how to build a company," Sam said. "It was extremely fascinating... the best lesson on taking chances." She also began going to meet ups and events centered on tech and entrepreneurship and her network grew in those spaces, among others.
Becoming a cast member on Housewives was something that came "out of left field," Sam said. "I would have never guessed, two years ago, that I would be on a television program at all. The opportunity came up, and [my reaction was], 'Oh you should think about it. It would be really fun.' But I just didn't know. I went to Paul, and he said, 'YOLO. Why not?' I knew some of the ladies and here I am in my second season. It's definitely been a roller coaster ride of fun."
Juggling Roles and Finding Balance
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Wearing several hats---fiance, reality show star, startup advocate and entrepreneur---can be a challenge for anyone but Sam says she relies on forgiveness, self-care, and a little creativity in spending time with loved ones.
"I think the first key with balance is forgiveness. You can't be so hard on yourself that you're like, 'I didn't get everything done by this time today, and you know, you beat yourself up. That's No. 1--forgiveness."
And then for me, just being able to do the things that I love---like I love to work out. I feel like it absolutely feeds my soul with happy endorphins. I love to treat myself every once in a while to a new pair of shoes and be able to just find time to spend hanging out with friends. And sometimes that means saying, 'Hey, do you want to grab a glass of wine with our laptops and go to a workout class together? It kind of feels like you're killing two birds with one stone."
Standing behind women entrepreneurs by offering them resources to level up is something Sam hopes will be a proud and impactful part of her legacy. "It's really amazing when business owners' daughters say, 'I love watching you on the show and see [someone who is] fabulous black girl magic, is in tech and studied science. That's pretty cool. I get messages all the time where women see me on the show and identify, and it's awesome."
For more information on The Ambition Fund, visit their Website, and follow Tanya Sam via Instagram @itstanyatime.
Featured Image via Tanya Sam
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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'Finding Tony' Director Raven Magwood Goodson And Star Stephen Bishop On Telling Authentic Stories On Screen
In cinema, stories often serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of our experiences. Finding Tony, the latest cinematic gem from millennial director Raven Magwood Goodson, takes us on a profound journey of trauma, redemption, and resilience. With the magnetic performance of lead actor Stephen Bishop, this film shines a light on the struggles and triumphs we face daily. Through the lens of mentorship, community, and self-discovery, Finding Tony invites audiences to journey alongside its characters as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and everything in between.
In the process, it sparks conversations, challenges assumptions, and inspires viewers to embrace their own stories with pride and authenticity. As the film prepares to make its mark on the cinematic landscape, it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Executive-produced by NBA star Anthony Davis, Finding Tony not only adds another layer to the tapestry of Black narratives in cinema but also reaffirms the significance of our voices in shaping the cultural conversation.
Crafting Calm in the Creative Storm
As Black women, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care amidst the demands of our daily lives. Raven Magwood Goodson, the visionary behind Finding Tony, embodies this ethos with unwavering grace and determination. In our conversation, she shared her strategies for nurturing her well-being amidst the whirlwind of filmmaking, offering valuable insights into the importance of prioritizing self-care in pursuit of creative excellence.
"While shooting, I was all into the film. No one knew, but I was pregnant and 2-3 months along. After production, you have a long period of post-production, and we spent months editing, going back, rewatching, and adding music,” Raven explains. “During that time, I was able to prioritize myself and my family. It’s a matter of being intentional for me and knowing these are the things I have to do for the film or for other businesses I have. I'm very intentional about whether it's work or play and making sure everything gets my attention.”
Amplifying Black Narratives in Cinema
Anthony Davis (L) and Raven Magwood Goodson (R).
Courtesy
Our stories matter, serving as the heartbeat of our collective experiences. Authentic representation on screen is not just a desire but a necessity, and Finding Tony emerges as a powerful testament to the importance of reclaiming our narratives. In our dialogue with Raven, we delved into her vision for the film and its profound impact on Black stories in cinema.
"I just want to be able to be an advocate, whether it's through the actual storytelling or my own life, for individuals that look like me. I know the importance of being able to watch TV and have an example because, being a brown-skinned girl growing up, sometimes you look and you don't see those examples,” Raven says. “To have women and little girls come up to me and say how much I've motivated them and that they want to write a book or a movie because of me means the world to me.”
Authorship Amplified: Raven's Journey to Filmmaking Mastery
Black women are no strangers to wearing many hats, navigating various roles and responsibilities with unparalleled grace. Raven epitomizes this multifaceted brilliance, seamlessly transitioning from author and motivational speaker to director. In our conversation, she shared how her experiences in these diverse domains equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to lead with confidence and creativity in the realm of filmmaking.
"I get the distinct opportunity to speak to a lot of different types of people, young people, women, men, and athletes about their experiences. I got the inspiration for Finding Tony. I've met a lot of different individuals, youth, whether that's in high school or college, that had similar experiences to [the lead character] Destiny and the film,” Raven shares. “I've also spoken to a lot of mentors, and people have gone through adversity and found themselves in a Tony space as well. My experience in speaking, writing, and getting to know different audiences shaped my viewpoint to be able to write this story.”
Game Plan to Script: Stephen's Playbook for Acting Success
Stephen Bishop
Courtesy
In a world that often underestimates our abilities, the Black community continues to excel in diverse arenas. Stephen Bishop's journey from professional athlete to actor resonates deeply with our own experiences of resilience and adaptability. As a former Atlanta Braves player, Stephen talked about how his background in sports equipped him for the challenges of portraying a complex character in Finding Tony.
“In sports, you learn a lot of life lessons and can use a lot of those to help inform your characters when you're in different roles. But specifically, this role, it helped because I’ve been an athlete who's had to retire,” Stephen says.
“I am a current coach, so I know what the transition was like. I know a lot of the emotions you go through and things you battle with when you're looking at athletes that you're trying to get to level themselves up. It was a very fortunate coincidence that I happened to be an ex-professional athlete who was going to play this role. It played a big part in me being able to be as comfortable as I was in the role.”
A Role Written in the Stars: Stephen's Path to 'Finding Tony’
Raven shares that her decision to cast Stephen in the lead role of Tony was a moment of intuitive certainty, sparked by his compelling performance in Terminal List alongside Chris Pratt. Upon witnessing his talent, she knew without hesitation that he was the perfect person to capture the essence of Tony Greene. The very next day, fueled by conviction, she reached out to her casting director, passionately advocating to do whatever it took to secure Stephen for the pivotal role. This bold move speaks volumes about Raven's unwavering commitment to bringing her vision to life with authenticity and excellence.
As Stephen reflects on this pivotal moment from his perspective, he shares, "They told me about it and sent the script. [My team and I] all read it the same day, and then the next day, we all got back on the phone, and I said, ‘I really like this.’ A lot of times in my career, by the grace of God, I've played the love interest, and I've been in a couple. I've been really wanting to move into roles where I could just be a standalone character and have my storyline drive the film or the television show without it being at the whim of the relationship. And this role came along and it was not only that, but it was an opportunity for me to really show myself and others what kind of chops I really have because there's a huge emotional arc.”
L-R: Raven Magwood Goodson, Stephen Bishop, and David Banner on set of "Finding Tony."
Courtesy
As today marks the release of Finding Tony, it's not just a film hitting the screens; it's a testament to the power of determination. Shot in a mere 17 days, this cinematic gem shows the sheer dedication and grit of its creators. Director Raven Magwood Goodson, amidst her battles, led the charge with unwavering strength and grace, proving that obstacles are merely stepping stones to greatness. Through late nights and unforeseen hurdles, her unwavering vision shone bright, guiding the cast and crew through the rollercoaster ride of production.
Finding Tony reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there's beauty to be found, strength to be discovered, and purpose to be fulfilled. So, as we prepare to immerse ourselves in Tony's journey, let's raise a glass to the triumphs of creativity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the pursuit of art.
Finding Tony - Official Trailer
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