Tanaye White
Photographer: Vixen
Wardrobe Stylist: Aisya Washington
Style assistant: Génesis Rodríguez
Hair artist: Karl T. Payton using Oribe
Makeup artist: Magdalena Major
Tanaye White opens up to NOW Magazine about mental health, Feel Good Babe, and finding happiness!
1. What’s a fun fact about you that nobody knows?
I’m more independent than people would think. My parents raised me to be scrappy, hands-on, and work hard for the things I want. Because of that, I can do alot of things most people go to a professional for: I can do my own gel extensions, change my own car engine oil, even do my own hair. This summer, I even installed my own AC unit right before the NYC heat wave.
2. What do you do to support female empowerment outside of Feel Good Babe?
Being a supportive and non-judgemental person and friend really goes a long way. I always consider what women go through, and the unique experiences we have. Whether it’s just passing a compliment to a stranger on the street or staying on the phone with my friends when they need support, I always try to spread kindness and love wherever I am.
3. Tell us more about Feel Good Babe! When and how did you start your mental health awareness movement?
Feel Good Babe is a mental wellness community I developed for women. I’ve struggled with depression for the majority of my life and have always started initiatives to help combat it. In college, I had an online advice column for depressed and bullied youth (like myself). And when social media started becoming more mainstream, I become more open about the true realities of life (not just the highlights most people see) using the hashtags #LetsGetReal. Over the years, the passion I’ve had for mental health advocacy ultimately evolved into Feel Good Babe!
4. What advice do you have for young women who may want to start their own brands and movements?
Read as much you can on what is required to successfully launch a business. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Make sure you have a great accountant or financial tool to organize your income and expenses. And be consistent!
5. What is your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
I love loving on myself and staying centered. Each morning before I leave my house, I play sound bath music to cleanse my aura. I try to go to the gym at least twice a week to release endorphins, and I love treating myself to what I call “self-love dates” where I enjoy dinners at nice restaurants by myself. I’m very much a happy loner-- it’s how I recharge my social battery. But I absolutely love having a fun night out with my friends too!
6. What does mental health awareness mean to you? How does this align with Feel Good Babe?
To me, mental health awareness means having empathy for those with mental health challenges and supporting them. Many people in this world have never been depressed or anxious, and have no idea what it feels like. But that doesn’t mean you can’t actively support those who do. Being able to listen, and do your best to understand someone with mental health challenges can go a long way. I would love to see a world where mental health is not longer seen as a “myth” and is accepted by all -- especially communities of color.
7. How do you disconnect and put your mental health first?
My favorite way to disconnect is to be by the water. If I can’t get to an ocean, I usually take bubbles. I actually take them at least once a week. I am also big into grounding -- going barefoot in the grass or sand, and connecting with the Earth. And of course, therapy! It’s helped me to better understand myself and help me navigate life.
8. When in your life do you think you were the most happy?
I find myself happiest when my three buckets are in the positive. The buckets are: finance, affection, and career. If all three aren’t where I want them to be, I find that I’m more of an anxious person and vice versa. One of my happiest times was probably when I was in grad school living in Washington, D.C. For the first time, I had total autonomy over my life. I had my own luxury apartment, was reunited with my family in the DC/Baltimore area, and a successful career in defense.
9. What advice can you give to young women who may be struggling with mental health?
Go to therapy! While it can be expensive, there are a variety of resources that can fit your financial circumstances. Venting to friends isn’t always enough and seeking professional help can give you effective support to overcome any mental challenges you may be facing.
10. Your philanthropic endeavors have definitely not gone unnoticed — how do you make time to connect with so many people who are suffering with mental health issues?
I appreciate that social media has the ability to connect people from all walks of life. So many people have reached out to me online after seeing me on television, in press features, or from my social media to thank me for my vulnerability. Many have share how my openness with my experiences surrounding depression have encouraged them to seek help themselves. Feel Good Babe will help fortify this community even further and I’m so excited.
