Tanieka Vance-Randall, affectionately known as Tee, is the creator of the revolutionary natural hair care line, Tee’s Hair Secret. The Houston native always had a passion for helping others, which led her to pursue nursing and the fulfillment of one of her dreams. In 2011 two weeks away from finishing nursing school Randall faced her greatest battle, cancer. During the recovery process, she went from having a head full of gorgeous hair to being completely bald and feeling depressed. Although her recovery was an uphill climb, the blessing she gained was a profound passion for growing healthy hair and helping other ladies as well.
How did you determine your career path?
I started off as an RN because I’ve always seen myself as a helper. I love helping others. When I was diagnosed with cancer, the path I planned for myself changed. God determines my path, I’m just walking in it. I was a super shy, self-professed crybaby. I would have never imagined that I would be an oncology RN, formulate my own hair care line, be an author and go on to be an international speaker. I didn’t see any of this but God did.
If you could thank any Black woman history maker for her contributions to society, who would it be and why?
There are so many amazing women I would thank. Being that I create my own hair care products Madame C.J. Walker is definitely on that list. Years before starting my own line I admired her for formulating her own products and helping women grow their hair. I am inspired by her hustle and determination. She worked hard to grow her brand while teaching other ladies to become entrepreneurs as well.
How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition?
I love that hashtag because there is enough money and opportunities available for all of us to eat. We do not have to dim another sister’s light for our to shine. I truly believe we are stronger and go further together. I am a child of God first and anyone I collaborate with has to respect that. I want to partner with individuals that are strong, outgoing, passionate and hardworking. They have to have confidence but be willing to learn from others as well.
What are your thoughts on taking risks? Making mistakes?
You have to take risks in life. Shoot, if I didn’t take risks I would still be working at my first job at Subway Sandwiches and living in my hometown. Instead, I am making my dreams my reality and living in another state away totally out of my comfort zone. Mistakes and failures are a part of life. I have grown to learn from my “mistakes” and “failures” and see them as a necessary part of the journey. They teach us what doesn’t work or what not to do.
What are the three success habits you implement into your daily routine?
I talk and listen to God.
I set weekly goals for myself.
I strive to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
I know with everything in me that God has greatness ahead for me. I have felt this ever since I was a little girl, even though back then I didn’t realize it was God. That belief and my children inspire me to go hard and never stop. There are women and girls [who] are looking for and need what I have to offer.
Who or what motivates you and why?
My children are my motivation. I am determined to pass along generational blessings and show them anything and everything is possible when you set your mind to it.
Web: TeesHairSecret.com
FB/YT: Tee’s Hair Secret
IG: @TeesHairSecret
