Who could you be if you knew there were no bounds to your greatness or limits on your passion? In a world where professional success often demands a singular focus, the journey of Ta’Neile Faye Simmons stands out as a testament to the power of versatility and determination. As a data scientist, veteran disability resource awareness advocate, and model, Ta’Neile reveals to The Bold Maven how she’s seamlessly navigated diverse realms, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to inspire others while embodying her best self, especially with other young Black women following in her footsteps.
Balancing multiple passions is no easy feat, especially when they span different industries. Ta’Neile’s day typically starts around 4:30 AM with an invigorating gym session before transitioning to her nine-to-five corporate role. Post-work hours and weekends are dedicated to her modeling career, mentorship activities, and highly anticipated debut as a Miss Georgia USA contestant.
“My all-time dream is to become a top model and fashion merchant,” reveals Ta’Neile. “That’s the real purpose behind having all of these facets. They all intertwine because they’re all a part of the fashion industry.”
Entering the corporate world as a Black woman initially confused Ta’Neile due to a lack of role models and diversity within the space. Her mother gave her sound advice to maintain healthy professional boundaries due to the competitive nature of the environment and uncertainty of the intentions of those she works with, advice that some of us know all too well in spaces where we’re the minority.
While Ta’Neile’s resilience has kept her grounded and fortified throughout her journey through the corporate landscape, it’s perhaps her lack of formal guidance that has ignited her desire to mentor other young Black girls who hope to follow in her footsteps, whether it’s in data science or modeling. Mentorship has become a pivotal role in Ta’Neile’s life as a mentor and a mentee. Although mentorship wasn’t an option to guide her along her path, her service as a mentor has afforded her the opportunity to learn invaluable skills, specifically with modeling.
“I learned a lot of the skills I know now from teaching other people first,” says Ta’Neile. “I’ve learned so much from many different people in modeling and my professional career. That teaching others helps me learn.”
As much as Ta’Neile’s mentorship is a source of relentless motivation for her collective of young mentees, she’s an even bigger inspiration to herself. Following her dreams further proves to Ta’Neile just how many barriers she can break by diving deep into her passions, one of which is pageantry. Although Ta’Neile’s foray into pageantry is a recent development, it’s the amplification of her voice and platform that she hopes to use as a springboard for her modeling career. While competing, she aims to demonstrate her beauty, intelligence, compassion, and philanthropy.
“Pageantry is about showcasing the good in people and making being good to others popular,” reveals Ta’Neile. “I’ve realized it’s not just beautiful women parading on stage. These are very highly intelligent women advocating for something they care about.”
Ta’Neile’s pageant experience is a deeply personal cause as she is dedicated to spreading awareness about veteran disability resources, sparked by her father’s struggle and untimely death due to service-related injuries. Ta’Neile fights to ensure veterans receive their benefits without enduring a prolonged and arduous approval process. As she honors her father’s legacy through advocacy, she lays the foundation for her own.
“I’m not going to die with clothes, shoes, or a house. I will die with the legacy and impression I have put on the people behind me,” uncovers Ta’Neile.
For Ta’Neile, family is the core of her motivation. As a first-generation college graduate and a trailblazer in her family, Ta’Neile strives to be the living embodiment of excellence to her younger relatives. From her brother’s admiration to her cousin following in her educational footsteps, Ta’Neile is often reminded how much her example has profoundly impacted those around her. She’s found a sweet balance between her commitments and the many facets of her life, which she attributes simply to her faith and disciplined lifestyle to keep her grounded.
“Spending time with God is how I stay balanced,” affirms Ta’Neile. By practicing fasting and prayer, she continues to draw strength and clarity from her spiritual journey to help her navigate her vision.
Ta’Neile’s multifaceted journey is a beacon of fortitude and an encouraging reminder to all multi-passionate people everywhere that there is balance in having diverse ambitions. Ta’Neile also debunks the myth that we all have to have a singular focus to have a clear vision. It’s possible to excel in multiple domains while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. As Ta’Neile continues to uplift the next generation of change-makers, she demonstrates unwavering devotion to herself. Now, her only challenge is to build a powerhouse team to get her across the finish line as the next Miss Georgia USA!
Stay connected to Ta’Neile:
Website: TaNeileFaye.com
Instagram: @taneilefaye
Follow Ta’Neile’s journey to Miss Georgia USA, taking place June 13-June15, 2024.
- Watch virtually here
- Purchase tickets here
- Vote online for People’s Choice here: voting ends Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 9:00am EST
Cover Image Credits:
Photographer: Carlos Velez Studios
MUA: Team Flawless
Stylists: Whitney’s Wardrobe
Showroom: Ivy Showroom
