Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanaine Jenkins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2010, I was convicted of defrauding a financial institution and sentenced to two years prison and five years probation (which turned into ten years). Before prison, I worked in the banking industry but because of the crime that I had committed, I could no longer be employed in that field. Because of my felony status, the pool of jobs that I could apply for was small and the pay was just as small. I needed to find my own way.
When the pandemic hit this year, I was forced to do a reevaluation of my life. In my eyes, my felony probation was holding me back. I didn’t feel like I was enough. I didn’t feel like I was doing enough. On the outside I had everything together, but on the inside I was lost and grasping at straws. I still owed over 18k in restitution with no end in sight.
Then I met someone who would change the way that I viewed myself. I was told that I didn’t know my worth and that their hope for me was that one day I felt like I was enough.
Everything I Am is for all those people who have made a mistake. Who may feel like they are not enough. Who may feel as if they can’t come back from a setback.
Just be Everything You Are, flaws and all.
Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest obstacle was giving my idea life. I knew that I wanted Everything I Am to help previously incarcerated men and women find their voice, but still being on probation kept me on the outside. In order to really move forward, I had to shake off all the things of my past and that included paying off my 18k in restitution.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Everything I Am – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Everything I Am expands into more than just a clothing line. It is everything I didn’t know I could be until now. After being sentenced to 24 months in the Department of Corrections, there was doubt and fear that plagued me when I was released. I felt barreled with flaws, and I struggled to mute the noise that filled my thoughts. What was I? The continuous negativity that covered my life took a toll on the way I viewed myself. With a lot of hard work and mental dedication, I moved towards turning my problems into passions, and soon, my purpose. As someone that has felt unworthy and limited, I see it as my mission to help people climb out of the holes they view themselves in.
We are all worthy. Worthy of respect, worthy of second chances, and worthy of feeling whole. Everything I Am encompasses the mission that we strongly believe in, helping reduce the recidivism rate by displaying the positive possibility that lies behind our lessons and giving those recently released from prison the tools needed to succeed. Our past does not define our futures. With each experience, we can make a difference in how someone looks in the mirror. I Am Everything I am because of what I’ve learned and how I worked towards a change. You are worthy, and we are excited to showcase for you our clothing line of apparel, aimed to give you so much more than just a garment, but a message.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
In Jacksonville, there are a lot of opportunities for growth. Jacksonville is starting to grow at a fast pace because of the ports.
As big as the city is it’s extremely small. People like to stay in their own circles when there is so much more if you just open your mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: Iameverythingiam.com
- Phone: 904-207-1375
- Speaking Engagements: TanaineJenkins@
Iameverythingiam.com - Email: info@iameverythingiam.com
Image Credit:
Marcia Nurse on photos of me personally
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
