Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahsine Sheppard.
Hi Tahsine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey really started with a natural love for creativity, community, and bringing people together. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling and design, which eventually led me into graphic design and event curation—two spaces where I get to combine creativity with intentional experiences.
As a graphic designer, I’m passionate about helping bring ideas, brands, and stories to life through thoughtful visuals and branding. At the same time, event curation has allowed me to create experiences that feel meaningful, memorable, and community-centered. A big part of my work is creating fun and intentional spaces for millennials to reconnect, enjoy life, and be present—even while navigating the realities of adulthood and today’s economy.
Beyond my professional work, I’m currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications, which has strengthened both my technical skills and my understanding of the impact design can have across industries and communities.
Being highlighted by Arts for Us feels especially aligned with my values because I deeply believe in investing in Black creatives and future generations. Their mission to showcase Black talent and create more educational pathways for students entering HBCUs resonates with me personally. I want young creatives to know that careers in the arts and creative industries are practical, possible, and accessible with the right resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Long term, my goal is to continue building experiences and creative opportunities that pour back into the community. Through my events and projects, a portion of my proceeds will be donated to HBCUs and toward the enrichment and development of young creatives, helping create more opportunities for the next generation to thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for many creatives and entrepreneurs. My journey has required a lot of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief. Balancing motherhood, school, work, and entrepreneurship has been one of my biggest challenges. Learning how to show up for my family while also honoring my personal goals and creative ambitions has taken a lot of discipline and sacrifice.
As a creative, another challenge has been navigating spaces where art and design are sometimes not immediately seen as “practical” or sustainable career paths. There can be pressure to follow more traditional routes, so learning to trust my vision and invest in my craft despite outside opinions has been a major part of my growth.
Financially, building while still pursuing my education and managing everyday responsibilities has also been a challenge. Creating events, investing in design tools, continuing my education, and building a brand all require resources, strategy, and patience.
But each obstacle has strengthened my sense of purpose. These experiences taught me how to be resourceful, intentional, and community-minded. They also reinforced why I’m so passionate about creating opportunities, resources, and visibility for other young creatives—especially Black creatives—who may need reassurance that their dreams are valid, practical, and worth pursuing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an event curator and graphic designer specializing in visual branding, creative strategy, and community-centered experiences. My work lives at the intersection of design and culture—I love creating both visuals and environments that feel intentional, memorable, and aligned with a bigger purpose.
As a graphic designer, I focus on branding, digital design, and visual storytelling that help businesses, creatives, and organizations communicate their ideas in a way that feels authentic and impactful. I enjoy turning concepts into cohesive visuals that not only look good but also tell a story and create a connection.
As an event curator, I’m known for creating experiences that bring people together in fun, thoughtful, and engaging ways. A lot of my work is centered around creating spaces where millennials can reconnect, network, celebrate, and simply enjoy life while navigating the demands of adulthood. I believe experiences should feel meaningful, culturally relevant, and leave people feeling inspired.
What I’m most proud of is building a career and purpose-driven platform that allows me to combine creativity with community impact. Beyond creating events and design work, my larger mission is to use my platform to support HBCUs and invest in the enrichment of young creatives by creating access, resources, and opportunities.
What sets me apart is that my work isn’t just about aesthetics or entertainment—it’s rooted in intention. Whether I’m designing a brand or curating an event, I always think about the bigger picture: how this experience, design, or project can create connection, spark inspiration, and give back to the communities that helped shape me.
How do you think about luck?
I believe luck has played a role in my journey, but not in the traditional sense. I see luck as what happens when preparation, timing, and opportunity align. There have been moments in my life and career where being connected to the right people, being in the right spaces, or simply having the courage to put myself out there created opportunities that may have looked like “luck” from the outside.
At the same time, I’ve also experienced challenges and setbacks that could be considered bad luck—unexpected life responsibilities, financial obstacles, and the realities of balancing motherhood, education, entrepreneurship, and personal growth all at once. Those moments often forced me to become more resourceful, strategic, and intentional.
More than anything, I believe both good and bad experiences have shaped me. The difficult seasons taught me resilience, patience, and how to create opportunities even when circumstances weren’t ideal. The positive moments reminded me of the power of community, networking, and staying prepared for the opportunities you pray for.
So while luck may open certain doors, I believe consistency, faith, hard work, and being intentional about your vision are what truly sustain growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @astoldbytay__ + @theartsfor_us
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-arts-for-us-creative-networking-mixer-tickets-1983196373740
