7 minute read
Tina McDowell - Exquisite Illusions
Exquisite Illusions
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Let’s Create Photography and Tina McDowell
In the upstate community of South Carolina, she is well-known as “Teena Mac”. In the professional realm and not-so-personal circle, she is comfortable with being Tina McDowell.
Born and raised in Spartanburg, SC, by a single mother who gave birth to her at age 13, Tina’s life began with all odds statistically against her. Her mother, Debra Wright, instilled values of hard work and dedication to achieve within Tina at an early age. These same values are the foundation upon which she stands, and she established her legacy.
Tina is a multifaceted person. She is a mother of one daughter, Kareena, and Mimi of two amazing grandchildren, Devante and Neila. She is a teacher, Web Designer, Life and Mindfulness Coach, Photographer, Digital Creator, Self-Published Author, and Philanthropist. However, the most important title she wears is the daughter of the King, and she professes that she has a strong faith in God and knows that by placing Him first, her potential is limitless.
Tina graduated from Southern Wesleyan University, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She also received her Master of Arts in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University.
Tina is also an entrepreneur and owns several brands with Tina McDowell Enterprises. One of them is Exquisite Illusions, a Web Design, Photography, and Branding company that helps female entrepreneurs develop an online presence for their Biz/Brand with intentional branding strategies. “I specialize in creating exquisite brand identities and branding content for savvy modern-day entrepreneurs. Our services are structured to help you achieve your desired personal and business goals,” she says.
Her company offers Web Design Services, Social Media Management, Administrative Services, Photography, Self-Publishing Services, Digital Creation, Hosting Services, Domain Registration, and Facilitator Services. “I teach individuals how to start a business and entrepreneurs how to present their businesses online. I also create and sell digital products. I offer one-on-one and group master classes using graphic design tools, custom branded apparel creation, computer applications, and self-publishing,” she says. Other brands in her enterprise are Girl Boss Brand Society, KM Kouture, Domains N Things, and The Wright Stuff Boutique, which is a partnership with her mother.
Tina officially started her career teaching in higher education. She says, “Teaching has always been my true passion. During my years working in the IT industry, I always felt like something was missing. In 2005, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with an MLM, and in 2013, I decided to pursue another childhood passion: photography. This is how Exquisite Illusions was developed.”
In 2017, the educational institution she worked for permanently closed, prompting her to expand her services to include web/graphic design, social media management, digital creation classes, hosting services, domain registration, and photography. She further enhanced her brand in 2022 by introducing self-publishing classes, and in early 2023, Tina added the title of Self-Published Author to her resume.
Tina’s passion for digital technology has allowed her to work for over 20 years as an instructor, facilitator, coach, and web and graphic designer. She is currently studying to become a Licensed Esthetician. She is a mentor, motivator, and always willing to go the extra. With her nonprofit organization, Jus Us Girlz Empowerment Network, she helps women realize their value by living their best lives. Partnered with her mother, they conduct quarterly workshops for women in their community. Tina is also a member of Changing Your Mind Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Wendell Jones.
From a young age, Tina says she harbored an unwavering fascination with the intricate workings of technology. “I received my first computer, The Commodore 64, in second grade. According to my mother, I was a curious child, constantly bombarding her with questions about the inner mechanisms of various gadgets and devices. This insatiable curiosity drove me to explore the depths of technology, to unravel its mysteries, and comprehend its complexities. I was not content with merely using technology; I yearned to understand it at its core. This passion has remained with me throughout my life and career, fueling my desire to constantly learn and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.”
Tina’s natural love for helping others is genuine and ever-flowing. She says, “Helping individuals and entrepreneurs and empowering others brings me fulfillment. Ultimately, motivation is the catalyst that propels me forward, enabling me to achieve my aspirations while uplifting those around me. As a professional, I understand the significance of setting and attaining goals. Whether it is a personal aspiration or a business target, having a clear vision and a well-defined plan is crucial for success. I take pride in guiding individuals and entrepreneurs through this process, helping them identify their goals, develop strategies, and overcome obstacles. When it comes to entrepreneurs, I am particularly drawn to their ambition and drive. I understand the challenges they face in building and growing their businesses. Assisting entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals benefits them and contributes to the community’s economic growth and development.”
As a business owner, Tina shares how she’s managed the hurdles and challenges of entrepreneurship. “One of the most significant hurdles I have encountered on my entrepreneurial journey is the lack of support from people I expected to receive support from. Witnessing their support for other businesses offering similar products and services can be disheartening. However, I have realized they are not my target customers, and I have learned to extend grace to them and focus on attracting the audience I want to serve.”
Another challenge Tina has faced is people attempting to negotiate her prices. “I have learned to stand firm and provide top-tier services to my clients. I am also committed to personal and professional development and always open to being a student of my craft. I understand the value I bring to the table and the quality of service I provide, and I expect to be adequately compensated for my expertise and efforts,” she says.
In the business sector, Tina has exceeded all of her expectations. In her community, she has answered the call to serve. However, she still searches for opportunities to empower and enrich the lives of others. With her nonprofit organization, Jus Us Girlz Empowerment Network, Tina has seized numerous volunteer opportunities and mentored, motivated, and inspired anyone fortunate to cross her path. Jus Us Girlz Empowerment Network was founded by Tina in 2015, and alongside her mother, Pastor Debra, Tina offers quarterly workshops to women in her community. “Our organization is wholeheartedly committed to supporting women, ages 18 and older, from diverse backgrounds. My mother and I have triumphed over challenges many women face today, and our personal experiences fuel our unwavering passion to empower and uplift others,” she says. “We want women to recognize their value and live their best lives right now.”
It’s evident that Tina is committed to helping individuals and entrepreneurs achieve their goals and being an ambassador for God. “I am God’s Masterpiece, created in His divine design. I thank Him for all the opportunities He has bestowed upon me. I also thank my mother for being the best support system on this planet. God first, but she’s right after Him.”
https://withkoji.com/@jusUsGirlzSC
