Meet Tyra Clark | Social Entrepreneur & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyra Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyra, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a tool. It’s a gut check, but also a tool. I think about educated, planned & calculated risks as positive tools. Spontaneous risks can work out too, but give me way more anxiety, ha! I get it though, sometimes living a little is healthy & rolling with things is all you can do in the moment.

Risks can help you gauge your vitality, will power, depth, and strength. They can propel you forward.

For the most part, taking risk has played a leveraging role in my life. I’ve stretched and expanded in ways I never would have had I not considered taking risks.

Getting off the Corporate grid to work for our grassroots family business was a risk. I knew I’d be making way less, have to work even harder, and lose all kinds of benefits, however, the family business ended up slowing my pace which gave me the ability to start my own business.

Pursuing a film career, despite no formal training was risky, but it’s interconnected with a lot of what I do and I’d regret not taking the risk. Now, I’m a part of a groundbreaking Anthology Feature in development and work with youth to help them tell their unique stories. It’s been a meaningful journey so far because I took risks that eventually worked out and pushed passed some limiting beliefs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a hybrid – Business & Creative.

I work in the Social Service Industry and well as the Film Industry.

I’m most proud of understanding that I’m living in my purpose. Due to this alignment, I am able to use my skill sets within the business & creative worlds interchangeably.

I got to where I’m at professionally today by taking risks and acting on a spark that hit me around the age of 22 during a Media Studies course in college. My major was Sociology and I was captivated by that class. I’ve been watching the intrigue for both subjects unfold ever since.

I want the world to know that my brand is a multi-talented one like so many of my Black brothers and sisters. We can do anything we set our minds to. My story is faith based, and both are meant to be here for such a time as this.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is tough. Austin is such an eclectic City. Plenty of great things to do and a lot of great hole in the wall places.

We’d definitely have to visit 11th & 12th street; historically Black Austin for food, entertainment, and places to hang.

Then hit the Greenbelt.

Then we’d sit down and go over this list together — https://2022.do512.com/p/black-owned-businesses-in-austin, and see where to next.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to my great grandmother Letha Simpson, my Grandfather Robert “Fud” Shaw, grandmother Martha Shaw, my mother Lea Walker-Clark, No More, No Más, TXCROSS, my siblings, Black Leaders Collective ATX, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop RC Blakes, Apostle Shannon Evette, and anyone who’s ever prayed for me, spoken life into me, fed me, handed me a book, or kept me encouraged.

Instagram: tyratclark

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyra-clark/

Image Credits
Left to Right: Claudia Sanchez [youth & green screen photo], Claudia Sanchez [youth in theater], Flyer —, Ursula Rogers [Catharsis: A Journey Through Anger BTS], Courtesy photo of Black Men’s Health Clinic Open House