Meet Tiayana Logan | Business WomenI Special Education Leader & Teacher I Middle School Guidance Counselor

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

Hi Tiayana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was simple, I was 17 years old turning 18 and knew what my calling was on this earth. I always had a passion for giving back and helping others. When I knew that my best friend could not attend prom, because she could not afford too, I went to my mother, know board member, and Vice President of Moneét’s Closet. I asked my mom what could we do to help my friend, she had to go to prom, and experience the everlasting memories, and moments, with her friends and school staff, that every senior dreams of, or spends the whole school year preparing for. My mom instantly came to aid finically, and supported my friend in going to prom, at no cost to her family. From this moment, on I wondered how many more girls in the world, are missing prom, because senior dues are expensive, and the amount of care that goes into getting ready for prom itself is costly. The hair, nails, transportation, makeup, the dress, shoes, etc. With all this in mind, and my own Prom Queen Experience, Yes I was prom queen, I knew I wanted to provide girls all around the world, with the opportunity to head to prom at no cost, no matter what it took. Since 2009 Moneét’s Closet was born and began to supply Prom attire and needs to girls in Brooklyn, New York. Since then we have branched out international’s and nationally supporting communities all over. The Process, started with a personal experience, and from then lead into making thousands of dreams come true.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Tiayana Loga, I am a self-proclaimed “promologist”. In 2009, I founded Moneét’’s Closet, which is nationally recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Moneet’s Closet was originally established to help low-income students attend their proms by providing free prom dresses, shoes, accessories, hair, makeup, and much, much more. It has since expanded to also help students with scholarships and school supplies. My organization primarily assists students who are sick, homeless, or live in shelters and do not have family to assist them. To date, Moneet’s closet has helped hundreds of students attend their prom at little or no cost. I am proud to run my own organization while also working as an educator and basketball coach in Brooklyn, New York. It was an easy transition to where I am today, by hearing so many “No’s or I can”t help”, but having so many individuals bless me with “Yes, what do you need?”, those many yes responses, also turned into amazing partnerships, and everlasting commitments to our community with alignment in purpose. The mission statement of Moneét’s Closet is to enable every young lady a prom dress and accessories that might not otherwise be able to afford those luxuries. Every young lady should feel like a “princess” on this special night. Our aim is also to empower young girls in our community, because again, confident young girls make empowered women and empowered women make for a stronger community. Each year we hope to be larger and better as we attempt to reach all high schools across our five cities. Moneét’s Closet started off as a prom project for young ladies, but since 2017 we have expanded our reach to young men. We service the community, and those who need to be reminded that they are beautiful and loved. Self-love is important to us, which is why we also service women in shelters with cosmetic and clothing makeovers. We host our annual book bag giveaway, thanksgiving feed the soul event, alongside our Christmas toy giveaway, all events are Free and despite Covid, were still able to happen, with donations, sponsors, and support from our community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Brooklyn, New York, Bedstuy Do or Die, is where I was raised ! If a close friend came to town, after the pandemic is over of course, we would visit local art pop-up shops to take photos, who doesn’t love a good photo-op. I am a plant base eater so of course we would visit all black owned businesses that support my life style eating habits, and my friends. We would visit: Gloria’s, Chloe’s, Spudz, The Juice Box, Shipwreck Seafood Boutique, and so many other favorites ! Heading to prospect park, Central Park, or West 4th street to enjoy the outdoors, is also how we would spend most of our time. Ending the day of walking the Brooklyn bridge. We would also check out anything new and exciting in New York ! There is always something new, and exciting to explore, many of those same events are pop-ups, so depending on the time frame, we would have to look into what events are near.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wan to dedicate my success, love, passion, commitment, and effort, to my team, my mother Jacqueline Cattouse, my spouse Kris Clark, my sisters Taryn Guy, Zanovia Garcia, Brittany Logan, My God Mother/Aunt Michelle Cattouse and my mother in law Audrey Clark. No matter what the cause is, or the city, my team is always ready to go and jump in all hands on deck, ready to service our community. This team has been down with me since day 1 and I thank them for their commitment to others, and will to help those beyond their purpose. They are the life-line that keeps Moneét’s Closet going, and without them, we would not be able to fulfill our purpose in life, to service others. I say thank you!

Website: www.moneetscloset.org
Instagram: MoneetsCloset
Facebook: Moneets Closet

Image Credits
Image Credits: Kris Clark of KcXpereince