TiKA is an artist, DJ, creator, cultural producer, TV/Online personality, activist, and advocate for the empowerment of female artists and creators. TiKA makes an impression on everyone she encounters and her joy is infectious.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a singer, veterinarian or ironically the person who narrates the coming attractions in movies. I always heard the same voice and never heard a female voice and I remember telling my Mom I wanted to do that. Lol.
3 words you would use to describe Montreal?
Nostalgic, Cultural, Progressive.
You have participated in a Sephora Canada campaign two years in a row (Bravo!) How has the experience been so far, what would you like people to take away from your story?
Thank you so much. It’s been really surreal to be honest. I never pictured myself being a model and I always struggled with self-acceptance in my teens so it’s truly an honour to be visible in a way that’s all about me and my growth and overall development. I would like people to take away the idea that in order to be their best selves, you shouldn’t distract yourself from yourself. I found that the difficulty for me was acknowledging that I was a work-a-holic and that i would work to distract myself from seeing myself. I’m still a work-a-Holic but I’ve integrated healthier practices that help me to focus on myself. So, I work on healing, therapy, inner work, dancing, singing, working out etc. Most of these practices are about looking inwards. That helped me to appreciate myself a lot more and give back to others in a healthier way so that I’m not pouring from an empty or depleted cup. The only way out is inwards.
The 2019 Sephora Canada campaign tagline is ‘We Belong to Something Beautiful ‘, what does beauty mean to you?
Beauty to me is about accepting yourself in your skin at all times. No matter what is projected towards you by media, haters or family. Knowing that you’re beautiful despite what is dictated by others.
Who is your Canadian Icon?
Deborah Cox, Jully Black, Auntie Céline Dion & Esthero.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
It would be to fly indefinitely. I’ve always wanted to be weightless and take flight just like a feather and have had recurring dreams about it too.
The inspiration behind your style (we love the blond hair BTW!)
Thank you so much my loves! A little mix of Toni Braxton (CiRCA 1993) and Sisqo was the inspiration for the hair. I feel they both don’t get enough credit as style icons. As far as style, I’m leaning towards more androgyny lately. Blazers, jeans, loose tees and jumpers are my favs at the moment. I love playing up my masc side because I’m actually a very soft and sensitive person. I like f*cking with people’s perception of me by wearing clothes that contradict my personality. It’s fun as hell.
What does a day in the life of TiKA look like?
A day in the life with me starts with some Buddhist morning meditations, chanting and ohms, after I do a little songwriting, respond to some emails, do some vocal training, head to the gym, practice my film production, work on my healing with some therapy, dinner either alone or with a friend and a great movie, dance, read a little, reality tv and giggles and end with meditations and giving thanks.
What is your favorite part of that day?
My fav part of the day is probably the morning leading into afternoon. I LOVE the sun and give thanks for the blessings that the Universe sends my way always.
First thing you notice when you meet someone new?
Their lips, teeth and tongue for sure. I’m obsessed with a clean mouth so I’m always brushing my teeth or tongue scraping so I notice that first for sure. White tongues are definitely a pet peeve of mine. Lol.
To follow TiKA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tikathecreator/
To follow Sephora Canada on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sephoracanada/
Youtube link to the We Belong to Something Beautiful Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpkS7d_Nw5M
Youtube link to TiKA’s personal video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D44_x51D-3s
Photographer: Leeor Wild
In collaboration with Sephora Canada