Tamisha, tell us a little bit about your dance history and background.
Originally hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, I began my formal journey at Ballet Tech, where I received training under the guidance of Eliot Feld. I furthered my education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and SUNY Purchase College, where I pursued a dual major in dance and arts management. Graduating with honors in 2013 from SUNY Purchase College, I soon joined the Martha Graham Dance Company.
For me, dance serves as a powerful form of expression, allowing us to authentically share our true selves. By embracing our individuality and portraying honesty in our sharing, we offer audiences the opportunity to see reflections of themselves in the art. It is this connection that fuels my passion for movement, as I cannot imagine a life without it.
Through dance, I find the freedom to believe in the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and this has ignited my entrepreneurial path. Currently, I am a member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham and also serve as an adjunct lecturer in dance at Barnard College.
What inspired you to create HUETAPE? Did you always know you would eventually become a business owner?
As a professional dancer, tape has long been an essential tool in supporting me during my performances. However, a few years back, I faced a frustrating challenge when I couldn’t find a tape brand that truly catered to the diverse needs of melanated skin tones.
This roadblock sparked a deep passion within me to create a solution that not only met my own needs but also celebrated and supported individuals from all backgrounds. Through my experience in dance and my upbringing, I have come to understand the importance of serving and uplifting others, which motivated me to establish HUETAPE. This brand supports me in my career as a performer and assists and empowers dancers, athletes, and people from all walks of life.
I firmly believe that entrepreneurship runs in my veins. Coming from a lineage of successful business owners, I have drawn inspiration from their achievements. I can clearly recall daydreaming about making a more significant impact in my work, and I have always had faith that the right opportunity or my passion for helping others would lead me to the perfect business venture.
How does HUETAPE work?
HUETAPE serves as a valuable aid in alleviating discomfort and providing reinforcement to muscles, joints, and ligaments. Its remarkable properties include diminishing inflammation, promoting flexibility, and enhancing recovery.
Crafted to mirror the flexibility of your skin, this tape allows you to move freely with your complete range of motion. Its medical-grade adhesive is both water-resistant and durable, ensuring it remains securely in place for two to four days, whether you’re exercising or showering.
Upon application to your body, the tape gently recoils, delicately raising your skin. This action is thought to generate a minuscule gap between your skin and the underlying tissues, which reduces pressure on pain receptors in the affected area.
We love HUETAPE’s values of diversity and inclusion. What do you hope is the impact that HUETAPE has on dancers and the dance industry as a whole?
By establishing ourselves as a valuable resource and support system for our community, we have opened up numerous opportunities to connect with individuals who are embarking on their journey with kinesiology taping. Through our library of instructional videos, we have successfully imparted invaluable knowledge, empowering everyone to approach their taping routines with confidence.
At the core of our company ethos is a deep commitment to embracing and celebrating the beauty of diversity. From the outset, our mission has been both clear and profound: to develop a product that not only meets the diverse needs of individuals with melanated skin tones but also celebrates the unique beauty of all.
Though we are a relatively young company, I have already witnessed the profound impact we have had on dancers and the buzz our products have generated within the dance industry. My vision for HUETAPE is for it to be a safe haven for artists, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life, offering them the support, care, and representation they deserve through products that genuinely enhance their well-being.
Each heartfelt message we receive from someone who finally feels seen and represented serves as a poignant reminder of why I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. It goes beyond tape; it is about empowering individuals to feel confident, comfortable, and proud of their skin tone. The stories we hear from supporters of all backgrounds who have struggled to find tape that matches their complexion and how our product has positively impacted their lives are truly humbling. These moments reinforce the transformative power of inclusivity and the significance of representation in all facets of our lives. We aspire to see our tape products and future offerings continue to make a lasting impact and foster unity within the dance and sports industries.
What is your vision for HUETAPE in the next 5 years?
At HUETAPE, we have big dreams and ambitions. Our mission is to expand our range of tape products and other items tailored for all skin tones, providing individuals with the necessary tools for recovery. By engaging in conversations with retailers, we are working towards introducing our tape products in major retail outlets across the country.
We are thrilled to grow our reach and bring together a diverse community of athletes, practitioners, and individuals from various backgrounds by offering educational resources on how to fully utilize our products. Our commitment to excellent customer service and hosting events will further support this mission.
We also aspire to form partnerships with organizations like the WNBA, NBA, and other sports federations to incorporate our product line into the routines of a wide range of athletes. By consistently supporting dancers, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life, we aim to become a prominent supplier in the health and wellness industry.
Where can we find HUETAPE (website, social media, etc.)?
You can find HUETAPE through our website and all social media platforms.
Website: www.huetape.com
Instagram: @huetape_
TikTok: @huetape
