Exclusive Interview With Media and PR Mogul, Tavia MD

Tavia Mapp-Deterville, also known as Tavia MD, is a modern example of how women can truly have it all with enough drive and hard work. In-between running her all- female-staff PR company, she squeezes in time to work on private ventures such as writing her new book, Sex Isn’t The Way To Love. From arranging a specially curated SXSW showcase to speaking out about charitable causes she believes in, Tavia MD tends to collect victories along the way. As a leader in the business, Tavia has flawlessly handled the African-American Press for films Spiral, Questlove’s Summer of Soul, and Time. She has secured clients on sought-after platforms like MTV, BET Revolt Summit, and award shows. Tavia MD’s reach also extends to the online community, whereas an executive producer, she is responsible for attaining 1 million interview views on Thisis50.com and IGTV. While others use her as motivation for themselves to never give up, Tavia MD shares her own inspirations, which include Jay-Z, Diddy, and 50 Cent, powerhouses in their own right. As TaviaMD continues to expand, she does too through continuing to learn any skill necessary to ensure her success while never forgetting where she started and where she wants to be.

We Empower Magazine got an exclusive interview with Tavia.

What inspired you to enter the media and public relations industry?

Tavia: It was more the life that chose me. I was a party promoter and ran some of the hottest clubs in NYC. With that came having talent come through my doors and media followed to attempt to get close.

One day a publicist that was escorting talent that was hosting my event pulled me to the side and said I should be a publicist. I had no idea what that meant. I looked it up on the car ride home and made the decision that I would do just that. 18 years later here I still am.

What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

Tavia: I think what I enjoy most is literally taking independent artists you never heard of and putting them on platforms that only major artists attain.

What would you like to see more of for Black women in your industry?

Tavia: I would love for more black women to get the opportunities that are freely given to women in other races.

What have been some obstacles that you overcame that made you the woman that you are today?

Tavia: Well I am a teenage mother. There are many people who told me that I would never finish high school let alone go to college. When I completed them both, then I was told I would either have more children or not raise my child properly which I didn’t and I have. My baby is a college graduate and my son wasn’t conceived until I was with someone that I wanted to be with forever. Never let anyone limit you.

Who are some people who inspire you and why?

Tavia: Beatrice Dixon, Jay Z, Diddy, and Michelle Obama. Mostly because no matter what the scenario is they are always strategic and triumphant. On top of that, Jay is from Brooklyn and Diddy is a Scorpio so then there’s that.

What can we be on the lookout for from you for the rest of the year and leading in the new year?

Tavia: Well currently I have three clients on Rotation on MTV, one client added to Revolt, and another client that will definitely be up for a Grammy in 2023!

What do you want your legacy to look like?

Tavia: My children are my legacy. The lessons that I teach them will carry my name. I’m also doing the work to ensure that my foundation Future is Female lives and thrives beyond me.

Keep up to date:

Instagram:@taviamd

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