I did it for my sons. That was the only answer I had while I sat on a panel and a young single mother asked me why did I start my career. It was the first time I heard my own words – not with my physical ear, but deep in my very soul. I DID IT FOR MY SONS. I quoted one of my favorite poems from Langston Hughes, Mother To Son, “Life ain’t been no crystal stairs…” there was not a dry eye in the place, yet I found joy, after all, I’m just a simple girl from South Central Los Angeles with a story and a dream.

After years in the entertainment industry working alongside some of the greatest promoters to hit the circuit, I learned my greatest lesson from a gentleman named John Ray. Whenever we had a request his response would be, “I’m just here to serve”. This man was a multi-millionaire with hit shows and concerts across the country yet, he only wanted to serve his clients. That is when I knew the key to success for me would be to provide concierge service to everyone along with an open-minded. From John, I learned that the best marketing strategy was to approach every business as if it were a major theatrical production. From beginning to end we created promotional campaigns and built marketing strategies based upon the basic principles of mounting a production. “I’m just here to serve!” Phew, the idea worked.

The Roquemore Alternative was founded in 1997, after Tanya and partner Kevin Pickett (parents of 5 adopted sons) realized that they wanted more than anything to leave a legacy for their children. Something beyond a business, bank account or trade. They wanted to give their boys a stable platform to do whatever they desired. Based upon the premise of “freedom within fences” (something taught during their adoption courses), they believed that the only fences that would ever exist for their children would be the ones they built – thus, Pickett Fences Marketing.

When I am not speaking  or coaching, you will find me on a podcast, building a website or maybe finishing some great graphic. But where ever you find me you can trust that I am helping an entrepreneur build their business.

Initially an entertainment production company supporting local productions and managing individual artists, Tanya flourished as a publicist, personal manager, and production coordinator. She wrote, produced and directed four stage productions which all enjoyed national tours. Meanwhile, Kevin carved a mark for himself as a chef, caterer and craft services professional. He continued his passion until his transition in 2016. The marriage was natural between marketing and food for this family and it was during this time that Tanya gravitated to her true love of building businesses. She thrust herself into Marketing and Promotions full time, working for several corporations while coaching small business owners.

Tanya eventually connected with Senator David Roberti, Lori Howard and Peter Ueberroth to create the Small Business Conference hosted in Studio City. Tanya taught several training modules and sat on panels sharing the concept of Branding. Eventually becoming a sought after Branding specialist working with numerous conference attendees. She became frustrated with the ill-conceived thought that a brand was a logo, so she started creating logos. In 2006 Tanya founded HR Designz, a division focused solely on graphic arts and web development. This business continues to thrive and services clients in four countries.

While working with several Multi Level Marketing clients, Tanya again realized that there had never been a stronger need for small business entrepreneurs to understand and practice the art of branding themselves now. Tanya again embarked to teach others about Marketing and Branding through presentations and clinics. The first module of those training’s is encapsulated in the first book of the Roquemore Alternative series, “M.B.A.: An Introduction to Marketing, Branding and Accountability.”