Welcome to My Corner of the Internet

Hi there! I'm Tomika, the creator behind Life in Pumps – a lifestyle blog dedicated to inspiring others to live life to the fullest. As the owner of Shades of Social Media, a marketing agency focused on amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs and small businesses of color, I'm passionate about using my platform to empower diverse communities.

My Multifaceted Journey

My path has been anything but linear. I've worn many hats throughout my life – from Bio-Chemist to sports mom and now full-time content creator and business owner. But no matter what role I'm in, my drive to live an adventurous, stylish, and purposeful life has always been at the forefront.

My family and I reside in the suburbs of Philadelphia, but we love exploring the sights and sounds of the city. In fact, my love for travel is a huge part of who I am. You'll often find me and my family hopping on planes, trains, and automobiles to discover new destinations. As an African-American travel writer, I'm dedicated to inspiring people – especially families of color – to explore the world and create lasting memories together.

Fashion, Wellness, and Advocacy

Fashion has always been a form of self-expression for me. Rarely will you find me without my signature lipstick and a conversation-starting shoe. As a curvy girl, I'm on a mission to help other plus-sized women feel confident and empowered in their own skin.

But fashion is just one part of my story. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and that experience completely transformed my outlook on life. The diagnosis empowered me to focus on bridging the gap between the healthcare system and the wellness movement. I now use my voice to advocate for others, both on Capitol Hill and as a patient advocate/mentor on various pharmaceutical research projects.

My cancer journey also led me to become more conscious of the products I use to clean my home, the candles I burn, and what my family puts on their skin and in their bodies. I dove deep into learning about clean ingredients and their impact on our health and the environment. Now, as the self-dubbed “Organic Lifestylist,” I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle.

Amplifying Diverse Voices Through Shades of Social Media

In addition to running my blog, I'm the proud owner of Shades of Social Media – a marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs of color amplify their voices and reach their target audiences on social media.

As a woman of color myself, I understand the unique challenges that entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities face when it comes to digital marketing and visibility. That's why I'm so passionate about using my expertise to level the playing field and empower my clients to thrive online.

Expanding My Reach as a Writer and Media Personality

In addition to my blog, I'm a regular contributor to Forbes.com, where I have a column focused on automotive reviews and my love of cars. I also freelance for several publications, including AAA, and regularly appear as a lifestyle expert on Fox 29 Good Day Philly and as a tech expert on QVC.

Whether I'm writing about the latest travel trends, offering tips for living your best life, reviewing the hottest new vehicles, or advocating for important causes, my goal is to inspire, educate, and empower my audience. I'm driven by a deep belief that we can all live more fulfilling, adventurous, and purposeful lives.

So whether you're here for fashion, wellness, travel, small business support, automotive insights, or just a dose of inspiration, I'm so glad you've found your way to Life in Pumps. I can't wait to connect with you and learn from your experiences as well.

Interested in working together? Contact her at LifeInPumps@gmail.com