By Michael McCarthy By Michael McCarthy | September 22, 2022 | People,
Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Tanaye White talks DC and her new mental wellness company for women.
Model and founder of Feel Good Babe Tanaye White
Before she left the corporate world for a career in modeling, Tanaye White (@tanayedubz) managed a team of 30 people, traveled the world and won more than 10 awards—in the space of three years—for Falls Church-based BAE Systems, the third-largest aerospace agency in the world. Armed with an undergrad degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s from Georgetown, she was on a roll. But, after winning a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s model search two years ago (beating out 10,000 other competitors), she abandoned her gig and never looked back. Th is month, she launches Feel Good Babe, a platform to help women overcome a number of life’s obstacles. We chatted with White during her summer modeling schedule.
Why did you launch Feel Good Babe?
It’s the result of my years of mental health advocacy. I had an advice column in college to uplift depressed and bullied youth, and I’ve shared my personal experiences openly on social media with the hashtag #LetsGetReal. Once the pandemic hit, I began #FeelGoodFridays to dance off the heaviness of the week and the state of the world.
What is its mission?
Feel Good Babe is a mental wellness company fostering community for women. Our mission is to uplift , empower and inspire women while providing a safe space for conversations surrounding women’s experiences.
What are a few of the major issues you hope the platform will tackle?
There are so many topics that fall under the umbrella of mental health. Some prime topics that will be addressed are anxiety, overcoming depression, imposter syndrome and empowerment. The last one— empowerment—is special because it’s not typically associated with mental health or depression. The key to overcoming sadness, finding the light and digging out of the dark tunnels is empowerment. There are reminders that it gets better, this too shall pass, and that the sadness is only ever temporary.
What are your future plans for the platform?
As the company grows and gains funding, it will advance into the product space. What makes you feel good? Bubble baths, lovely-scented candles, soft knitwear and uplifting music are some that come to mind. I want Feel Good Babe to become a go-to for anyone feeling down. And hopefully it will include events too.
What’s next for you professionally?
I’m still dabbling in corporate marketing just as much as I’m modeling. I worked for a real estate startup a few months ago to revamp its social media presence. Modeling is also picking up. I shot a campaign with Alice + Olivia not long ago, and I recently worked with Victoria’s Secret. I feel very blessed to be able to chase aft er all of my passions.
Photography by: COURTESY OF TANAYE WHITE