Whether you're a hardcore sneakerhead or you've just started collecting, you'll know that the industry is one of the most diverse genres in fashion today. Not only does art, film, and sport shape the culture, music plays a pretty significant role in it as well. 

So, as part of our Her Edit LDN platform, we're branching out slightly from the realm of trainers and streetwear and we're chatting to our fave DJ and TV and radio presenter Tinea Taylor. Here, we'll be talking a bit about how she got into her role, projects that she's proud of, her dream sneakers (of course!), and so much more. So, let's get to it!

Hi Tinea! First question: How did you get into your role, and what motivated you to pursue it in the first place?

Ever since I was young, like 15 or 16, I became a huge fan of watching people such as June Sarpong, Margherita Taylor, and Miquita Oliver on TV and instantly knew that's what I wanted to do in life. I studied media, film, and TV at uni which was learning to be behind the camera, but because I wanted to be a presenter, I took it upon myself to start filming myself doing Vox pops in my local town centre.

In layman's terms, stopping people in the street and asking them pointless questions (looong before Instagram and TikTok were even a thing!) Then from there, I left uni and worked for an online magazine called Dropout UK, where I interviewed everyone from Example, Professor Green, Kerry Washington, and more. That then led me into my radio career, which I started at Rinse FM.

Where did you go to uni?

I went to Brunel University. 

What projects have you worked on that you are super proud of?

I loved being part of The X Factor team in 2018. Presenting the digital show was a dream as I had grown up watching that show. I’d also say becoming an MTV news presenter because, how iconic was that show?!

Have you found being a female in the industry challenging?

When I first started DJing I remember that I was never taken seriously. I’ve had bouncers not let me into the booth before because they thought that I wasn’t the DJ. I’ve even been told "I don’t look like a DJ." What does a DJ even look like?! So yeah, it can be challenging, but I think it's slowly getting better.

What is it about music that makes you so passionate?

My whole family loves music. My mum and dad were both singers for reggae bands in the '80s. My older sister used to be in a group, so its always been a big part of my life. Blasting music on a Saturday morning was something I got from my dad. The energy music gives you, it can instantly change your mood for the better. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What does Her Edit LDN mean to you?

Her Edit LDN is such a great community because, when I was growing up, all the conversations in the trainer world happened amongst men. Then social media was introduced like Facebook and Instagram, and these online communities were still very, very male-centric. You’re not a "tomboy" or masculine if you appreciate a good shoe, and Her Edit LDN is a safe space for women to come together and be the sneaker nerds that they were destined to be!

And finally, what’s on your sneaker wishlist at the moment? 

My fave shoe ever has got to be the Nike Air Force 1. It's so sleek and fresh and they go with anything, so a new pair of those would be great. I would also love the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low collab as they are fire!