Mega Media Influencer Tabitha Brown talks Wellness, Social Media Influencing, and Doing New Things at Kean University
“I don’t refer to myself as an influencer, I always say I’m just a person who can influence others”, said Brown, humbly.
In the third installation of the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Tabitha Brown graced the Kean University community Monday evening. The same series that brought the cast of A Different World to Kean, Brown is well aligned with Kean University’s Wellness at Work and Student Wellness initiatives, designed to support members of its community in their wellbeing. Tabitha Brown, actress, social media personality, is known for creating online video content where she shares motivational messages and vegan recipes. The North Carolina-born mogul is also the Co-founder and CEO of the natural hair care brand, Donna’s Recipe. “Donna” is Tab’s fro’. Half braided for the occasion, the alter ego is sassy and fierce! Brown has also been awarded an Emmy in the Outstanding Host category for her popular online series “Tab Time” (2021).
This panel was moderated by Darlene Repollet, a former corporate human resources executive, member of service-oriented organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; The Links, Incorporated; and the Greater Princeton Drifters Chapter of the National Drifters Inc., and first lady of Kean since Dr. Lamont Repollet’s instatement as President of the University in 2020.
Brown, wearing an eccentric Cross Colors jean jacket, remained candid throughout the presentation. She reflected on how her career manifested into what it is today. While she’s always been a talented actress and personality, she rose to prominence on Social Media with her first viral video in 2017, a review of Whole Foods’ now discontinued TTLA sandwich.
For a year and seven months, Brown was ill with a sickness that medical professionals could not identify. After watching “What the Health” (2017), she began prioritizing her physical health, by eating plant-based foods and exercising daily. She’d go on to remix her favorite foods to make them vegan and sharing her recipes with the world through social media. There was Facebook, and then TikTok, and since then, ‘Tab’ has gained millions of followers.
Tab added the author to her repertoire in 2021 with her first book, Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business). She also wrote Cooking from the Spirit (2022); Seen, Loved and Heard (2023); and the latest, I Did a New Thing (2024). I Did a New Thing releases on January 30, 2024, kicking off the book tour in Red Bank, New Jersey at The Vogel.
“I decided I wanted to do one new thing every day. It could be as small as wearing my hair a different way I’ve never worn it before, or drawing a picture I’ve never drawn, and doing something new that I’ve never done, to see how it makes me feel.” I Did a New Thing is documentation of her journey of self-exploration and seeking excitement within. It is available for purchase in physical, digital, or audio form.
A crowd favorite, her eclectic collaboration with Target will return in April, as part of their seasonal Evergreen collection. It includes clothes with unique patterns, plant-based delicacies, and aesthetically pleasing cookware to complement it.