Tika began her journey in acting when she was 17. While working as a cocktail waitress and guest-list host at the infamous New York City nightspot, Life, Tika was encouraged by her boss, Steven Lewis, founder of Life, to pursue acting. At first, it was just a way for her to earn extra income. She didn't yet realize that acting would become her passion and career.
Lewis arranged a meeting for Tika with a boutique modeling agency. Although Tika wasn't deemed tall enough for that agency, it introduced her to scouts at another agency, Booked, with whom she freelanced. Following her time with Booked, she freelanced with The Agent for the Arts agency and ultimately signed with her current agency Cunningham, Escott, Slevin and Dipene (CESD).
Her determination to strengthen her skills and add work to her resume with the smaller agencies is what poised her for representation by CESD. As Tika put it, "They had the right combination of national clientele and management know-how to take my career to the next level." CESD recognized her passion to succeed in the industry and together they've made a profitable partnership.
Tika has since booked national commercials for international brands with household names that include Cascade, Liz Claiborne's Curve fragrances, Hewlett Packard, and Lowe's Home Improvement. Tika's also had roles that she's very proud of in several public service announcements, including Truth, an anti-cigarette/smoking campaign that aired nationwide, and an AIDS-awareness campaign starring the acclaimed hip-hop artist, Common.
She has also played principle roles for Mobius Pictures' educational films shown in high schools nationwide to address issues teens face such as pregnancy, sex, drugs, peer pressure, and the general struggles that accompany the growing pains of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Tika's textured, husky voice has helped her carve out a successful niche as a voiceover artist. Her national clients request her voice repeatedly to market their products and services. She particularly loves the fun of voiceover work because she has the opportunity to channel all of her artistic abilities and creativity into the sole instrument of her voice.
The summer of 2004 sizzled for Tika. She spent the first part of it taping in Los Angeles as the co-host of Best Friend's Date, an original show for the MTV-owned, The N Network.
In July 2005, after several rigorous rounds of auditions, she landed her very first long-term job with the role of Layla Williamson, on the daytime television hit, One Life to Live.
The fourth child of a family of singers, Tika discovered her own vocal abilities at age 18. She started her singing career by co-founding the group, Twise (Tika with Precise). The femme fatale duo is one part R&B vocals and one part Hip-Hop. Tika croons the catchy hooks of the smooth and sexy vocals, while Precise delivers thought-provoking and humorous rap lyrics.
Twise was signed to Universal Records for one year and experienced a buzz of success.
Tika studied communications at Marymount Manhattan College and she completed courses in acting at The Weist Barron Acting Studio.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Vegas
2006
Best Friend's Date
Host
2005
Salt
Front Deskwoman
2010
Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming
Nikki
2010
PLACE OF BIRTH: Queens, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: June 20, 1977
