By A.J. Dugger III
Last Sunday, Bravo aired the season finale of the hit new reality show “Thicker Than Water: The Tankards.” The show chronicles the lives and adventures of Murfreesboro Musician Ben Tankard and his family.
Ben is known for being the biggest selling gospel jazz musician in the world, but he began his career in the NBA. An injury forced him to retire, but he later found tremendous success as a musician. He has 13 stellar awards, three grammy nominations, one Blue Mic award, and is also renowned for discovering Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams and producing hits for her and other acts like Take 6 and Fred Hammond. Ben has been well-known for many years, (he released his first album in 1989) but the reality show was the first time the world got a candid view of his family’s personal lives. Standing 6’6 inches tall, Ben could be imposing but instead was gentle, wise and level-headed, often serving as the much-needed backbone for his family during their turmoil.
One of the show’s standouts was Ben’s sassy and outspoken daughter Brooklyn, who many viewers were able to relate to. As a teeanger, Tankard gave birth to her daughter, Diamond. Other challenges also came her way, but Tankard doesn’t let anything interfere with reaching her goals. “I stay true to myself and down to earth. I believe that others pick up on that,” said Tankard, 25. “In this season I was able to show my family and everyone that I am not my past. I am a courageous woman who is destined for greatness.”
Like her father, Tankard is friendly and outgoing. “I am a natural born networker and socialite. It’s just in my DNA,” she said.
As a result of her personality and ambition, Tankard is often recognized in public and has achieved a new level of fame. But she says being an inspiration for other people is the best part. “Everywhere I go, people stop me now and they always have the most sweetest things to say. They often tell me how much my life story inspires them to really fight for their dreams. Becoming a mother and living on my own at the age of 14 forced me to learn how to have tough skin and fight to win.”
During the show’s eight-episode run, Tankard crashed the family car, argued with her siblings and was sometimes at odds with her parents. Though the reality television cameras captured much of the family’s drama, there are some things Tankard wish had been more exposed. “As a mother and entrepreneur, I am constantly balancing priorities and I make it my business to give my daughter the time that she needs. I wish they could’ve showed more of that on camera.”
Though she has a famous father, Tankard is becoming a major force in her own right. She is the owner of Queen Brooklyn’s Virgin Hair (QBVH), a rapidly growing hair customer service. “I have a passion for the hair industry and I’m excited about the growth of Queen Brooklyn’s Virgin Hair. We provide top of the line virgin hair and legendary customer service. Women of all ethnicities love the durability, versatility and longevity of our organic virgin hair. Queen Brooklyn’s Virgin Hair will be launching new products and a strong marketing campaign this year.” On the company’s website, there are all kinds of natural weaves to choose from, including virgin Malaysian, Brazilian and Indian hair. Each product is available in different textures and colors. Queen Brooklyn’s Virgin Hair has grown tremendously since it was founded in November 2012.
Her hair company isn’t the only thing Tankard is in charge of. Viewers of “Thicker Than Water: The Tankards” were treated to the fashion shows Tankard produced. According to the young entrepreneur, there will be another one soon. “I am currently preparing for my next Big Hair and Fashion Extravaganza in Nashville, TN which will take place the 1st quarter of 2014. It is exciting to bring innovative productions to Nashville and multiple cities that fill a void for over the top shows.”
“Thicker Than Water: The Tankards” is not the only way to learn new details about the Middle Tennessee Family. Tankard has a new book scheduled for release later this year. “The Tankards are thankful for 2013 and excited about 2014! They all have their own businesses and endeavors! Stay tuned for upcoming projects and surprises this year, we really don’t want to spill the beans yet!” The Tankards attend Destiny Center Church in Murfreesboro, where Ben and his wife Jewel are the senior pastors.
Visit www.BrooklynTankard.com for more updates from Tankard. Follow her on twitter @queen_brooklyn
Photo By: Jerry Winnett