Demeka “Tiny T” Tacklyn is a real mover and shaker in Bermuda’s arts and business circles. Her style and drive have made her a key figure in the local dance scene and beyond. On stage, Tiny T is unforgettable. Her dance is a celebration of Bermuda and its rich cultural heritage, something you can feel in every one of her powerful, committed performances. She shows what it means to be Bermudian with movement that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.
Her connection to local culture began at age 12, as a member of her uncle George Richardson’s troupe, Richardson’s Gombeys. As part of the troupe, she went on to represent Bermuda as a dancer in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn, New York, showcasing local talent on an international stage. At age 14, she was given the opportunity to perform as an opening act for popular artists including Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, and Lil’ Kim. Later, she gained national recognition after winning Bermuda’s first dancehall queen competition.
Her entrepreneurial path also began early with a small popcorn business selling at schools and football games, which later expanded into distribution in grocery stores across the Island. Tiny T later founded Street Vybez, a brand inspired by traditional Gombey culture. The business produces clothing and accessories that incorporate cultural elements into contemporary designs, offering a way to represent Bermudian identity through fashion while also giving back to and helping preserve the culture that inspires her work.
She has since expanded her business portfolio with the opening of Love Tiny Bermuda, a retail store on Front Street offering organic products and clothing for men, women, and children.
In addition to her work in performance and retail, Tiny T contributes to youth development through summer camps and after-school programmes focused on creativity and confidence-building. Through Brokout Studio, her dance fitness space, she provides an environment for individuals to engage in movement and self-expression.
Her career reflects a combination of performance, business development, and community engagement – all rooted in Bermudian culture.
