Most that know me, know me as Shay (Sincere & Starr's mom aka Nacho Mama) and Tanju was like a daughter to me, (just like all of my children's friends that hang out at my house, they all become my kids as well). So my heart is heavy and filled with pain from the passing of Tanju just as her Friends and Family are mourning her loss as well.
Athough we met earlier this year, she knew I would be there when she needed. Whenever she came over, she would ask if I needed help with anything. I can hear her now "Hey Ms. Shaaaay, you need any help?" As she gathered up the garbage in my kitchen and took it out to the trash can in the garage. I would say " girl, stop that!!" LOL
She talked to me about lots of things and some of the last things we talked about was her joining my company and helping with the magazine, and after that I was going to help her with starting her own business and possibly doing a college tour, to check out some HCBU's in Florida. She was a senior in high school and was interested in going to college, but didn't know which one was best for her. She said her moms wanted her to go to BCC in Daytona, (Bethune Cookman College) I told her that was a great school and named all the people I knew who attended. We talked often and when Tanju needed to talk to someone, she knew she could always reach out to me. She loved her mom & dad and brother. She would always talk about them and how much they meant to her. I know her family loved her as well, so I know this is very hard on them. That is why I am wanting to raise funds for her family to help with any cost related to her final arrangements.
{Tanju was an actress and played a major part in the Youtube series "School Bus Diaries", which can be viewed on Youtube. Link provided}