Broke-Ass of the Week: Tanisha Jackson

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude.  Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit'probably not.

Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week?  Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.

Our featured Broke-Ass this week might not be from NYC or SF, but Tanisha has plenty of travel experience under her belt. And if there’s one thing that makes us jealous every time – it’s hearing about a friend’s travel experiences. She’s also gets to work in the music industry and that means tons of free shows. Color us jealous.

Name: Tanisha Jackson

Age: 30

Occupation: Artist Manager/Vice President WaterSign Media LLC

What neighborhood do you live in?: Pittsburgh, PA

What are you listening to these days?: Mixes of songs made by my client and biz partner, Mo Pleasure; Esperanza Spalding, classic jazz and soul' a little Debussy.

Best money saving tip: When traveling overseas, stay at an apartment instead of a hotel. In addition to saving money, you get to immerse yourself in the local culture as opposed to receiving the whitewashed touristy view of things.

What do you refuse to spend money on?: I can’t spend money on redundant technology just for the sake of having the latest and greatest gadgetry.

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: Speaking in relative terms, the most expensive thing I’ve ever purchased was a Louis Vuitton bag

How’d that feel?: It felt like the most satisfying impractical move I’d ever made

Favorite cheap eat: Quick '“ fast food chain in Europe. Their fast food is far tastier than what I find here at home. I guess when you factor in the cost of an international flight, it’s not so cheap anymore'

Favorite dive bar: When I was at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, there was this Mexican dive bar and pool hall around the corner. All I have to say is $1.50 Coronas. I couldn’t begin to tell you the name' though if I could remember, I would probably keep it to myself.

Best deal you’ve ever gotten: This is a hard one since my job comes with lots of great, free perks' free shows, free stays at great hotels, etc. But most recently, I got a free photo shoot by an amazing Czech photographer named Kristyna Svobodova and I had the gorgeous city of Prague as my backdrop. You get a lot of perks by just being open to everything.

Favorite free thing to do: people watch in cities all over the world '“ NYC, Venice Beach, Prague, and any train station in Europe are cherished people watching spots of mine.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: a neo-classical apartment in the middle of Buenos Aires.

Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Of course. I spend my life in close proximity to music I love, isn’t that everyone’s dream?

Do you own my book?: NOT YET!

Best hangover cure: If my mother’s reading, not drinking at all is the best hangover cure. In the more likely event that she’s not, water. Lots of water' unless they are offering mimosas at brunch

Are you a hipster?: I had to look up the definition to give an accurate answer'

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20’s and 30’s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter' Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses.

By this definition' close but no cigar. I am probably 'œhipster-esque' but my style is a little more 'œglobetrotting fashionista.' Not that I can’t dig the hipster aesthetic' particularly as a wonderful indicator that I am among people who can have a rousing conversation about philosophy if I wanted to' not that I want to.