Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Tankou.
Hi Tanya , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What began as the vision of an eight year old little girl with a heart of gold and a deep love for God has grown into a movement that provides care packages, resources, and hope to families across the country. Our journey together is a testament to resilience, faith, and the belief that your story does not end with what you go through, it begins with how you rise from it.
When my daughter Victory was eight years old, she came to me with tears in her eyes and asked if I could help her support other children who were less fortunate than she was. I was not sure what prompted it, but it touched my heart deeply to see such a kind, loving, and giving spirit in her. I told her yes, of course, but I was very busy at the time, so I asked her to give me a little time to figure out how we could make it happen.
Even after a few weeks had passed, her words stayed on my mind. Then it came to me, what if we created a nonprofit that she could help lead, with my guidance and with other children her age, kids helping kids. We decided to build it around her name, Victory, because it represents strength, purpose, and overcoming.
We are still small and in the grassroots phase, but our reach is growing, and we are committed to continuing this mission. Victory Lap Ministries is a purpose driven nonprofit focused on serving underprivileged children and families, especially those facing health challenges. We provide care packages, financial support, and meaningful resources designed to bring comfort, hope, and relief during some of life’s most difficult moments. At our core, we believe in meeting people where they are and showing up with both compassion and action.
What sets us apart is our “kids helping kids” model. This organization was inspired by my daughter at just eight years old, and we intentionally create opportunities for young people to be involved in giving back. We are not just serving communities, we are raising the next generation of leaders, givers, and changemakers.
In addition to my work with Victory Lap Ministries, I am also a business consultant, author, and Enrolled Agent, helping entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and digital creators build strong foundations, grow strategically, and create lasting impact. I specialize in business formation, financial literacy, and helping people turn their ideas into income and purpose into progress.
What I am most proud of is that everything connected to my brand is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and service. Whether it is through business, advocacy, or nonprofit work, my mission remains the same, to create real change, open doors for others, and use my voice to uplift those who have been overlooked or unheard.
I want readers to know that Victory Lap Ministries is more than an organization, it is a movement built on faith, purpose, and the belief that giving back is not just something we do, it is who we are. Because in the end, it is not about how you start, it is everything about how you finish.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There has definitely been some struggles as we are still using our own personal funds and small fundraising efforts. We have received some donations from Ross, Costco and Sam’s Club, but they are very minimal but we are still grateful and hopeful. We have not received any grants. We have received a few donations from neighbors who see what she’s doing at such a young age.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about InstaDoc, Star Media and Tanya Tankou, Inc?
I am a serial entrepreneur, advocate, and educator who has built my brand at the intersection of business, finance, media, and impact. My journey is rooted in resilience and purpose. As a survivor of the USC sexual abuse scandal involving Dr. George Tyndall, I was one of the 700 women who stood up and held the institution accountable. That experience did not break me, it positioned me to use my voice. I am now working on my book exposing what happened behind the gates of USC, and I have also developed legislative efforts such as the “Pass the Tankou Bill” initiative, focused on creating real accountability and protection for students.
Beyond advocacy, I am deeply embedded in business and entrepreneurship. I am the founder of TanyaTankou.com, where I help entrepreneurs and nonprofits build, grow, and scale their businesses. I specialize in business formation, credit repair, financial literacy, and strategic growth. I am also an IRS Enrolled Agent and work seasonally as a Tax Expert with TurboTax, helping individuals and business owners navigate complex tax situations with confidence.
I am the founder of InstaDoc Pros, a professional notary and document services company designed to streamline and modernize the way clients handle important legal and business documents. In addition, I am building out Star Media USA, a media and digital platform focused on content creation, branding, and influencer growth, as part of my larger vision to help creators and entrepreneurs expand their reach and monetize their platforms.
I have also invested heavily in education and digital influence. I teach courses on platforms like Udemy, sharing real world strategies on business, nonprofit development, and financial empowerment. I am a social media influencer with a strong presence across multiple platforms, including YouTube where I run both a self help channel and a lifestyle channel, as well as TikTok where I serve as a manager helping creators grow and monetize their content.
Academically, I have pursued law and business to strengthen my ability to lead and advocate effectively. I attended the California School of Law and Purdue Global Law School, further equipping myself to navigate legal systems, policy, and business at a high level.
What sets me apart is my ability to turn real life experiences into platforms for impact. I do not just teach business, I build businesses. I do not just talk about resilience, I have lived it. Everything I create, whether it is a company, a course, a nonprofit, or a legislative initiative, is designed to open doors, create opportunities, and empower others to take control of their future.
What I am most proud of is that my brand is not built on hype, it is built on substance, lived experience, and results. I want people to know that when they connect with me or any of my platforms, they are stepping into a space that is rooted in purpose, execution, and transformation.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Indiana with very humble beginnings, raised in a religious household where church was a central part of my life. My mother was a stay at home mom, and I later learned my father was a pastor, which shaped much of my early foundation. Personality wise, I was always outgoing, outspoken, and unafraid to question what I was taught. I had a very inquisitive mind and often felt like I was different, like I was meant to do something bigger than my circumstances.
As a teenager, my life took a major turn when I became pregnant at 16. It was not something I was proud of at the time, and I felt a deep sense of embarrassment and responsibility. I made the decision that I would carry that weight and not place the burden solely on my mother. I had my son just weeks before turning 17, and although I dropped out of high school to care for him, I immediately committed to continuing my education. I began studying for my GED because I knew education was my way forward and the key to creating a better life for my child.
Shortly after, I became pregnant again and had twins. Despite the challenges, I stayed focused and enrolled in junior college in Indiana. Life continued to evolve, and after meeting my first husband, who was from Los Angeles, I made the decision to move to California. The day we arrived in Los Angeles, I asked him to take me straight to the DMV so I could establish residency. I had already researched the requirements because I knew I wanted to continue my education without paying out of state tuition. The very next day, I was enrolling at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
Two years later, I graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts, with a clear plan to transfer to USC. I had already applied before graduating, and shortly after completing my degree, I was accepted. I graduated in May and began attending USC that August, fully funded, without having to pay out of pocket. I maintained strong grades, earning A’s and B’s, and during that time, I launched my first business, Credit Engineers LLC, right from my dorm room.
Looking back, my journey was not traditional, but it was intentional. Every challenge I faced pushed me to think bigger, move smarter, and build a life that once felt out of reach. Even then, I knew I was not just surviving, I was preparing for something greater.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanyatankou.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetanyatankou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovetanyatankou
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ttvtanya
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tanyatankou
