Growing up in the Shawnee neighborhood, former hair stylist-turned West End entrepreneur TaMeka Bland, didn’t recognize the differences between her community in West Louisville and the rest of the 502. Specifically, when it came to accessing food.

“When you’re young, you don’t always realize everything that’s going on around you. I remember going to local commodities to pick up food they were giving away to the community. I just thought that was a thing,” she said.

Enter LimitLess. The app TaMeka created to connect the West Louisville community with restaurants and fresh food, while also giving the businesses in the area exposure by offering them a delivery + pick-up service they didn’t have access to before.

“I’m out here trying to make a difference,” TaMeka said. “I want to make sure needs are accessible in the West Louisville neighborhoods and ultimately to everybody and anybody.”

Today, LimitLess has 22 local businesses (and 50+ waiting in the wings) that app users can order from, including places like the Seafood Lady and Jamaica Kitchen.

Keep reading to find out more about TaMeka, who inspires her locally + what she thinks Louisville will be known for in 10 years.

Who are other local leaders you’re inspired by? Why?

My biggest inspiration is Dave Christopher of AMPED (Academy of Music, Production, Education, and Development). He’s the director for the RTBI (Russel Technology Business Incubator) program. I actually graduated from it this year. He is doing remarkable things for the community.

Sadiqa Reynolds, she’s another person doing great things at the Louisville Urban League.

You have to be inspired by these people because they came from where you came from and if they can do it, we can do it.

I’m also my own inspiration. I didn’t know I was an inspiration to others until they told me. I just keep going and I motivate myself and others. Ultimately, I thought I would retire as a hairstylist, but the pandemic caused me to reroute my life. Being here to help anybody. If I can make a small dent in the impact of food insecurities, I’m here for it.

What was the last thing you did locally?

I did the Kentucky Derby Festival Block Party last Saturday (April 16), which was absolutely amazing. It was the first time they’ve done that and it was at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center (3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.).

That was a moment for West Louisville. When I say I couldn't have been more proud, I was happy, I was excited, I was crying on the inside — because growing up we didn’t have that in the neighborhood.

You can only choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which one is it and why?

I love chicken, so I’d probably choose Indi’s. My family thinks I’m crazy because all I eat is chicken, so I guess I'll turn it into a bird one day.

What do you think Louisville will be known for in 10 years?

The diversity. We’re not Atlanta or Houston, but I think the diversity that Louisville is bringing to the table, like what Dave Christopher is doing, is going to make a huge impact on small business and they’re going to take over in 10 years.

Outside of Limitless, what would be another dream business of yours?

Rideshare. Eventually I’d like to take Limitless to a rideshare company like Uber. If I dream big enough, it will come true. Ultimately, I never thought I would even get here.

That’s what having dreams and visions is about. As long as you continue to strive towards your goal, you will get there. There’s always going to be ups, downs, obstacles, but if you dream big enough, you’re going to get there.

What are three local businesses that you frequent?

I love the Seafood Lady and Southern Hospitality on Broadway. Then, it’s between The Chicken Box or Indi’s.

What’s something someone visiting Louisville should know about?

The Muhammd Ali Center.