Tarina James

Tarina James is the owner of Snackarina LLC, an AI-powered smart vending business that provides customized vending solutions to commercial locations. As a small business owner, she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, including machine management, inventory restocking, product sourcing, pricing, client relationships, and identifying new placement opportunities. Her entrepreneurial work reflects her ability to combine technology, customer service, business development, and strategic planning to create a growing venture.

Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, Tarina has built a strong professional background in the legal field. She has worked as a paralegal handling personal injury matters as well as probate, estate administration, and small estate cases, with experience in legal research, document preparation, court filings, client communication, and case management. She earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies from Suffolk County Community College and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies from CUNY New York City College of Technology, where she was named to the Dean’s List each semester. She is also a New York notary public and previously served in the U.S. Army as a Supply Specialist.

Beyond her professional work, Tarina is committed to personal growth, community involvement, and entrepreneurship. She is a member of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and has participated in public speaking and entrepreneurship-focused activities for young people, while also volunteering at Nassau Coliseum. Her interests include traveling, spending time with family, attending concerts, reading the Bible, attending church, and makeovers. Tarina credits the values instilled by her Jamaican father, who brought her to the United States at age nine, and her stepmother for helping shape the determination and work ethic that continue to guide her professional and entrepreneurial journey.