Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tiea Whitaker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tiea, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from several places; it comes from my upbringing and watching my mother, who was a single parent with two children, manage to provide for us even when that meant sacrificing things she wanted for herself. It comes from becoming a mother and being determined to keep standing and fighting for my dreams so my son could see that example of not quitting and anything being possible. And it comes from my faith system, believing that no matter what it may look like – setbacks, obstacles present – it’s never over until you throw in the towel, and the bounce back will always be greater than the fall. My entrepreneurial journey has been filled with highs and equal lows, setbacks, rejections, getting to the edge of major projects, and the deals collapsing. Paired with personal life challenges, it really tested my ability to cope at times. But resilience has been my constant companion, sourced from these fundamental pillars that have shaped my mindset and fueled my determination.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story and passions with your readers. I am a media relations specialist, empowerment coach, author, and event curator. I am also the founder of Shopaholic City, an online women’s boutique currently preparing for an exciting relaunch this fall. Additionally, I founder of Fashion Life & Tea Media, a platform that shares the latest lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment news. Lastly, I am the Media Relations Specialist for the Worldwide Fleet DJs Coalition.
I am currently working on some projects with Big Media Worldwide and its Founder Valerie Denise Jones. I’m excited to announce that I will be a Guest Judge at the Halloween Fashion Weekend event, taking place from October 27-29 in Newark, NJ, presented by New Day Associates and John Blassingame. My upcoming book, ‘Ready, Set, Soar! Shifting Your Mindset to Achieve Your Dreams,’ is gearing up for release, and the ‘Ready, Set, Soar Women’s Empowerment Series’ has recently resumed after a hiatus.
In collaboration with Generation DMV and its visionary Founder Sandra, I am proud to have partnered on their ‘Men + Mental Health’ event series. This impactful series is currently touring, raising awareness and support for men’s mental health in black and brown communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact for me are resilience, adaptability, and a strong network. First, resilience has been crucial – the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going was something I worked to build.
Secondly, adaptability has been key. Being open to change and willing to learn and evolve has helped me navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Lastly, building a strong network has been invaluable. Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals can provide guidance, motivation, and valuable connections. My advice to those starting out is to cultivate a positive mindset, learn from failures, and never give up. Actively seek out mentors, join communities or organizations related to your field, and foster genuine relationships. This will help you navigate the ups and downs and continue moving forward on your journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I believe in the power of collective efforts and am always excited to work with like-minded individuals or organizations. Anyone interested in connecting with me can send an email to info@tieawhitaker.com, or call 240-801-3197 to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: fashionlifeandtea.com and tieawhitaker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionlifeandtea/?hl=en and https://www.instagram.com/tieawhitaker/?hl=en