We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Titonian Wallace Sr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Titonian, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up in a single-parent household, the figure at the center of my world was my mother, Sharon Wallace. Her resilience, determination, and unyielding work ethic were not just pillars of our family’s survival but also profound lessons that shaped my character and ambitions. My mother’s daily life was a masterclass in perseverance; despite the challenges of raising two children on her own, she never let the weight of her responsibilities dampen her spirit or hinder her ability to provide for us.
From an early age, I was a firsthand witness to her relentless pursuit of betterment, not just for herself but for my sibling and me. She juggled multiple jobs, navigated life’s hurdles with grace, and yet, always found the time to be present in our lives, emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, and the relentless pursuit of our goals. Her belief in the transformative power of education and hard work was infectious. It wasn’t just about getting by; it was about thriving, pushing boundaries, and breaking the cycle of hardship to forge a brighter future.
She instilled in me the understanding that success is not handed to you; it’s earned through dedication, resilience, and a continuous thirst for learning. This ethos became the bedrock of my career and life philosophy. It’s why I pursued higher education with vigor, achieving not only a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media with a minor in Sociology but also a Certificate in Marketing, alongside certifications in Hootsuite and Google AdWords. Each step of my educational journey was a step toward realizing the dreams my mother had for us, dreams that were rooted in the power of hard work and education to transform lives.
As I ventured into the professional world, founding Nesace Media, and navigating the complexities of the digital marketing landscape, the lessons of my youth were never far from my mind. They guided my approach to business, from the meticulous development of marketing strategies to the nurturing of client relationships and the pursuit of innovation in an ever-evolving industry. My work ethic, a direct inheritance from my mother, has been the compass by which I’ve navigated my career. It has driven me to strive for excellence, to remain committed in the face of adversity, and to always remember that the foundation of any achievement is hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief in one’s capacity to effect change.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At the heart of Nesace Media lies a mission fueled by diversity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the owner of this full-service marketing agency based in Hillsboro, Oregon, I find myself at the nexus of creativity and strategy, delivering tailored marketing solutions that resonate across various industries. Each day presents a unique challenge, a new puzzle to solve, keeping my team and I perpetually engaged and our skills razor-sharp. This dynamic environment is not just exciting; it’s a testament to the power of digital marketing to transform businesses in profound ways.
The genesis of Nesace Media’s name is as unique as our approach to marketing. Inspired by an angel in an Edgar Allan Poe poem, “Nesace” embodies the spirit of guidance and transformation. This inspiration was a serendipitous moment that not only helped solidify our business name but also aligned perfectly with our mission to guide businesses through the ever-evolving digital landscape with strategic foresight and creative vision.
In a recent endeavor to give back to the community and pave the way for future generations, I launched the Black Advisory Business Council Scholarship Fund. This initiative is particularly close to my heart, aiming to support Black seniors in the Hillsboro School District by offering both academic and vocational scholarships starting in the 2024 cycle. The creation of this scholarship fund stems from a personal commitment to empower students who reflect my own background, providing them with opportunities to excel academically and professionally.
With the support of the Hillsboro Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, we’ve embarked on a mission to raise $25,000 by February 2024, coinciding with Black History Month. This campaign is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a call to action for the community to invest in the potential of our youth, ensuring they have the resources needed to pursue their dreams, be it through higher education or vocational training. Those interested in contributing to this noble cause can donate securely online via [https://tinyurl.com/BABCFUND](https://tinyurl.com/BABCFUND). Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these young individuals, helping to forge a brighter future for the next generation of leaders.
Nesace Media stands at the forefront of digital marketing, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. Our brand is a reflection of our values: creativity, strategic thinking, and social responsibility. As we continue to evolve and expand our services, our focus remains steadfast on delivering impactful marketing solutions and contributing positively to our community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, the essence of my success can be distilled into three core elements: entrepreneurial spirit, self-drive and motivation, and the capacity for visionary goal-setting. These qualities have not only propelled me forward but have also served as the bedrock of my professional ethos at Nesace Media.
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit: This is more than just a predisposition to start businesses; it’s a mindset that embraces innovation, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of opportunities even in the face of setbacks. The entrepreneurial spirit has enabled me to navigate the uncertainties of the market, identify niches, and pivot when necessary. It’s about seeing beyond the immediate horizon, recognizing potential where others see obstacles.
2. Self-Drive and Motivation: The journey of an entrepreneur is often solitary and fraught with challenges that test one’s resolve. My self-drive and motivation have been crucial in pushing through these challenges. This inner fire is what gets you out of bed in the morning, keeps you working late into the night, and drives you to do whatever it takes to turn your vision into reality. It’s about setting standards for yourself that are higher than anyone else could set for you.
3. Visionary Goal-Setting: The ability to dream big and set actionable goals towards realizing those dreams is what turns the intangible into the tangible. This involves not just the capacity to envision a desired future but the aptitude to break down that vision into achievable milestones. Goal-setting serves as a roadmap, providing direction and measuring progress. It’s about knowing where you want to go and laying out a step-by-step plan to get there.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges, learn from failures, and believe in your ability to grow. This mindset is foundational to developing an entrepreneurial spirit, as it encourages resilience and adaptability.
Foster Self-Discipline: Motivation will ebb and flow, but self-discipline ensures you stay on course even when the going gets tough. Create routines, set clear goals, and hold yourself accountable. Remember, discipline is choosing what you want most over what you want now.
Learn to Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals will help you turn your visions into reality. Start with long-term dreams and break them down into smaller, actionable objectives. Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.
Seek Knowledge and Mentorship: Never stop learning. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, so staying ahead means being a lifelong learner. Seek mentors who embody the qualities you aspire to; their guidance can be invaluable in navigating your path.
Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and believe in your dreams. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but a strong network can provide the support and encouragement you need to keep moving forward.
Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about business success. By nurturing these qualities and skills, you’re not just building a business; you’re crafting a legacy.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful influence in my life came from a simple yet profound statement from my mother: the elimination of the word “can’t” from my vocabulary. To be exact she said “Never say the word can’t”. This guidance was not merely about linguistic preference but a fundamental philosophy towards life and its many challenges. My mother instilled in me an unwavering belief in the power of self-confidence and the boundless potential of a determined mind. Her conviction that one can achieve anything they set their mind to has been the cornerstone of my personal and professional life.
This has taught me resilience in the face of adversity, creativity in problem-solving, and the courage to pursue ambitious goals. This belief system transformed perceived limitations into stepping stones for growth and innovation, especially as I navigated the complexities of founding and growing Nesace Media.
Believing in oneself is a powerful catalyst for action. It propels you forward when the path is obscured by doubt and fortifies your resolve when faced with failure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nesacemedia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesacemedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nesacemediaco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titonian/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nesacemedia
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nesace-media-hillsboro
- Other: https://tinyurl.com/BABCFUND
