We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiara Parker-Ragland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I first moved to California, my main goal was to pursue my career as an actor. I wanted to be able to go on auditions and have a flexible schedule, rather than being tied down to a 9-to-5 job or working in the service industry. That’s when I had the idea to start my own company. I wanted to create something that would allow me to work around auditions and have more control over my schedule.
As an actor, I knew that I had to continuously work on improving my craft, so I attended classes and dedicated time to perfecting my skills. It was during this time that I had two pivotal conversations that made me realize there was another path I could explore. One was with a fellow actor on the set of a film called “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” We were chatting in the makeup chair, and I mentioned my business venture. She suggested that I should consider becoming a producer based on the way I talked about my business and how I handled things. At first, I didn’t really know what a producer did, as I had always been in front of the camera, but her words stuck with me.
The second conversation was with my boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband and a filmmaker. He also suggested that I explore the possibility of getting into producing. It seemed like a recurring theme, and I started to wonder why they both saw that potential in me. It was the beginning of me finding my purpose.
I realized that I had already been producing in a different way through my business, Almost Anything Inc., an elite personal assistant and errand service. It came naturally to me to be resourceful, and logistical, and to bring ideas to life for my clients. I could take someone’s idea or project and make it a reality. That’s when I discovered my gift. It was something that Steve Harvey had talked about—the difference between talents and gifts. He said “Its a differnce between your gift and your passion…make sure whatever you’re pursuing is what you’re gifted at. I was born with this ability or developed it at a young age, and it became clear to me that I have always been a producer. I help my clients establish and create stress-free and well-organized spaces for their personal and professional lives.
Looking back, I think my childhood experiences played a part in shaping who I am today. My dad, who is an artist and entrepreneur, would often challenge my siblings and me to find things for him when he was running late or had to do something at the last minute. He would offer rewards like ice cream, friend sleepovers, etc. if we could find his socks or keys within a certain time limit. It created a sense of accomplishment and motivated us to work together to achieve the challenge. I think that this experience created a behavior in me that drove determination and ambition to solve a problem, a quality that I carried with me through all aspects of my life and into my career.
Now, when I see my clients achieve their goals and feel great about what we’ve accomplished together, it brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Knowing that I am able to help and make a difference in their lives is what makes me feel special and grateful for the work I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Tiara Parker Ragland, and I am the CEO of Almost Anything Inc. We provide personal assistant services, acting as the eyes and ears for our clients. Our goal is to support them in their personal and professional lives, allowing them to focus on their passions, whether it’s starting a new business or writing a book.
What excites me the most about our work is the opportunity to help people reach their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our clients succeed, and I have always been passionate about supporting others in achieving their aspirations. This drive to be a cheerleader for those around me has carried through into my adult life. When our clients become successful, we feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we played a part in their journey. Our clients often express their gratitude, acknowledging that we are the reason behind their success stories.
As a smaller boutique company, we specialize in providing personalized and attentive service. We understand that many people feel overwhelmed when they lack the necessary resources to pursue their goals. What makes me proud of our company is seeing our clients actually reach their goals. It’s not just about providing assistance; it’s about making a difference in their lives.
One of our recent proud moments included assisting a client with organizing an event that also featured the launch of a new book. We curated a professional and impactful promotional gift box for the client who was hosting a conference with colleagues and various company CEOs. The box had a great look and a very professional feel. When our client handed these boxes out at a conference, it created a lasting impression, similar to a swag bag, but tailored specifically for the law industry. It was important for attendees to have something tangible to take away from the conference. This not only made our client look good, but it also reflected positively on our company. The presentation of the book in the box was seen as a gift and a thank you to colleagues and clients. The client was happy, and we were proud to have played a role in their success.
Another aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional service. It’s difficult to find good people and maintain a sense of care and quality in today’s world. This is something that is extremely important to me, and it’s where we shine the most. We believe in going above and beyond, paying attention to those small details that make a difference in the end result. It is this dedication to quality and care that gives us an edge over our competition and makes us the best in Los Angeles.
While our headquarters are in Los Angeles, we are not limited to serving clients only in this area. We can assist clients virtually in various locations, including Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, New York, and even Paris. It’s important for people to know that if they are looking for a team of assistants to help them get things done and they are not residing in Los Angeles full-time, we are still able to assist them. Our capabilities truly encompass Almost Anything. For example, if a film producer is going to be away for six months and has a house in Santa Barbara, our team can watch over the house and check-in when needed. No task is too small or too big for us. We are extremely resourceful and adept at getting things done, making it easier for our clients to manage their time and focus on the things that matter most. With our team handling the smaller details, they can reach a mental space where they don’t have to worry about those things.
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?
Looking back at my journey, I believe there are three qualities that have had the most impact. The first one is taking action. When starting your own business or pursuing your goals, it’s important to create change and take action. This could involve changing your environment, as the surroundings we are in can greatly impact our well-being and attitude. If you feel stuck or things aren’t moving in the direction you want, consider making changes to your environment. Taking action, even in small steps, is crucial for progress. Set small goals for yourself and consistently work towards them. This will help you build momentum and create positive change.
The second quality is reliability. When you commit to something, whether it’s meeting a friend or working towards a goal, it’s important to follow through and be reliable. Consistency is key to building trust and credibility. No matter what the occasion is, it is the principle of you showing up that matters. I always strive to maintain this aspect of my life because having this quality builds character in not only yourself but also in your peers. I personally like to be the person who says they will do something and actually goes through with it. For example, it can be just getting coffee with a coworker or helping a family member with a project. Little by little, you will start to see that, through your follow-through with projects and/or plans, the concept of being a reliable person will become who you are. Committing to your words is huge, especially when gaining connections in this industry.
The third area of importance is customer service. Having a positive attitude and projecting good energy is crucial in any aspect of life. Energy is felt by others, and it plays a significant role in how people perceive and interact with you. If you are in a customer service role or any profession that involves dealing with people, it is essential to prioritize good customer service and maintain a positive outlook. Your attitude and energy can make a significant difference in creating a positive experience for others. However, if you don’t enjoy interacting with people, it’s important to choose a career path that aligns better with your preferences.
In terms of advice for those in the early stages of their journey, I would recommend embracing these qualities and continuously working on improving them. Take action, even if it means making small changes in your environment or setting achievable goals. Be reliable and committed to what you say you will do, as consistency builds trust and credibility. Lastly, prioritize customer service and maintain a positive attitude, as it can greatly impact your interactions and opportunities.
Remembering these qualities is not only important for professional success but also for personal growth and fulfillment. By embodying these qualities, you can navigate your journey with confidence and create a positive impact on those around you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Almost Anything, we value partnerships and collaborations that are mutually beneficial and aligned with company values. Our ideal collaborations would be with companies in the self-care and well-being space, such as spas or hotels. We are passionate about promoting self-care, mental health, and work-life balance. We believe that partnerships in the wellness industry or the hospitality industry would be the most synergistic for us. We strive to create a space where people can escape, relax, and achieve a work-live-play balance.
We would also work with clients who own residential properties like condos and apartments, providing them and their residents with the extra support they need to maintain their lifestyles. Our goal is to be an integral part of people’s lives and assist them in reaching their lifestyle and wellness goals. Whether it’s helping career-driven individuals take a break from their corporate lives or supporting creatives in achieving their creative goals, we are dedicated to providing the necessary assistance. We understand that both sides benefit from these collaborations, as we can help individuals save time and accomplish more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.almostanythinginc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostanythingi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlmostAnythingi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/almostanythinginc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/almostanythingi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/almost-anything-los-angeles-4
Image Credits
Photographer- @raglandreign Stylist- @tylercaustin Stylist- @andrewductoc MUA- @ninjaaaaaa Hair Stylist- @thehairwhisper
