Meet Tatiana A Pena

We recently connected with Tatiana A Pena and have shared our conversation below.

Tatiana A, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey of embracing both my strengths and imperfections. A big part of that has been finding what I truly love, like showcasing Iowa’s hidden gems, and sharing that passion with others. It’s through staying authentic and consistent that I’ve been able to build confidence, while forming meaningful connections with those who appreciate what I do. As a Latina and an immigrant, my accent is a reminder of my roots and resilience. Rather than seeing it as something to hide, I’ve learned to embrace it as a strength. It connects me to my heritage and serves as a reminder that owning my identity and staying true to myself is what makes me unique. It’s about growing through what you love and letting that journey define who you are.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Tatiana AV, the creator of Iowa Lovers by Tatiana AV, where I highlight the best of Iowa, its events, concerts, hidden gems, and the simple joys of life. Originally from Colombia, I moved to Iowa and quickly encountered negative stereotypes about the state people often said there was nothing to do, or that the winters were too harsh. Rather than agreeing with those comments, I chose to show the world the positive side of living in Iowa.

What started as an effort to share educational content about Iowa’s hidden treasures has grown into a community of over 200k followers. Now, I’m expanding my platform with a blog that will feature local events, fairs, seasonal tips, and road trip guides to explore small towns. My goal is to inspire others to discover and appreciate all that Iowa has to offer, year-round.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Throughout my journey showcasing Iowa, three qualities have stood out as essential to my success:passion, authenticity, and adaptability

1. Passion: Loving what you do is the foundation for creating meaningful content. When you’re passionate about sharing Iowa’s beauty, history, and unique aspects, that energy shines through and connects with your audience.

Advice: Find what excites you most about your surroundings or niche, and let that drive your content creation. People resonate with genuine enthusiasm.

2.Authenticity: Staying true to your voice and perspective has been key. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be like others, but what sets you apart is your unique viewpoint and honest portrayal of your experiences.

Advice: Be yourself, don’t worry about fitting a mold. Share what makes you, and your brand special. Audiences appreciate real stories over perfect ones.

3. Adaptability: The digital world is constantly evolving, and so are the ways we connect with our audiences. Whether it’s adjusting to new platforms, trends, or even feedback from followers, being adaptable has helped me stay relevant.

Advice: Stay open to change and be willing to experiment with new methods or technologies. Learn from both successes and failures to keep improving.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back and refocus. First, I break my tasks into smaller steps so it feels less daunting. I also make sure to take short breaks whether it’s a walk or just stretching to clear my head. I find that a few deep breaths or quick moments of mindfulness help calm me down, too. And when it gets really tough, I reach out to friends or fellow creators. Talking things out always gives me a fresh perspective. These little things help me regain balance and keep going

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos taken by Iowa Lovers (me)

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