We recently had the chance to connect with Tia Lee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I start my mornings strong with 3 journaling sessions. First, I spend 10 minutes on gratitude, then 20 minutes doing morning pages where I just dump whatever’s going on in my brain–good, bad, creative, destructive. I finish with a devotional journal where I focus on my purpose and what I’m building toward.
After that, I have breakfast—usually vegan yogurt with frozen raspberries and sugar-free granola. Then I do a 20-minute meditation to set the tone and channel the energy I want for the day. I take Zeus on his walk, and then I head to the gym.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tia Lee—a computer science engineering professional and recent ex-corporate escapee. I love engineering things, so I engineered a life where I could work for myself and build my creative empire. The reality is, it’s incredibly hard to build companies while working full-time, especially when you don’t have funding because your ideas are creative rather than the ultra-techy or finance-heavy concepts that typically attract investors.
While I was at Google, I started three companies: HVNLEE, an avant-garde streetwear line; designedbytialee, where I built websites for businesses and nonprofits; and tialeeapproved, my social media platform where I also served as head of digital strategy for a music startup called heds, based in LA.
But life has obligations, and I get that. That’s why I’m using my platform to give creatives the tools they need to thrive while working full-time—so they can eventually make that transition out of corporate, just like I did. That includes my financial literacy series, morning routines, productivity tips, and more. I’m also working on some creative projects behind the scenes that you’ll hear about soon. My inner artist is very much still here.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My dad, Eddie Fowlkes. He always told me, “You can do anything if you put your mind to it,” and I watched him live that out. Growing up, I saw him receive awards, create in his home studio, and perform on major stages like Movement—previously known as DEMF, the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. As one of the founding fathers of Detroit techno, his handprints are even cemented on the Detroit Historical Museum’s Legends Plaza. I am so grateful to have grown up with a behind-the-scenes reality of what it really takes to build a career from creative skill, and that shaped everything.
Seeing that instilled in me this deeply optimistic attitude about life. I genuinely believe I can create my own path and build the life I envision for myself. My dad was also always in my corner whenever I felt like giving up. He’d tell me, “You have to try twice as hard,” and I did.
Now I’m here like every other twenty-something, figuring out what my passion really is—except I’m working hard at it and trying everything until something sticks. Whether that’s leaning into my engineering background, my sewing, my content creation, my design skills, or an undiscovered talent, I’m all in.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I almost gave up on myself by staying comfortable with what was right in front of me. My corporate career was looking incredibly bright on paper—more promotions, more spot bonuses. It’s what I went to school for, and it was my dream job upon graduation. I’m genuinely grateful for that experience because I learned so much that will help me on my entrepreneurial journey.
But I knew I had more skills to offer the world than working on someone else’s goals. I have creative capabilities and a deep conviction that I want to make an impact, and I wanted to see what I’m truly capable of when I’m building something of my own. Staying in corporate would have meant never giving myself that chance, and that felt like giving up on the fullest version of myself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You have to believe it before you see it.
Most people think you have to see it to believe it, but that’s just letting life happen to you instead of actively creating it.
I believe in alchemizing your reality—shaping it through belief and intention first, then seeing it materialize.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
On my Sunday spa days, and when I’m dancing on the dance floor to house + techno music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tialeeapproved.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tialeeapproved/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeapproved
Image Credits
David Samba [credit for the fashion design photo with the measuring tape]
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
