Meet Tawanna Houston

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tawanna Houston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tawanna, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

Know that I do not merely operate on physical, Mental, and/or emotional strength alone but most importantly spiritual strength granted by God to be able to demonstrate remarkable resilience and positivity in the face of criticism and negativity. (Phil. 4:13) Here are a some tips on ways I persist:

1. **Keeping My Focus on Goals:**
keeping my eyes on my aspirations and the reasons behind my work, helps to stay motivated regardless of external opinions.

2. **Having a Supportive Community:**
I only surround myself with a network of supportive friends, family, and customers who uplift and encourage me, providing a counterbalance to any negativity.

3. **Open to Constructive Feedback:**
Instead of letting criticism bring me down, I use it as an opportunity for growth. I seek constructive feedback that can help me improve.

4. **Keeping the Passion for My Work:**
My genuine passion for performing and visual arts and helping others shines through, fuels my determination to succeed despite challenges.

5. **Maintaining a Positive Mindset:**
Not only do I work daily towards obtaining positivity but mostly how to MAINTAIN a positive attitude and reframe negative experiences as learning opportunities, which helps me to stay resilient.

6. **Consistent Hard Work:**
By continuously putting in effort and striving for excellence, i reinforce my confidence and prove my detractors wrong through my accomplishments.

By embodying these traits, I not only persist but thrive, turning obstacles into stepping stones on my journey.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey has been an exciting blend of creativity and responsibility. As a model and actress, I love the opportunity to express myself and connect with others through different characters and visuals. It’s a thrill to step into someone else’s shoes and explore new narratives.

Being a mom of three adds a wonderful layer to my life. It inspires me to work hard and be a role model for my children. Balancing motherhood with my careers can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

Working as a security guard in The Woodlands has given me a unique perspective on community safety and the importance of protecting our spaces. It’s different from my creative pursuits, but I appreciate the balance it provides.

As an instructor at John Casablancas, I love helping aspiring models and actors find their footing in the industry. Seeing them grow and succeed is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.

My business, Mrs. Houston’s Avon, allows me to connect with others through beauty and self-care products, which I’m passionate about. Plus, being involved in singing, dancing, rapping, and songwriting keeps my creative juices flowing. Music is a universal language, and I try to use it to inspire and uplift.

What I find most exciting or special about these roles? Each role brings its own excitement. The most thrilling part of modeling and acting is the instant gratification of seeing your work come to life. In my business, I enjoy building connections with customers and helping them feel beautiful. Teaching at John Casablancas is fulfilling because I can pass on my knowledge and watch others grow.

As far as anything new or upcoming that I’d like to share with readers? Of course! I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching a new webpage of my on hand self-care products through Mrs. Houston’s Avon that focuses on faster delivery sustainability and natural ingredients products . I believe in promoting beauty that is kind to both the skin and the planet. Additionally, I’ll be hosting a series of workshops for aspiring models and actors nationally to share tips and skills, and create a impactful supportive community.

Stay tuned for more updates on my music releases too; I’m collaborating with some fantastic artists that I can’t wait to share with everyone!

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?

Reflecting on my journey I can identify three key qualities that have been instrumental in my success: adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning.

1. **Adaptability**: I believe that the ability to pivot in the face of challenges has been crucial. I advise those early in their careers to embrace change and be open to new experiences. “The landscape of any industry can shift rapidly. Cultivate a mindset that welcomes change. This will not only help you navigate obstacles but also allow you to seize unexpected opportunities.”

2. **Empathy**: I often emphasize the importance of understanding and connecting with others. I share that, “Building relationships is at the heart of every successful endeavor. Listen actively and approach interactions with genuine curiosity.” For newcomers, I advise volunteering or engaging in community activities to enhance their empathetic abilities, as these experiences foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

3. **Continuous Learning**: I see a commitment to lifelong learning as pivotal. My suggestion, “Stay curious and seek out knowledge in your field and beyond. This could be through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed study.”
As far as my advice for those starting out? “Set aside time regularly to read, attend workshops, or find a mentor who can guide you. The more you learn, the more adaptable and empathetic you’ll become.”

By focusing on these qualities, I believe that individuals early in their careers can develop a strong foundation for growth and success while positively impacting their communities.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I credit several key individuals throughout my journey for their support in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills. My schools and college mentors in Humble and Kingwood Tx as well as my national John Casablancas coaches have played a significant role, providing guidance and sharing insights from their own experiences. Additionally, I often speak about the impact of my peers; collaborating with like-minded individuals has encouraged me to stay motivated and accountable.

A few family members, especially my mom, also influence me by instilling values such as hard work and perseverance. I believe that each of these relationships contribute to my growth, helping me navigate obstacles and learn important life lessons along the way. Their collective support has been invaluable in shaping my approach to success and community impact.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

John Conroy
Chris Rojas
John Casablancas

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