Meet Tia Upshaw

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tia Upshaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the fire that life has lit within me, and it’s something I draw on every single day. My children my fiancé are my greatest source of strength—they are my “why.” Everything I do, every challenge I face, and every victory I celebrate is for them. Knowing they’re watching pushes me to keep going, even when the road gets tough.

I’ve faced challenges that could have broken me, but instead, they shaped me. Every setback has taught me to rise stronger, more determined, and more focused on my purpose. My experiences have taught me that I am capable of overcoming anything, and that belief fuels my ability to bounce back time and time again.

I draw resilience from my purpose—empowering Black women, underserved communities, and anyone who dares to dream. I’ve built a life around creating opportunities and showing others that success is possible, no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through. That passion keeps me going, even on the hardest days.

I also find strength in the incredible community I’ve built around me. My network of friends, family, and colleagues lifts me up when I need it most, and their belief in me reminds me of my own power. I can’t forget the ancestors who paved the way for me. I carry their stories, their struggles, and their victories in my heart, and I honor them by pushing forward and striving for greatness.

Faith—whether it’s in myself, in the universe, or in the legacy I’m building—is another cornerstone of my resilience. I believe everything I’ve been through has prepared me for the work I’m doing today. My resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving and making an impact, not just for myself but for everyone I touch through my work.

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

I wear many hats, but everything I do ties back to one purpose: empowering others and creating opportunities where there once were none. I’m the CEO of Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE), an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black women and underserved communities through entrepreneurship, education, and connection. I believe in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to pursue their dreams unapologetically.

One of the most exciting aspects of what I do is witnessing the transformation in the women I work with. Through programs like our 16-week Ignite Program and coaching sessions, I’ve seen women go from doubting their abilities to running successful businesses. BWIE isn’t just about business; it’s about creating generational change, and being a part of that journey is both humbling and exhilarating.

On top of BWIE, I recently launched a new brand under ‘It Is Tia Upshaw’, which allows me to amplify my voice as a thought leader, speaker, and advocate. Through this platform, I focus on resilience, empowerment, and entrepreneurship, sharing my story and strategies to inspire others to push past barriers and achieve their goals.

Right now, I’m focused on a few exciting projects:

1. “She Means Business” Workshop Series
A 10-week program featuring incredible speakers, tailored to empower Black female entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses with practical tools and insights.

2. Micro-Loan Program in Collaboration with INOVA Credit Union
We’re providing micro-loans to Black women entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia, along with financial literacy classes and mentoring to set them up for long-term success.

3. Sacred Lotus Strategic Development
I’m working with Sacred Lotus to create transformative retreats and a unique massage therapy course that will offer healing and growth opportunities for individuals and organizations alike.

4. Tuesdays with Tia on CTV Morning Live Atlantic
Every two weeks, I shine a light on diversity in business across Nova Scotia, sharing inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and organizations making waves in their communities.

What makes all of this special is the impact. Whether it’s helping a woman launch her first business or working to bridge gaps between African Nova Scotians and newcomers, I know the work I’m doing is creating real change. And that’s what keeps me going.

To our readers: I’d love for you to follow along with this journey, support the incredible women and businesses we work with, and, if you’re feeling inspired, take that leap toward your own goals. Together, we’re building a legacy of excellence and empowerment.

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

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities didn’t just show up overnight; they were built through experience, reflection, and intentional growth.

1. Resilience
Life has thrown challenges my way, but resilience has been my foundation. It’s the ability to push forward, even when things feel impossible. Resilience isn’t about pretending things aren’t hard—it’s about finding the strength to keep going despite the difficulty.

Advice for building resilience:
– Start with your “why”: Understand why you’re pursuing your goals. Having a strong purpose will anchor you when times get tough.
– Embrace failure: Don’t fear setbacks; view them as learning opportunities.
– Build your support system: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Lean on them when you need encouragement.

2. Adaptability
The world is constantly changing, and so are the circumstances around us. Being adaptable means staying open to new ideas, pivoting when necessary, and embracing change rather than resisting it. It’s what helped me transition between roles, industries, and opportunities seamlessly.

Advice for improving adaptability:
– Stay curious: Read widely, try new things, and challenge your comfort zone.
– Plan, but be flexible: Have a clear vision, but be willing to adjust your path when new opportunities or challenges arise.
– Learn from others: Watch how successful people navigate change, and take notes from their strategies.

3. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or self-taught skills, I’ve always sought to learn and grow. Knowledge opens doors and gives you the confidence to step through them.

Advice for cultivating lifelong learning:
– Invest in education: This doesn’t always mean going back to school—it can be as simple as taking workshops, reading books, or attending webinars.
– Seek mentorship: Learn from those who’ve been where you want to go. Their insights can fast-track your growth.
– Reflect on your journey: Take time to assess what you’ve learned and how you can apply it to the next step.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say this: be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. Focus on building your resilience by staying true to your purpose, practice adaptability by keeping an open mind, and never stop learning. These three qualities will serve you no matter where your journey takes you. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—lean into your community and build connections that will support you through it all.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Tabatha Coffey’s memoir, “It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty,” played a significant role in shaping how I approach my life and work. Her boldness, honesty, and no-nonsense attitude resonated deeply with me and reinforced some of the values that drive me today. Here are a few impactful nuggets of wisdom I took away from her story:

1. Own Your Authenticity
Tabatha emphasizes the importance of being unapologetically yourself. Her journey taught me that authenticity isn’t just about self-expression—it’s about showing up as your true self, even in spaces where you feel out of place. She embraced her quirks and differences, and that’s what made her successful.

Lesson: Success comes when you stop trying to fit in and start standing out. Embrace who you are and let your uniqueness shine in everything you do.

2. Master Your Craft
Tabatha’s rise to success was grounded in her relentless commitment to being the best at what she does. Whether it was cutting hair, managing a salon, or leading a TV show, she prioritized excellence.

Lesson: Mastery takes time, effort, and consistency. Whatever your field, commit to honing your skills and delivering quality every single time.

3. The Power of Tough Love
Her tough-love approach to transforming struggling salons was a game-changer. She didn’t sugarcoat the truth but used her honesty as a tool to help others see what they couldn’t—or wouldn’t—see about themselves or their businesses. Her ability to mix compassion with candor is something I deeply admire.

Lesson: Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is tell the hard truth. Whether in leadership, mentorship, or relationships, honesty paired with care can inspire real growth.

4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Tabatha’s journey wasn’t without challenges—whether it was personal struggles, professional setbacks, or doubters who didn’t believe in her vision. She refused to let any of it stop her from building the career and life she wanted.

Lesson: Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about always getting back up. Face challenges head-on and use them as stepping stones to something greater.

5. Lead by Example
Tabatha’s leadership style stood out because she led from the front. Whether it was demonstrating techniques or setting high standards, she didn’t just demand excellence—she embodied it.

Lesson: Be the example you want others to follow. People are more likely to rise to the occasion when they see you doing the same.

This memoir reminded me that success is a blend of authenticity, hard work, and resilience. Tabatha’s story is proof that you can be bold, stay true to yourself, and create a lasting impact—even when the odds are against you. It’s a book I recommend to anyone ready to shake things up, whether in business or life.

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Image Credits

Jay Fisher : Capture It photography

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