Meet Tiana Vee

We recently connected with Tiana Vee and have shared our conversation below.

Tiana, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I knew two things were true: I knew that walking in alignment with the person i wanted to be was going to be a challenge, but i also knew that if I never took action i’d be in the same place forever. The second truth scared me more than the first. I accepted the fact that although my imposter syndrome scared me into inaction often, the only way to overcome it was to do the thing, even if it meant doing it scared. One of the ways i shifted my mindset to combat imposter syndrome was to prove to myself why i was qualified to be in my position (or in a room). It often felt weird for me to talk to a camera and post content even with my small numbers. But i was growing, I was great at editing, and people constantly asked me for advice. I believe that imposter syndrome’s goal is to make us think we have nothing to show for ourselves but we usually do– Within our stories and everyday lives there is something that shows us we can do the thing. Another way I overcame imposter syndrome was asking myself this question: Why not me? So many times we consider why the best case scenario wouldn’t happen to us. I realized that when I started considering that the best case scenario is within my reach, things changed. I was more positive, motivated, and I started to think to myself “I belong here” and “i am passionate about this therefore i can be good at it”. Overcoming imposter syndrome is about reframing the self-doubting questions and thoughts in our minds. Even when those thoughts are too strong sometimes, I negate them with action, and i believe consistent action in alignment with your goals is key to overcoming fear and doubt.

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

After graduating in 2020 and struggling to find employment, I shifted my plan B to plan A and started a YouTube channel in 2021. Today that same Youtube channel has over 6 million views across all it’s videos. I’ve always had the passion to create videos online and started posting on YouTube when i was 14. Before then I loved writing on Tumblr and Wattpad. I fell in love with the fact that I could tell stories and document life on video. When I got older I started developing the idea that being a Youtuber or Content Creator was childish and unrealistic, so after college I was determined to find a corporate job. When that didn’t happen I started to think more seriously about my childhood passion (which is still very much my passion as an adult). I thought- If it can’t get hired I’ll hire myself, which kicked-off my freelance journey and motivated me to start that YouTube channel I previously mentioned.

In 2022 I got my first hands-on opportunity in the business of content creation when I got hired as a Media Assistant for a popular travel influencer. I got to see what it actually looked like to land a deal with a brand, and how much money could be made on social media by doing what you already love doing. That experience slowly plucked away at my limiting beliefs. It made me realize that a career didn’t have to be some corporate job that I dreaded waking up for every day. I still wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to be, but it became real to me that I could be multi-faceted and make a living doing what I was passionate about. For the past couple years I’ve had to unlearn doubt and imposter-syndrome, and learn what it means to step boldly into God-given purpose. I want to encourage others to do the same. I want to share the stories and lessons that unfold within my journey. Since stepping out of my comfort zone I’ve traveled to Japan, Colombia, South Dakota, and many other places– alone and with other creators i’ve met along the way.

I currently run 2 YouTube channels– the one i started in 2021 (ASMR), and the one I started in 2023 where I share life in my 20s and the lessons I’m learning as a creative entrepreneur crafting my life through those lessons. I want to inspire others to not only dare to dream big, but dare to take their big dreams seriously. I recently launched a Substack newsletter called Life Crafted and a Patreon community called The Drafts where I plan to connect more with inspiring creatives regardless of their outlet of creativity. I am also the co-host of a creative retreat called Creative Minds where we handpick creatives and take them on a trip to a beautiful location where we focus on community, connection, and collaboration.

I love content creation, but i believe it carries more purpose when we can connect with others through it. I believe that’s what art is for. As i continue learning and growing in my journey I want to highlight just how much authenticity and community can change the trajectory of our creative journeys. Through lifestyle, travel, creativity, and faith, I am passionate about sharing mine!

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?

It definitely was discipline, consistency, and faith. Working for myself after being so adjusted to a classroom structure made me realize that life does not come with a syllabus and no one if forcing you to get your work done. You must build discipline and be able to push through even while unmotivated. Motivation can push you but it won’t last the way discipline will. Consistency taught me that doing something over and over again not only helps you improve, but it build discipline. Consistency also helps you show yourself and other that you continue to show up. I think this is especially important when building an audience or community. Show the people you care about that your care about them by showing up. Faith can feel tricky but my journey has helped strengthen my faith so much. I believe someone times even just deciding tot take the leap build faith. Jeremiah 29:11 is the verse I always remember when I start to doubt. Faith has helped me shift my mindset by making me realize that the life that is being crafted for me won’t always look like everyone else, but it is still for me. What God has for me can’t miss me when I am fully trusting Him and laying my part by using my creative talents for the good of those around me.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Currently I’m struggling with being impatient about what comes next. In such a fast moving world where there is always something bigger and better I find myself missing out on the now. I have a laundry list of goals and milestones I want to achieve but I don’t want to waste what time I have now thinking about what I may have later. I want to learn how to still be a go-getter, goal oriented person, without letting the present slip away from me. I want to be grateful and appreciate my life now even if it’s not where I want to be forever.

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