We were lucky to catch up with Tina Carlyle recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I was just 7 years of age when my mother was shot and 8 when she passed away from a traumatic gunshot wound where the bullet could never be removed. But it soon took her life based on her suffering from a few cardiac complications. That was the worst day of my life. After her funeral, my sister and I moved to Florida with my grandmother. Years later, I became pregnant at age 14. Not because I wasn’t raised correctly and with standards, but because I was very curious as a teenager. At age 15 I gave birth to a handsome baby boy. My grandmother had to quickly shift gears and teach me “a child” how to raise “A child.” I was ashamed, embarrassed and fearful of what people would say, but I decided that I wasn’t going to let this stop me or take my desire to be a successful young lady in life which is what I was taught, I just rebelled a bit due to my inquisitive behaviors. I lost friends in high school; parents wouldn’t let their kids hang out with me because I was labeled a “fast girl” with no home training. When I realized what was happening, I was determined, to show the world that my grandmother was raising a girl who was going to be something powerfully different and magnificent in life. My daily routine was to take my baby to daycare, go to school, from school to work then do it all over again. I didn’t enjoy all the activities growing up as the young girls my age did, but it was only because I had bigger responsibilities. I pushed myself and I wanted to make my family proud, so I graduated from high school and college magna cum laude and grad school summa cum laude. I became a Licensed Practical Nurse at age 20. Now being a mother of a 5-year-old and accomplishing part of my goals I knew the ball was in my court and it was time for me to continue to shoot for the stars. I got married a few years later and thought I was in heaven. I continued my career, finding myself speaking to at risk teens and letting them know that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. From LPN, to RN, to Advanced Practice nursing degree, I was on a roll. I never looked back. But in between all of this I went through a divorce that devastated me and again, I failed, or at least I thought I did. But what I learned that life has its seasons, and this too shall pass. In between all of that I decided to write a poetry book and get it published back in 2007 or so and I was pleased again, another goal accomplished. I kept pressing forward, never giving up on myself nor my desires to be successful and my own boss one day. Fast forward, in 2017 I was named Hometown hero of the year, in 2018 the Administrator of the Year for the Florida Assisted Living Association. In 2023 I was name one of Volusia/Flagler top, most influential women in business. When I look back over my life, losing my mother, having a child as a child, a failed marriage, and a trying career, I know that my faith in God, my support team, and my desire to never give up has gotten me where I am. I never want anyone to feel sorry for me because my story is not a sob story but year a testimony, to motivate and inspire others. I’ll continue to live my life inspiring young teen at risk and young moms never give up just press forward and look up!
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?
Before my husband and I opened the first assisted living facility, I worked as the Vice President of a local Home Healthcare company. It was time for me to grow myself and expound upon my own Entreprenurial talents. When I left the corporate America world it was scary but again, I overcame it. We opened our second assisted living facility, now having 2 facilities and a consulting firm, things were getting a little crazy, but I was in control of my life and goals. In 2022 I decided to shift my focus more to consulting and education. Which caused me to make a decision to close one of our facilities. I had to realize that I was only one person and I needed to maintain a focus. Now as an entrepreneur, I am able to offer a place that a senior can call home at our Assisted Living facility. Our consulting firm allows the opportunity for those that want to become an owner of an assisted living facility we can help with that. Healthcare consulting, ALF Mock Survey’s, Writing policies and procedures for ALF’s. Teaching the 26 Hour Core training course for ALF administrators, 12 hr alf refresher course, training in disease management, BLS, Medication management, continued educational courses, corporate strategic management training, cultural diversity and sensitivity, and so much more. In the future we will be launching more services and trainings.
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?
I’ve always stuck with my love and desire for healthcare. Being influenced by both my mom and grandmother who were awesome nurturers and compassionate women, advocating for the one who raised me (my grandmother). It was more than right and relevant for me to become a healthcare professional. Some of the great qualities I have are compassion, advocacy, and a critical thinker. Some of my greatest skills include Leadership, continuing education being well versed in many disease and conditions to educate the masses, and lastly being very ethical and having integrity. I would share with anyone to always manage your time wisely because every minute counts. Prioritize and learn how to say no. Place a timeline on your desired goals, plans, and visions.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Although I lost my mother at a young age, remembering and knowing that she loved my sister and I and would do anything for us was more than enough. Spending quality time with us while training us to be beautiful smart young ladies with integrity, My grandmother took over where she left off, helping us to embrace and love who we were and never settle for less. Being the best role model, a child could ever desire to have or wish for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asrceducation.com
