We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DR.TANYA DAVIS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DR.TANYA, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
While recovering in federal prison, I discovered an unexpected talent for cutting hair with a toenail clipper. This newfound skill ignited my passion for making women feel beautiful, and upon my release, I seized the opportunity to turn it into a career. Attending beauty school and obtaining my license allowed me to open my own salon, where I spent 33 years honing my craft and touching the lives of countless women from diverse backgrounds.
As my career evolved, my passion deepened, and I found myself drawn to a higher calling – helping women from all walks of life. This led me to embark on a remarkable journey, from becoming an author and writing my compelling book “From Crack to Christ” to transforming it into a stage play. Through the play, I became a charismatic spokesperson, enabling me to travel across the globe, using my experiences to inspire and help others in need.
This extraordinary path led me to embrace ministry, where I became a licensed minister of the gospel. My quest for knowledge and spiritual growth and my work in communities led me to receive a doctorate in leadership and a doctorate of Christian humane letters, further enriching my ability to guide and support others.
My dedication to empowering women culminated in the establishment of the impactful 501C3 organization, “Women Who Rock Nashville Inc.” Through this platform, I continue to make a positive difference in the lives of women, spreading hope and encouragement to all who seek it.
My success as an entrepreneur is truly remarkable, driven by my unwavering passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. My journey serves as a shining example of how adversity can be transformed into triumph, and how embracing one’s purpose can lead to a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my powerful story of resilience, redemption, and service. My path from hardship to success is an inspiration to all who embrace it, reminding others that it is never too late to discover your purpose and make a positive impact on the world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Today, I proudly stand as a single mother, blessed with the love and joy of my beautiful daughter, Parisia Harp, and the sheer delight of being a grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren: Tarien, Taylor, John “BJ,” and Josiah.
In the midst of this fulfilling journey, I find myself embracing a new chapter in my life, elevating our 501c3 organization to reaching its accomplished vision and goals and raising money to open “A Love of Hope” transitional housing, and as I embark on the exciting endeavor of writing my latest book, “You’re not just a Beauty Industry Professional, You’re a Global Brand.” Through these words, I aim to inspire and empower professionals in the beauty industry, elevating their perspective to see themselves as not just individuals but influential global brands.
This book encapsulates my own experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the beauty industry, which have shaped me into the person I am today. My hope is to instill a renewed sense of purpose and determination in every reader, urging them to recognize their true potential and the impact they can make on a global scale.
As we delve into the pages of this book, we will unravel the secrets of building a personal brand that transcends borders and cultures. I firmly believe that each beauty professional possesses unique talents and attributes that can be honed into a powerful brand, one that resonates with clients and fellow industry members alike, transcending geographical boundaries.
In “You’re not just a Beauty Industry Professional, You’re a Global Brand,” I will share practical strategies and insights, acquired through years of hands-on experience and learning from industry luminaries. From mastering social media presence to forging international connections, I aim to equip readers with the tools they need to extend their reach far beyond what they ever imagined possible.
Moreover, woven throughout the book, you will find heartwarming anecdotes of love, family, and personal growth—my own journey of navigating through life’s challenges as a single mother and grandmother. It is my wish that these stories will resonate with readers on a personal level, reminding them that strength and resilience can be found even in the most trying times.
As I set forth on this literary adventure, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of my loved ones and the guiding light of my daughter and grandchildren. Their love has been the driving force behind my aspirations and has given me the courage to pursue this path of sharing knowledge and uplifting others.
So, to all the beauty industry professionals out there, know that you are not just shaping appearances but transforming lives. You have the power to become a global brand—a beacon of inspiration and change in the world. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey and discover the extraordinary potential that lies within you. Together, we will embark on a quest to unveil the brilliance of your personal brand, making a lasting impact on the global stage.
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?
Curiosity is a powerful driver for growth and development. It encourages you to explore new ideas, ask questions, and seek knowledge. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, where you continuously seek to expand your understanding of various subjects and stay updated with the latest advancements in your field. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, and engage in discussions with people from diverse backgrounds to foster intellectual growth Follow your passions and explore subjects that genuinely interest you. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from different perspectives. Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected changes. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, learn from failures, and continue moving forward. Adaptability, on the other hand, is the capacity to adjust to new circumstances and embrace change. Both qualities are crucial in navigating the uncertainties of life and maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Embrace failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Develop coping mechanisms to manage stress and build emotional resilience. Practice flexibility and openness to change. Embrace new experiences and challenges, as they provide valuable opportunities to learn and adapt.
Communication is a skill that impacts every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional success. Being able to express yourself clearly, actively listen to others, and understand their perspectives is vital in building meaningful connections and collaborating with others effectively. Work on improving listening skills, where you focus on understanding the speaker’s message rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Seek feedback on making improvements. Additionally, empathy and emotional intelligence play a significant role in effective communication, so work on developing these qualities as well.
In summary, cultivating curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and effective authentic communication can have a profound impact on your personal and professional journey. Remember, growth is a continuous process, I’m still growing and each step you take towards self-improvement will contribute to your overall development and success. Embrace learning, embrace change, and embrace the opportunities to connect with others.
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?
Narcotics Anonymous the twelve steps book i made it personal and I’ve lived by this ever since…
1. I admitted I was powerless over our addiction, and that my life had become unmanageable.
2. I came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.
3. I made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him
4. I made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself
5. I was entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. I humbly asked Him to remove my shortcomings.
8. I made a list of all persons I had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. I made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
10. I continued to take personal inventory and when I was wrong promptly admitted it.
11. I sought through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God as I understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for me and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, I tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all my affairs.
and with the prayers of a praying mother, church family, and friends God returned me back to society and I have become an productive citizen and my will and purpose is to help others to do the same
Contact Info:
- Website: womenwhorocknashville.org
- Instagram: womenwhorocknashville
- Facebook: womenwhorocknashville
- Linkedin: womenwhorocknashville
- Twitter: womenwhorocknashville
- Other: Dr. Tanya Davis [email protected] work: 706-489-9522

Image Credits
Photographer…Jonathan Snorten edits… Chris Bond “Brandcocky”
