Story & Lesson Highlights with Tawanna Houston of Houston Texas

Tawanna Houston shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Tawanna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, definitely. Recently my son told me he streams my music when I’m not around. He even thought playing it on repeat would boost my streams. It made me laugh, but it also made me so proud. It reminded me that my kids are watching everything I do, and they believe in me just as much as I believe in them. That moment showed me the impact I’m making at home while chasing my dreams.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tawanna Houston. I’m an artist, actress, model, and entrepreneur who lives for creativity and connection. My music blends R&B and Trap-Soul with real stories and raw emotion, while my business side is all about turning vision into strategy and growth. I’m proud to be building my brand independently; from the music to the visuals to the message. Making sure everything I put out feels authentic, powerful, and unforgettable. At the heart of it all, my mission is to inspire others to dream bigger and never doubt what they’re capable of creating.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world added expectations and labels, I was simply a girl who you would’ve never known was born prematurely with a big imagination with energy that fed an endless love for performing. I would sing, dance, and act out scenes before I even knew what the entertainment industry was. Back then, I wasn’t worried about being perfect or fitting into anyone’s box! I was free, creative, and fearless! That version of me still lives in everything I do today, and reconnecting with her reminds me why I chase my dreams with so much passion.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
You know, success is cool because it gives you recognition and validation, but suffering… that hits different. It taught me things success never could. When I went through hard times, I had to learn patience, I had to toughen up, and I had to lean on faith in ways I never expected. Success never forced me to dig that deep. Struggle showed me how strong I really am, how to keep moving when everything feels stacked against me, and how to appreciate the little wins. Honestly, the lessons I learned in pain gave me the drive to go after my dreams harder than I ever would’ve if life had been easy.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For a long time, I thought I had to wait until everything was perfect. From the right plan, the right timing, the right age. But life showed me that waiting on perfect just keeps you stuck. I learned that most while teaching at John Casablancas. I couldn’t just tell my students to be confident and go for it…I had to actually practice what I preach. That’s when it clicked for me: growth comes from moving, not waiting. In class I often remind them G.R.O.W. meaning Getting Rid of Old Ways, and honestly, I had to do that myself too. Letting go of perfection has been one of my biggest breakthroughs.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This one made me laugh because yes, I’m FINALLY doing what I was born to do. For years, I chased what I thought I was supposed to be doing… the safe route, the expected path. But deep down, I always knew my real calling was in creating, performing, and inspiring. I had to learn the hard way that living for other people’s ‘shoulds’ will never make you feel alive. Now, whether I’m on stage, in front of a camera, or teaching nationally, I know I’m runway walking in my purpose. And the funny part? Once I stopped trying to fit into their box, everything started falling into place.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Chris Rojas
John Conroy
Joshua Houston
Ayaan Ahsan

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