Story & Lesson Highlights with Tia Nicole of Detroit

Tia Nicole shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Tia, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The thing that’s bringing me joy lately outside of work is creating memories by being in the moment. With all the responsibilities that I have I still make time to take care of me. By attending that concert, festival, wine tasting, going on a short day trip and exploring a new city, attending a private pool party, making new friends on a random birthday trip out the country with a travel group. Joining a new fitness class to challenge myself and experience something new while maintaining my health. As well as overcoming my fears of deep water and learning how to swim and tread water.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tia Nicole. I’m a Visual Storyteller who specializes in promotional, educational videos and photography for businesses. On the promotional side I produce video content that focuses on what makes the company stand out amongst their competitors. On the educational side I produce tutorial style videos that shows customers how to use the products and services. For photography I focus on product and branding photography for brands seeking to promote their e-commerce product lineup or to visually showcase their personal brand and what they represent. My brand stands out because I bridge both worlds providing behind-the-scenes services while also stepping in front of the camera as a model and influencer to authentically promote brands.

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 told me who I had to be, I was a little girl filled with joy, a silly outgoing personality who wanted to be an actor. I always thought you had to be lucky in order to live your dream life. As a kid I had limiting beliefs that I could never become what I truly wanted to, because that’s what was subconsciously modeled to me. Once I became an adult I started to gain more wisdom and learn new knowledge. The key to success is to first change your mindset, then your habits, your environment, and the people you associate yourself with on the regular basis. What you conscientiously feed your mind is the outcome you set for your reality.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Earlier this year I almost gave up because there was so much going on in my personal life. From being a mom to a teenager going through a difficult time in her life that has been ongoing for the past 4 years. I had surgery that was supposed to be a one day outpatient procedure, but ended up being rushed to the hospital and remained in the ICU for 5 days. Made a full recovery only to be pushed back down from suffering a concussion from a production light falling on my head while working on set. I started to feel like maybe I should just give up and it’s a sign that this industry is not for me. The creative industry has been a tough market for the past 2 years with limited opportunities to grow professionally. Fast forward things are starting to pick up for me. I’m grateful for that.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies my industry tells itself and other people who join is to focus on one thing and master it to become successful. In the media production industry there are so many areas from videography, photography editing, writing, producing, directing, voiceovers, on camera talent, etc. I have experience in every last one of those categories I mentioned. If I would have focused on one area only, I would have passed up so many different opportunities and professional relationships along the way. Within this industry you must be multitalented in order to succeed. When it’s slow in one area you can make money in another area in the industry. Never limit yourself on being 1 dimensional. Learn as many skills as you can in order to make yourself stand out and be more valuable to any company that you work for.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I will never regret taking the leap of faith to change my career field at the age of 30 to pursue a more fulfilling career that I will never get tired of. This industry truly brings me joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetianetwork.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Tianicoletv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianicoletv/

Image Credits
Q11 Photography