Life & Work with Tiana Haygood of Ypsilanti, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Haygood.

Hi Tiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Feed the Need Sensory Zone began in the middle of the pandemic as a small parent support group, a safe space for families like mine to connect, share resources, and navigate the world of sensory needs together. At the time, I was learning how to best support my son, who is on the autism spectrum and experiences sensory sensitivities that can make everyday experiences feel overwhelming. In many ways, I understood him deeply because I have always had my own sensory sensitivities too. Creating calm, comfortable spaces was not just something I wanted to do for him, it became something I felt called to do for others.

As I worked in classrooms alongside children with diverse needs and challenges, I began to notice how often the environment itself was the barrier. A little change, such as softer lighting, sensory tools, or a quiet space, could make the difference between chaos and calm, between withdrawal and connection. Those experiences opened my eyes to how many families, educators, and children needed support in building sensory-friendly environments.

What began as a simple support group evolved into a mission-minded passion project and eventually into a solution-oriented organization. Today, Feed the Need Sensory Zone designs and delivers sensory-friendly experiences throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond, from our traveling Sensory Trailer and school partnerships to our Messy Middle Homeschool Co-op for neurodivergent tweens and teens.

Our mission has always remained the same: to Connect. Engage. Empower. every individual we meet, helping communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and sensory-aware, one space at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been worth every bump along the way. Feed the Need started from my heart, not a business plan, so there was a lot I had to figure out as I went. I was just a mom with a big vision and a whole lot of determination, trying to turn an idea into something real. There were times when the funding wasn’t there, when I heard more no’s than yes’s, and when people didn’t quite understand what “sensory inclusion” really meant. Some assumed it was just playtime or fun and games, but it’s so much deeper than that — it’s about accessibility, dignity, and belonging.

Another big challenge has been balancing it all. I’m a mom first, and this work is personal. My son’s experiences and my own sensory sensitivities are what fuel this mission, but they also make it emotional at times. There are moments when the weight of advocating, educating, and building something from the ground up feels heavy.

But then I see the impact. I see kids smiling, parents taking a deep breath of relief, and communities opening their doors to inclusion in new ways. Those moments remind me why I started and why I’ll keep going. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been full of purpose — and that keeps me pushing forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Feed the Need Sensory Zone is all about creating sensory-friendly environments where everyone feels included, supported, and understood. We design and deliver sensory experiences that help individuals regulate, connect, and thrive — whether that’s through our traveling Sensory Trailer at community events, our partnerships with schools, or our Messy Middle Homeschool Co-op for neurodivergent tweens and teens.

We specialize in bridging the gap between awareness and action. A lot of people know inclusion is important, but they don’t always know how to make it happen. That’s where we come in. We provide hands-on tools, adaptable setups, and education that help communities understand sensory needs and create spaces that actually work for everyone.

What I’m most proud of is our team. Feed the Need isn’t just me — it’s a collective of parents, advocates, educators, and community leaders who share the same heart for inclusion. Each person brings their own experience and perspective, and together we’ve built something that reflects real understanding, compassion, and creativity.

What sets us apart is that we meet people where they are. Whether it’s a child overwhelmed at a festival, a teacher trying to support their classroom, or a parent who just needs to feel seen, we show up with empathy, flexibility, and practical solutions that make a difference. We’re not just talking about inclusion — we’re living it.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes me proud. Feed the Need Sensory Zone is more than an organization. It’s a movement to Connect. Engage. Empower. — one space, one student, one family at a time.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting in the garage with my dad, watching the rain and storms roll in. We would sit there for what felt like hours, just listening to the sound of the rain and the rumble of thunder. Sometimes we didn’t say much, and other times we’d have the best conversations — simple, honest, and full of laughter or life lessons. It was peaceful and grounding, and I always felt safe in those moments. Looking back, I think that’s where my appreciation for calm spaces and meaningful connection really started. That same sense of peace and understanding is what I try to bring to others now through Feed the Need Sensory Zone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.feedtheneedsensoryzone.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedtheneedsensoryzone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedtheNeedSensoryZone/