Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Hamilton.
Hi Tiana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Well, to start it off San Diego is my hometown, more specifically the rural town of Alpine. My dad is an Italian immigrant and my mom is Polynesian Hawaiian. I’m a wife, mother, and 2x cancer survivor.
Many people who know my full story have equated it to a lifetime drama, future memoir, or said what good reality tv it would make. To put it simply, life has been hard since a young age and I haven’t always made the best choices. I’ve always prided myself on being a hard worker, independent, and a perfectionist which is an exhausting combination. Let’s just say I learned many lessons and have been given many chances to push forward and thrive. As a little girl I totally wanted to be a wedding planner – but like, who doesn’t, right? Majority of my work experience comes from hospitality with a big emphasis on food and beverage management. Growing up my father owned a restaurant and I actually did homeschool there for second and third grade. Literally did my workbooks at a bar… but also really incredible gourmet food.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My childhood was not like most kids. At the age of six I was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Most days were spent in treatment, with nurses rather than in school with kids my own age. I lost my hair, which I was very self-conscious of… not to mention always nauseous from the treatments. It really sucked missing out on normal kid stuff, and not understanding why this was happening to me. Having cancer also meant homeschool for 2nd & 3rd grade. Looking back it was really impossible to return to school (normalcy) after undergoing three years fighting for my life. It was super traumatic….and totally lost my way into teenage years and early adulthood. I worked a lot, partied, had fun, and tried to steal back my power in unhealthiest ways. In 2014 I became a mom to my daughter Avalyn, at the age of 28. Being a mom has been the biggest blessing and challenge, especially during covid and this scary world we live in. When my daughter was a year and a half old I was diagnosed with cancer for a second time, Thyroid cancer. Experiencing cancer as a parent, and for the second time was a tough one to wrap my mind around. Shortly after the diagnosis I met my now husband and am grateful he came into my life when he did. Having gone through these difficult experiences was an absolute struggle that hardened my heart for a long time. At the same time, I can appreciate the level of compassion and resilience it’s given. Reflecting on how many things I’ve survived over the last 34 years is not something I take lightly or for granted. I believe God’s purpose for me is to use my strength and compassion to help others.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I help brides plan their wedding as the proud owner of Urthygirl Events! We are a boutique wedding planning company based in San Diego. With our roots deeply established in SoCal our services are particularly helpful for couples looking to create a vacation experience for their guests. Most of our couples are planning intimate, destination weddings from out of state. Our services range from month-to-day coordination, design, to full service We’re here for chic brides with bougie vibes. Add-on options include rehearsal dinners, and next day brunches.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is living the life you’ve always wanted and finding peace within your heart. It’s knowing your personal power and using that to achieve goals.
Pricing:
- Month of Coordination $1,800 -$3,000
- Design & Coordination $4,000 -$6,000
- Full Service Planning & Coordination $7,000-$10,000
Contact Info:
- Email: tiana@urthygirl.com
- Website: www.urthygirl.com
- Instagram: @urthygirlevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urthygirl
Image Credits
Amy Odom Photography
Jess Loftis Photo
The Brews Photography
