Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatyanna Elliott.
Hi Tatyanna, 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.
I am a creative soul – began dancing when I was 4 or 5 in classes, took singing lessons around 8 years old (but I was singing and dancing long before that). I was a part of all the school plays and musicals. I knew I wanted to continue my creative journey in any way possible. I began training in dance every summer in LA. I went to community college and was a part of the dance company there. We traveled for dance festivals and performances. I graduated with a degree in child development and in dance. I then moved to La Jolla to continue my journey at UC San Diego. Here I completed my degree in Human Development while growing my social media presence. I recognized that I wanted to do things that made my soul happy rather than what would be “practical” or make the most money. So, I leaned into my creativity. I visited places I love, I continued dancing and singing, I began practicing acroyoga and rock climbing, all while documenting and creating content surrounding these endeavors. I have always been a lover of music and film, so I created content around that while learning to edit mini vlogs and photos. In the midst of this, I moved to LA, still visiting San Diego quite often (especially during Comic-Con every year). I am a creator, and I always will be no matter the “audience” I have. Creating is in my bones. I hope everyone goes through this life doing the things they love. I also would not be where I am today without the love and support of my family who always taught me to follow my dreams.
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?
Of course not. When is life ever smooth? There are so many things life throws at you, but I go through those with the help of my family… and my therapist. Haha. Mental health is probably the biggest struggle these past 8 or so years. I am not really open about my specific struggles as I am a private person – but I will say therapy is everything. My family, my husband are my support system. I am so fortunate to have the best parents who have always supported my siblings and I to be the best that we can be and always teaching us that we can do anything we put our minds to.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Latina/Filipina creator. I create content on various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. I categorize myself in the lifestyle category as my content ranges from singing and dancing to transitions to vlogs to talking about Taylor Swift (my favorite) to attending special events and premieres. When I began my journey, I was most known as a dancer. However, today, I am probably most known as a swiftie. I am so proud of myself for diving “head first, fearless” into creation. I also create a lot of content with my brother and sister. My brother, Mayson Elliott, is a musician and a rock climber. He is so sweet to play guitar for me in many of my singing videos. My sister, Cammy Elliott, is a filmmaker and a dancer. She and I go to movie premieres and screenings, creator events, concerts, etc., and create content together. Both of my siblings are cooler than me in every way.
My dream is to work with Taylor Swift. I have had the privilege of promoting some of her past work through Universal Music Group (lover, folklore, and evermore) — even though she doesn’t need my promotion. I was also given “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version) ahead of its release to “leak” it for her on TikTok, which was one of the coolest things I have ever been a part of. I also re-created her album covers and will continue to do so as each Taylor’s Version is released. In fact, my Speak Now Taylor’s version cover re-creation was taken by dad and photographer Aron Elliott and will be posted soon!
I also want to expand my skills to working with other music artists, creating content with and for them on tour or in promotion of projects.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I am not big on podcasts just because the way I learn is visual, so if I cannot see it or touch it, it’s hard for me to pay attention to. I love music though (obviously). It is my saving grace. I can sing and dance to it while working. Whether I am responding to emails, writing notes or ideas for content down, or listening to songs to inspire my next video. I also love to journal, so I have an embarrassing amount of journals or notebooks I have purchased. Reading is more of a pastime, but I guess winding down with a good book does actually help me to do my best. I am starting to read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in preparation for the film releasing this year. I do love to read books prior to their film or show adaptation. The best resources to help me do my best in life, in my opinion, are just going out for a walk when I need a breather, basking in the sunlight, and listening to the birds sing. Going for a hike, dancing, rock climbing, or any type of movement always makes me feel good.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatycake/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tatyannaChristianne
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tatycake?lang=en
Image Credits
Aron Elliott Photography
Cammy Elliott
