Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Lee.
Tiana, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story?
Hello all, you could say that my journey began when I was about nine years old; when I found my passion in ice skating. My parents have always taught me to be very disciplined, but they gave me choices of what I wanted to do. While other kids were hanging out at the movies, I was training in an ice rink, practicing the piano, and studying at school. I began homeschooling when I finished elementary school. I studied with Baba (my father) in the mornings at around 6 a.m. and went to ice skating practice around 9:30-11:30 a.m. After that, I would eat lunch with my Mama and would go back and practice for a few hours. Then, once I finished my last practice of the day, I would start working on my homework and school assignments. Being homeschooled has its advantages and disadvantages. One really has to know how to allocate their time or else they will fall behind.
After school work, I would usually eat dinner with my family and then practice piano; it’s been 15 years in the making. Originally, Baba put me in music class to develop my brain. Eventually, my new passion became music. I kept that routine in middle school, high school, and even to some degree in college. Entering my first year of college, my competitive nature for ice skating lead me to the U.S Figure Skating Collegiates. It was my last hurrah. I knew I would have to hang up my skates and focus on a new chapter in my life, school.
Fast forward three years, and now I’m a senior studying Neuropsychology. While I left my skating career behind, I picked up a new enjoyable hobby called Social Media Influencing. I select quality brands and support them by advertising their products and attending their events. It has given me amazing opportunities to flourish as a person. Seeing others accomplish their dreams drives me to continue working hard and never stop believing in myself.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been times when I question if all this hard work is worth it. I can vividly remember once in the dorms where I completely broke down. I was practicing in the residence halls for a big piano exam, willing myself to keep playing the scales, but all of a sudden I just stopped and started weeping. It was one of those moments where you just question if the struggle and pain is worth it. I had been overwhelmed because from upcoming midterms, piano exams, and skating competitions. A lot of pressure fell on my shoulders and it kept compiling. Most of the time, to do what I need to accomplish, I have to be alone to focus.
Being alone for an extended amount of time can be tricky and dangerous because you tend to spend most of your time in your head. I think being a competitive athlete puts a lot more pressure on an individual because as we all know your worst enemy is yourself. The greatest inhibition an athlete can have is being so blocked mentally that you stop yourself from achieving what you know you can accomplish.
It has taken me years to become the person I am today. I owe a lot of it to ice skating and piano. It has given me a valuable tool in life to continue pushing forward no matter what, especially when it comes to collaborating with famous brands. It is quite competitive for certain jobs you can and can’t book. I always tell myself that if this job didn’t pan out, there will always be another one waiting for me around the corner 🙂. As it turns out, there is a lot of truth to that! Getting bogged down by the little things in life which you can’t control is not worth it. You have to know your worth and just keep moving forward!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
It’s funny to say it out loud but I think my business is myself. I am currently a full-time student, while being a piano teacher and booking modeling gigs. I specialize in being the best version of myself, whether it be putting in the hours at the gym or staying late nights at the library to finish assignments on time. Doing what I do means that I have to always be on call if a client reaches out and wants to collaborate on a special project. If I get invited to an event last minute I have to be ready to show up and put my best foot forward. I think what my friends and family know me for is just being a hard worker and putting the hours in. My father used to always tell a story about when I was at pre-school. When I was younger, I showed up to pre-school and could not walk whatsoever and saw the other kids around me walking. That exact day, I went home and grabbed my father’s hand and willed myself to walk. From that moment on, he knew that whatever I set my mind to, I can achieve it.
To this day, I continue with that mantra and it has gotten me to where I am today. I think I’m grateful for my family and my amazing friends that have encouraged and supported me along the way. I have a group of really close friends that not only encourage me but support everything I do, whether it be school or my business. I think something that sets me apart from others is my age and work ethic. I like to show people that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one goal; you can attain as many as you set your mind to. At times it can be quite overwhelming, but I truly enjoy what I do whether it be school, attending events, or teaching kids piano on the weekends :).
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I think my teachers would say I’m very bubbly and outgoing, maybe a bit chatty at some times as well (haha). One teacher in high school used to always say that I have an old soul; my parents are a bit older than normal kids my age so I think that plays a big factor as well. Both of my parents were not born in America and neither was I, so they always reminded me to be grateful and work hard. I am forever thankful for the way they raised me to this day. Letting a child understand discipline and reward is crucial in how a child develops. Taking my upper divisions right now proves those theories; it’s so funny sometimes because life is a full circle.
When I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to be someone that can have an impact and inspire others somehow. To do my job, you have to have a thick skin because you are constantly putting yourself out there. With that comes a lot of scrutiny and criticism. I’m taking a Spanish class right now and my Profesor Yolanda loves to call me “La Princessa,” a commentary on how I work hard yet still compose myself well. I also like to look up to inspirational women like Meghan Markle and Jessica Alba. Not only are they so gracious, they have even helped bring awareness to important causes and helped inspire women around the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: tianainquiries@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_tiana_xoxo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
- Twitter: https://www.twitteer.com/xoxo_tiana_xoxo
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