Coffee Chat with Inspirational Women: Featuring Tiara Williams
Welcome to a new post in my series called “Coffee Chat.” This series is focused on inspirational women who love their jobs and want to inspire other women to find their passions and transform their lives. Today’s coffee chat features Tiara Williams, who is the Founder and CEO of I AM Success, Motivational Media Publications, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of YOU CAN Magazine. Talk about an inspiring woman, Tiara is as hot as my freshly brewed cup of coffee I am sipping on right now. She is a must know gal so enjoy reading all about her life and advice!
1. Where do you live and what is one random fact about you to break the ice with our readers?
I currently live in the Washington D.C. area. A fun random fact about me is that I lived in Sweden for a few years and I loved it!
2. What is the first thing you like to do before you start your day?
As soon as my feet hit the ground each morning I thank God for all that I have and all that is to come. I also love to listen to positive affirmation videos on YouTube. I have found that YouTube is a great resource for any motivation you’ll need throughout the day.
3. What inspired you to choose your career path in helping others and entrepreneurship? Is there a childhood memory that made you decide?
I have always wanted to help people and do good in the world. I moved to Washington D.C. to work in government. I loved and continue to love the idea of fulfilling my civic duty.
In 2016 I started the company, I AM Success Motivational Media Publications (IAS) which publishes YOU CAN Magazine, a magazine focused on motivation and self-growth. IAS also publishes the I AM Success Self-Growth Workbooks, which are great coaching and self-coaching tools.
I don’t have one particular childhood memory that brought me to my current path, however I truly believe that while growing up, the adult role models in my life were the reason I wanted to work in fields that allow me to give back.
I remember my mother always helping others in need. My grandparents, my father, and my aunts and uncles were the same way. Their generosity told a story and I want that story to continue by helping others.
4. What was your very first step to get you where you are today in your career?
My very first step in starting my company was deciding that I was going to do it. I remember thinking to myself, “this is crazy! You don’t know anything about publishing or how to start a magazine.” However, I knew that if I announced I would start the magazine to my friends and family, I would need to hold myself accountable by just going for it. It was scary, but it was worth it.
5. What is one challenge you had to overcome in order to reach happiness with your career?
My biggest challenge in starting IAS was being new to the publishing and journalism industry. To overcome this, I knew that I would need help from people familiar with this world. Thankfully I have a friend who is a journalist. I remember making a mistake and she helped me to understand what I should do in the future. Her patience and guidance was and still is invaluable.
6. What are three habits you would recommend to someone pursing their dream career as a publisher?
My first recommendation to anyone looking to pursue a career as a publisher or any career for that matter, is to visualize your business as being the most successful business it can be and work towards that vision.
My second recommendation, and this is a must, is to create a vision board. Post your business vision on the board and look at it often. The simple act of gluing an image of what the future could hold for you and your business on a vision board will keep the vision alive even when you think things might not be going your way. It is a great tool to keep you in the game.
My third recommendation is to ask for help and advice when you need it. While you may know a lot, it is important to remember the humbling fact that one person cannot know everything. There will aways be someone in the world that knows something that you do not. One suggestion from a friend or a stranger can change your entire business or personal outlook for the better and take you in a new and exciting direction.
7. How would you describe your support network? Who is in it?
My support network is full of people who are experts in various fields: writers, artists, and other entrepreneurs. Essentially, I surround myself with people who have more experience and knowledge than I do. I consult with them on the regular to get ideas. Sometimes they will reach out to me with a new idea or concept and I always feel honored when they share their knowledge with me.
8. What is one skill you are currently working, that will help you further your career?
Time Management. The time management struggle is real and I am working to get better at this life aspect. (I feel you on this one T :))
I truly believe that managing time is the holy grail of a successful business. If you think about it, you cannot accomplish anything without time. When you let your time waste things can get chaotic. You don’t want to look up at 5pm to realize that you did not give yourself time to complete tasks that could have been beneficial to your business or your brand.
9. To balance out your work life, what’s your fitness and health regime?
I take time for my health and fitness each day no matter what. If I can’t do a full workout, I’ll work through a few yoga poses or a short meditation session. I have found that taking the time to do something for your mind and your body, even if for ten or fifteen minutes, can do a lot to align your thoughts and bring you to center. Sadly, I did not realize this until about four years ago. Prior to this realization I just worked, worked, worked, and repeated. As a result, my creativity was stifled and I burned out. I’m thankful I finally learned that such a cycle was hindering in many ways.
10. What is one book that helped you on your career journey that you would recommend?
The book that helped me on my career journey is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. This book teaches you that thoughts become things and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude will likely result in positive events and a negative, “I can’t” attitude will lead to nothing. Once I understood the message of this book I applied it to my life and wow, a lot of good things came my way both personally and professionally.
