Today we’d like to introduce you to Tierra O’Neal.
Tierra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born and raised in McIntosh County, GA as the only child, I was inspired by some of the best in the industry. Watching Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, The Spice Girls and many others, I became the ultimate performer (in my head lol). Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, I graduated from Clayton State University, with my MBA in International Business and I worked as a dance instructor for The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta before continuing employment at CSU. The constant battle between working in corporate America and following my dreams is a thought that I struggle with every day but I am always one to follow my heart.
I spent most of my childhood entertaining those around me with my talent and love for dance. I was a head cheerleader in middle/high school and dance captain of the majorette dance team in high school where I led my teams through numerous performances, creating choreography and structuring ideas into art. I was also the one making up dance moves for my friends and I during sleepovers! I never received any professional dance training until I started college; I constantly learned from and mimicked my favorite artists in the industry.
I always knew that I wanted to be a star and my passion led me to move to Atlanta, GA, where the opportunity to train and the network was greater. I also wanted to expand my education in business, which led me to start my own business, ConfiDANCE By HeavenlyErra. I’ve been a part of dance teams and also background dancing for an artist from VH1.
Looking to further my career in entertainment, I am determined to meet my goals and I believe that my faith in God will make it happen. Being aware of the responsibility that I have as a role model, my goal is to encourage young women to celebrate their individuality and to follow their dreams. Women empowerment has always been dear to my heart and it brings me joy to see others accepting who they are, working towards what’s making them happy and uplifting other women as they are learning themselves.
Self-confidence is a struggle for us all at times. I know that I can’t save the world but I am willing to do what it takes to come as close to it as possible.
Great, 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?
I wish it was lol. But no, I appreciate the struggles because they make me push harder. The whole corporate America vs following my dreams situation is my biggest struggle. Sometimes I get caught up in listening to what the world thinks I should do instead of listening to my heart. When something feels right, when it gives you that intense feeling in the bottom of your stomach, when it never leaves your mind, when the thought of you having it makes you cry, that’s when you know what you are called to do. God gives you all of the signs.
I’m the only child and I’m blessed to still have my parents married and living together. They gave me everything that I’ve wanted. Instead of just handing it to me, I had to work hard for it and I appreciate them so much for that because now I know how it feels to struggle and also how to make things happen for myself. One of my main goals is being able to take care of them at some point and I struggle with the feeling of making the wrong career move that won’t allow it to happen.
I’ve been talked about since I was younger and I used to let that bring me down but now that I know who I am, it doesn’t bother me. I am different, I’ve been exposed to so many things as far as the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, the opportunities that I’ve received etc. I’ve always been headstrong and I’ve had this certain confidence about myself that people saw as something negative so I felt like I needed to change myself. I used to think that being like someone else and downing my potential, would get me further in life but its just the opposite.
When I first started my business, I thought that everyone would support me and boy was that not the case. That was my biggest eye opener and something that I struggled with for a while until I used to hold grudges with people lol. I held two dance workshops in my hometown. While promoting it, a whole lot of people said that they would support and sign their daughters up but only a few kept their word. I was devastated and wanted to quit right then but I know my purpose is bigger than that situation and I’m not giving up.
I know that I will continue to have struggles along the way but that is a risk that I’m willing to take.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about ConfiDANCE By HeavenlyErra – what should we know?
I am most confident when I’m dancing and expressing myself through art so I created ConfiDANCE By HeavenlyErra.
ConfiDANCE By HeavenlyErra is a mobile dance organization that offers confidence building through the art of dance. I offer group and individual sessions. I strive to implant a passion for the art of dance while building self-confidence in a young woman of all ages. My program will result in the increase of self-confidence, personal and spiritual growth and development. My purpose is to share my experiences and knowledge with young women to motivate them to expand their goals and challenge them to always dream big. I want them to be proud of who they are by celebrating their individuality.
Being that I didn’t start receiving technical training until I was in college, instead of me teaching technical dance through my organization, I wanted it to be a bigger experience. ConfiDANCE By HeavenlyErra was created to encourage young women of all ages to embrace who they are while helping one another thrive and fulfill their fullest potential. To also encourage them to become comfortable and confident with the movement of their bodies while dancing. No judgments, no pressure.
My organization is different because I offer an experience. It’s not about just learning and nailing every move, it’s about obtaining something even greater and that’s what makes me proud.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Definitely my faith. I believe that a mind is a powerful tool and I choose to fill it with positive thoughts. I always have faith that things will work out for me, even in the most difficult times. Having a positive mindset brings out my confidence and determination the most. Having a genuine heart is also a good quality about myself. I love to leave positive impressions on people and to make their hearts warm. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heavenlyerra.com
- Phone: 4704851899
- Email: heavenlyerra@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/confidancebyheavenlyerra
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAmHeavenlyErra
- Other: www.instagram.com/heavenlyerra
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