Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiera Ward.
Hi Tiera, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I can remember as a young child being multi-disciplined. I loved writing stories in composition books, fashion, drawing, and building Myspace pages using HTML. I realized that I enjoyed creating. Creativity was the easiest way for me to imagine, feel free, and cope with navigating life. Like many young black African Americans, I was told to be a lawyer because I was smart, strong-willed, and good at articulating myself. In addition, I was told I needed a traditional career to lead me to a “successful” life. So, I went to Savannah Early College, graduated high school as a sophomore in college, and started my pursuit of being a lawyer. While in college at Savannah State University, I started a mentoring organization called Mission Evolve. I designed my website and led 20 other women in mentoring young girls at a local high school. Leading this initiative allowed me to build community and taught me something valuable about myself. Strategizing and bringing visions from my imagination to life was natural for me.
With Senior Year approaching an end, I realized I needed to take the LSAT. I self-studied, scheduled the test, and ultimately failed it, lol. I graduated and started working as a leasing agent. This was the beginning of my journey in sales and marketing. To make a long story short, I continued to work administrative jobs where I was the go-to person for marketing and website management. I finally decided to pursue my dreams, and I launched my digital marketing agency called The Essentials Suite in 2020. I officially left my full-time job at Emory University in 2022, and I started my journey as a full-time entrepreneur.
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?
The road wasn’t and still isn’t always easy. In May 2018, I lost my mother unexpectedly to a heart attack. Navigating my 20s without a mom has been gut-wrenching at times. However, I found strength in continuing her legacy through entrepreneurship. I vividly remember my mom despising her job, but provision was her priority. She told me that she wanted to start a jewelry business. I wish that she would have had the chance. I realized I don’t know the day or hour I will leave this earth. I don’t have time. I had to start the business. My mom taught me faith. She was rooted in Christ. The best thing she could have ever taught me is how to believe in Jesus. That’s carried me through. In the thick of the pandemic, I became a mom in 2020. The transition to motherhood was not easy for me. I never realized how much work being a mom is. It’s a full-time job, but somehow the best thing I could have ever done. Every day I learn something new about myself. There’s so much to learn and unlearn, but pushing forward and promising a better life for my children is imperative to me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a marketing and branding strategist. I specialize in curating luxury brands for entrepreneurs and brand owners, offering premium and upscale services. I consult with my clients on brand strategy and business plans, and then we work together on their visuals. Marketing keeps me up late at night. I’m obsessed with how fast it changes every day. I’m proud of my ability to pivot and create unique brands that CONVERT. My clients can walk away with confidence and businesses they can brag about. My background in research and analytics (political science degree) allows me to dig deeper and go the extra mile for clients. I have a deep knowledge of how psychology affects buying behavior. I love a/b testing and get geeked out about finding ways to increase brand awareness through analytics. I’m also a Christian faith-based creative. I have unshakable faith in every business that I partner with. That makes me geeky, analytical, and Christian creative; I know that differentiates me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is to be mindful of what I tell myself and my thoughts. How often have you talked yourself out of doing something because of a negative belief or thought? I wake up daily and renew my mind because life happens to everyone. The important lesson is that you’re mindful of your perspective and how you view the highs and lows of your life. God is with me and calls me more than a conqueror, so I know I can do anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essentialssuite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiera.alexandra/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tieraward/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiera.alexandra
Image Credits
Professional Images: Kizzy Michelle Photography
