Today we’d like to introduce you to TiAna Willis.
Hi TiAna, 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?
When I was younger, I was always surrounded by music. My dad would sing and play instruments in his studio, and he’d let me sing along with him, while he played the guitar. I didn’t fully understand what it meant that he was in a band, but I knew music was a part of life, and I was singing for as long as I can remember. I remember being in first grade, performing in a talent show—I didn’t win, and I was disappointed. Afterwards, my mom took me to TGI Fridays, and I sang karaoke there. We got our meal for free, and that moment changed me. As a first grader, I didn’t fully grasp that I could sustain myself with my gift, but I realized that my voice was powerful and that it could create opportunities for me.
Throughout my childhood, music was always my constant. I was in every chorus program I could join, graduated from a performance arts program, and spent countless hours writing, singing, and recording myself. I started recording myself at 14, during a time when I was battling cancer. That’s when I got my first MacBook and a microphone, and I began recording my own music seriously. First covers, then writing to free beats. I had also met artists on Facebook and would collaborate with them remotely, just sending in vocals. Although I’d written songs as a child, this was the first time I was recording them on my own and really exploring my sound.
Even with all that early passion, like many young adults, I let survival mode take over. I chased material things and fast money, putting my gift on the back burner. But even during those years, I never stopped singing. Something inside me was always calling me back. In 2018, I released my first single, Migraines, across all platforms. It did well, but I didn’t yet know who I was as an artist, so I struggled to follow it up. Those early disappointments made me step back and focus on survival, but I never stopped feeling that pull toward music.
Eventually, I realized that nothing outside of my gift was truly fulfilling me. It wasn’t just a career move. It was a deeper pivot in my life, a realization that music is not just what I do, it’s apart of who I am. I made the decision to put my art first, and I went all in. I began to sell features, background vocals, and hooks. I wrote songs to shop to well known artists. I hosted writing camps. I joined an amazing band called The Creatives of Atlanta, and started performing consistently. Once I began to make a living with my voice, I felt the confirmation that I was on the right path. Today, I am consistently accepting gigs, recording, and have just released a new single while working on a full project.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road but a lot of my struggles came from resisting who I truly am as an artist. I was often afraid of what people would think if I fully showed my voice, my singing, my writing, and my overall image. That fear caused delays. I would plan to release a song and then change my mind, or put something out and take it down because I wasn’t fully confident in it. I realized that much of the struggle came from being in my own way.
Beyond that, there were small hiccups with partnerships. I wouldn’t say anyone deliberately tried to harm my career, but sometimes the people I partnered with didn’t have the same hunger and passion for my work that I did. I’d expect us to build something together, and it wouldn’t happen the way I hoped, which left me disappointed and sometimes caused me to pause. So, my biggest struggle along the way has been me. Once I shifted my mindset, the road became smoother. Of course life continues to go on, so I may have a release or a show and my personal life is experiencing challenges, but I have to still power through. In the past, this would be one of my “struggles”, but with realizing that this is bigger than me, I’ve learned to overcome and stay rooted in my mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a vocalist, songwriter, and creator in every sense. Whether it’s performance, hair, makeup, merchandise, content, or full bodies of work. I love writing music, putting together shows, and bringing ideas to life. I specialize in singing and songwriting, and I’m known for being able to write strong songs quickly, as well as for having peaceful, captivating vocals that are relaxing but still command attention. I have a very unique sound—you can immediately recognize when it’s me.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to collaborate with others and contribute to tracks that connect with people. I’ve been fortunate that the songs I’ve been a part of have resonated with listeners, received positive feedback, and achieved success in different ways. I take pride in being able to add something that elevates a track and helps it reach its full potential.
What sets me apart is my overall sound and my story. My story is intricate but relatable in many ways. I’m not just a pretty face who can sing, and I’m not just another singer focused mainly on romance. I have a real story, and I have something meaningful to say. I have spent years alchemizing my life experiences and I’m here to encourage others to do the same. I created the “Confidence T-shirt” with the quote “Turn Doubt into Confidence”. This is a line from my recent single “Tell U Nothin”, where I explain that I came from small beginnings and I’ve grown from that by believing in myself fully. I originally wrote this song for my son, who I hope will listen to it one day and be inspired to fully live in his purpose, as I have chosen to do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is being able to do what I love while enjoying life with my family, staying true to my values, and being a positive force in the world. It’s about influencing and encouraging others to shine their light, and creating a meaningful impact while living fully and authentically.
Pricing:
- Confidence T-shirt $25.92
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thetianawillis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetianawillis
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tiana-willis
- Other: https://tianascorner.myshopify.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAPegzZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafaPAJcawWUr053xbJqGqXEYxacWy7jXPD3zYoisFKPA4LL50pm_7QwYFWRMQ_aem_jXRUyPnjjt_TUGH_NmInBQ
Image Credits
Victor Floyd
Trisity Miller
Tim Rogers
