Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatianna Interview.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a small-town girl with big dreams and goals. I started modeling and acting with an agency in Columbia, SC, DeAbreu Modeling and Talent Agency, when I was 16. I originally started with solely being interested in acting, but I developed a newfound love and understanding for modeling. I never thought I could do it because I thought I was too big, not confident enough, and just too awkward. I was very naïve to a lot due to me being the youngest around others most of my life. I was the oldest at home but youngest around my friends and classmates and there was a lot I had to learn on my own living in an ever-changing world and wanting to work in an industry that is also always evolving.
Every connection I’ve made from the time I first started training to where I am today, I have made myself. I’ve come across so many people with seniority, people who have become mentors to me. I currently do runway and print modeling while getting back to working on my acting skills. I will be participating as a runway model in the upcoming Charlotte Fashion Week shows for the first time on September 23rd-25th which I am super pumped about! With me now being 22, I have changed so much! My confidence has grown, I’m so much more wise, and very open-minded.
I plan on becoming a multi-business owner one day and would love to help others who need that guidance and push the way I need it. I am currently a brand ambassador and Assistant Interior Decorator at Stoi’s Design Company so please check us out on Instagram! I met Stoi during Columbia Fashion Week as one of her runway models! She has been leading me to new opportunities and giving me so much advice. I have so much more to come in my life. I am growing everyday and I plan on continuing to elevate, network, and work to make my name known to have a positive impact on the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has not fully been a smooth road. I’m definitely thankful for how far I have come and the fact that The Most High has allowed me to still be here to keep trying and pushing forward. I struggled with identity and purpose, and also being in car accidents not having your own vehicle to get from place to place on my own time and will. I was in a bad car accident in bad weather which caused me to total my precious SUV.
Life isn’t all about the material things and sometimes we have to be reminded of that if we lose sight and don’t take time to breathe. Depending on others can sometimes be a real difficulty when you’re such an on the go person like myself. But once again, it’s materialistic and a problem that can be fixed! With my identity, I struggled finding out where I “fit in”, but the truth is, you won’t stand out if you always try to “fit in”. Being around people who were negative and tried bringing me down was also a struggle.
We have to surround ourselves with positive and smart people who want the best for us and show it. I let friendships, bad relationships, and even family bring me down to the point where it made me depressed. I had to gain my motivation back, grasp reality, and find my faith so I took a hiatus from social media and this year is really when I’ve been getting back on. I’ve accomplished way more than I thought I would and it’s only up from here!
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 am a runway model and Assistant Interior Decorating. In my town, I’m mostly known for runway modeling which is something I am super proud of due the fact that I never thought I could actually do it. I felt like an awkward, clumsy, funny-shaped person. My confidence was low because of social standards and personal insecurities when in reality, I shouldn’t have let those people get into my head. But today, I can say I’ve graced the stage in over 7 runway shows for experience and to make my resume juicy! I also feel more beautiful than ever! I recently just started as a Certified Assistant Interior Decorator with Stoi’s Luxury Living with Stoi’s Design Company and you can check us out on IG under that name because we would love new customers!
Designing and creating is something that I’ve always learned to do since a child so I’m excited that I finally get to start on one of the MANY things that I’m interested in! I am so proud of myself and how far I have come through all the challenges and obstacles. My biggest accomplishment so far is definitely still being here. And the fact that I’ve gotten myself to where I am today because of my personality, talent, and tireless hard work means everything. I get another chance to make each day, month, and year better than the last. I get to continue to network and have the opportunity to make something great of myself. That’s what makes me different, along with being relatable. I NEVER give up no matter how tough it gets or incapable I feel, I make a way. I’m a force to be reckoned with and I want to show the world you can make it no matter what you’ve been through, where you’re from, or what you look like.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
There’s a lot of things that make me happy. Reading is definitely one of them. I love to elevate my mind and learn new things. Self-teaching is a great skill I developed and I love to keep my mind sharp and learning what new words mean is fun to me. It helps me expand my vocabulary. Modeling is also one of the few things that truly excite me and make me feel at peace. I love being a canvas for other artists and designers to use to express themselves because not everyone wants to be in the forefront in that manner. But as a curvy black woman, I feel like representation is very important and I love that I get to make a statement without using words. It’s empowering!
Modeling along with Photography also helped me grasp and display my confidence. It’s hard trying to live up to a social standard that isn’t so “standard”. So I get to create what MY definition of beautiful is behind the camera and on the runway! Authenticity and diversity! Now those are two words that make me happy. Food and sleep also make me happy because they’re both ways to release and revitalize!
Contact Info:
- Email: mtatianna42@yahoo,com
- Website: https://www.stoisdesigncompany.com
- Instagram: _Royal.T.__
Image Credits:
Koarms Photography
Breitani Turner
Tatianna Martin
