Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Nicolas
Hi Tara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Tara A. Nicolas, a Washington, D.C. native with Haitian roots, now proudly calling Brooklyn home. My artistic journey began at the age of three in Lomé, Togo, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. After earning my B.A. from UPenn, I pursued my passion to the bustling streets of New York City. You may recognize me from my work in commercials, leading workouts on Netflix’s Nike Training Club series, or from my roles in episodic television, including the CBS series FBI and Godfather of Harlem on MGM+.
As a multi-talented artist, my career in acting, singing, and dancing has led me to collaborate with industry icons such as Beyoncé, Queen Latifah, Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Fatima Robinson, and Megan Thee Stallion, among others.
Beyond the spotlight, an unexpected life event led me on a lasting wellness journey, fueling my roles as a Global Nike Trainer, Reiki Master, and Meditation Instructor. When I’m not programming a spicy workout, I dedicate the rest of my time to community healing. With a deep passion for holistic health, I host and support wellness events geared toward women and communities of color, including one of my more popular events—Tea Time with T. For more about me and my work, visit my wellness company—Avocho.co.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A little over two years ago, I discovered I had fibroids. The diagnosis process was challenging on its own, but the next two years felt like a roller coaster. During that time, I navigated the Hollywood strikes, lost my “fancy” health insurance, negotiated a significant contract, got engaged, and moved apartments—all while continuing to work nonstop.
The first few doctors I consulted were so dismissive of fibroids, treating them like chipped nails that I could easily trim. The only advice they had was to “just get the surgery and get it over with.” I tried everything – cleanses, womb retreats, therapy, infrared saunas, acupuncture, herbs, colonics – you name it. While these treatments were absolutely working, by the time I found the right practitioners to help me heal naturally, my fibroids were so large I chose to have the surgery so I could start family planning.
Finding the right surgeon proved to be just as challenging – requiring round-the-clock self-advocacy. I even brought my fiancé to a couple of appointments to make sure I wasn’t misinterpreting or imagining the dismissiveness I was encountering. In the end, I underwent an open myomectomy in May, and thankfully, the surgery went well. I’m healing better than I could have expected, and I am profoundly grateful. I credit this positive outcome, in part, to the cleansing I did beforehand to ensure I was in the best possible health.
Another crucial aspect of my recovery was reaching out to my community. I overcame my fear and shame and reached out for support, especially from black women. They shared valuable advice and insights, including a list of questions for doctors and tips on preparing for surgery day – like what clothing and pillows to bring – ultimately, they helped me feel more supported and less alone.
Lastly, learning to trust my instincts, especially when I felt calm enough to hear them, was crucial. For example, from my pre and post-natal training, I knew seeing a pelvic floor specialist could be helpful. Although my surgeon, who’s a gem by the way, did not feel it necessary, she still gave me a referral. My sessions with the specialist were incredibly helpful, allowing me to prepare my body and set realistic expectations, along with a game plan for what to do the moment I woke up.
Post-surgery?
One thing that really stands out to me is how much I was carrying before the surgery—constantly pushing myself without giving my body the rest it needed to break free from the fight-or-flight mode. During my recovery, I was advised that walking would be the best thing for me. So, I started taking leisurely walks to the park, and let me tell you, it was so healing! Walking purely for the joy of it, while soaking in nature, was such a gift. I plan to make this a lasting habit.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tea Time with T is a quarterly community conversation that is bringing healing spaces back to the neighborhood. It provides a safe space for people to come together in fellowship around current events, life-changing moments, mental health, self-care, relationships, and other topics that affect an individual’s day-to-day. The goal is to have candid conversations with the support of trained facilitators and professionals. At Tea Time with T, we bear witness to each other’s testimonies while simultaneously walking away with actionable items, tools, and resources on how to move forward with our healing.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
All things nature – parks, beaches, mountains – I love it all! My happiness is more rooted in gratitude than ever before. So, I’d also add time with loved ones and the most exciting for me this year – I got married!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taranicolas.com/
- Instagram: @Taraanicolas
- Facebook: @TeaTimeCommunity
