We were lucky to catch up with Tia Teasley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Launching a business can be overwhelming with a solid plan, imagine launching one without one. Before I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I took the time to discover my “why.” You may have heard the phrase “establish your why” frequently in business seminars, and for good reason. Every idea should begin with a clear purpose. Why am I starting this business? How will it benefit my target market? What drives my passion for bringing this idea to life? The truth is, your “why” must outweigh your sacrifices. Consider what you are willing to give up to make this idea a reality. A wise friend once told me, “If your why is not greater than your sacrifice, you will struggle to finish the task.” Reflecting on her advice, I realized she was absolutely right.

Next, from my “why,” I identified a pressing problem that required a solution. In my nonprofit, I recognized a significant community of homeless individuals, domestic violence victims, and families in need of emotional and financial support during their transition to stability.

Thirdly, I conducted thorough RESEARCH. I delved into my target market, competitors, and the industry related to my prospective business. This research phase also involved attending networking events to engage with like-minded individuals. I encourage every aspiring entrepreneur to connect with people who are either where you aspire to be or are on a similar journey. Often in business, it’s not just about what you know, but also about who you know. Throughout my journey, many of my opportunities arose from connecting with the right individuals. Your research will provide both qualitative and quantitative insights into why your problem requires a solution.

Fourth, building on the first three steps, I asked myself, “How can I contribute to solving this problem?” During this phase, I established clear objectives and goals to outline how I could implement my solutions. After setting my goals, I assessed the resources I had compared to those I needed. This analysis enabled me to network and assemble a team that was equally passionate about addressing the issue at hand.

Lastly, keep pushing forward and don’t give up. Initially, it may feel like support is scarce. I encourage you to focus on those who are eager to back your efforts, even if they aren’t the people you expected. I discovered that many want to witness the work being done before fully committing their support. Be accepting of others supporting at their own pace, and concentrate on those who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in your target community. Whether you have a million supporters or just a couple, continue to pursue the work you are meant to do. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Many know me as The Duchess of Brows. Since 2016, I have been the proud owner of a waxing studio in North Raleigh, specializing in eyebrow waxing services, which include eyebrow mapping and tinting. We also offer advanced treatments such as brow lamination, eyelash enhancement applications, and full body waxing services. When you schedule an appointment with us, we take great pride in customizing our services to fit your unique needs. Our eyebrow services begin with a consultation, followed by sculpting your brows to enhance your facial features and structure. Additionally, as a licensed instructor with the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Arts, I provide continuing education courses for licensed beauty professionals that focus on skin physiology, esthetic science, advanced waxing techniques, and personal and professional development.

My nonprofit organization, Love Overload, is a passion project close to my heart. When people ask about it, I share that it originated as a grief initiative after the loss of my dear mother in 2016. In my sorrow, I longed for the comfort that only a mother’s love can provide. I embarked on an 8-day fast filled with prayer and meditation, during which I felt compelled to share love with others in need. With the encouragement of my supportive sister-friend, I took the initiative to volunteer. Remember, your circle is vital! If your friends aren’t holding you accountable and helping you grow, it might be time to rethink those connections. Eventually, I gathered a team of volunteers, including several friends. Before long, we began monthly visits to the Women’s Center of Wake County to serve and spread kindness through our community efforts. The love we infused into our projects led to the creation of Love Overload. To date, Love Overload has been a beacon of light to may women and families who are searching for a sign of hope and love during difficult times.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Throughout my journey, I have learned the significance of healing from rejection and recognizing when I need support. Coming from a large family, I understood the value of connection and community. As a child, I was often overly critical of myself academically. In adulthood, I realized this was due to my tendency towards “perfectionism,” driven by a desire not to disappoint my parents, teachers, or role models. Eventually, I discovered that my motivation to succeed stemmed from a need for acceptance and validation. Along my journey of transformation, I learned that they love me regardless so all the pressure that I put on myself was unnecessary. It’s amazing how seemingly minor issues can escalate into larger problems if left unaddressed.

Honestly, therapy and a strong prayer life played a crucial role in helping me unpack childhood traumas that I hadn’t recognized as such. If you find yourself struggling to move beyond certain traumas, try writing down the specific situations and how they made you feel at the time or in the moment. Then, trace back to the first instance you experienced that emotion. More often than not, you’ll uncover the root of the issue.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

To embody resilience, one must face a challenge or some form of difficulty. My life is a testament to resilience. I believe I am no different from anyone else who has faced hardship, loss, or navigated turbulent times. My most powerful stories of resilience revolve around my ability to rise again when life’s challenges feel overwhelming and exhausting. As a Christian, I often reflect on Romans 5:3-5, which states, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” From a young age, I learned that trials can strengthen us if they don’t break us. Our response to adversity begins in our minds. In my mind, I affirm, “I am STILL here; therefore, I have purpose.” Recognizing my purpose inspires me to understand that there is still work to be done, which keeps me resilient.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/gracefully.misstiat
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully.misstiat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-teasley-4a785847/
• Other: www.theduchessofbrows.com
  www.loveoverloadinc.com