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

Tia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In January 2019, I decided to take a leap of faith. It was a hard decision because people knew me as an event planner and editor, mostly. What I was about to venture into made sense to the people closest to me, but for everyone else, it was different. I would create a place where corporate women could become their best selves and do this by adding value through coaching. I made flyers and put them up in coffee shops. I sent out invitations to friends and family. I reserved space in three different locations around Nashville and surrounding areas. I was ready for my big turnout. I showed up at the first session. One person was there. Just one. I was so excited she joined, but I was discouraged. During the next meeting later that week, two people showed. By the end of the week, we had six people.

Now we’re a full-fledged nonprofit organization, still hosting small groups, but with a reach that goes beyond our community.

It’s not the size of the risk you take that is important. What’s important is that you refuse to play it safe. Taking small risks will lead to bigger ones. “Big trees grow from small seeds.” Taking risks is essential when you’re trying to reach a goal. I could’ve let the small attendance distract and discourage me from moving forward, but I had a goal in mind. I’m grateful I took the risk.

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

Hey, I’m Tia from Lebanon, Tennessee and I grew up in Nashville. I was pregnant as a teenager and immediately “guided” into marriage with my child’s father. We were married into harsh living conditions with little to no money. Shortly thereafter, my husband became abusive in every way. Eventually, I escaped gathering all my daughter’s and my things and moved into a domestic violence shelter.

I knew I wanted better out of life for me and my daughter, and I also wanted to create more opportunities for the women in the shelter. The shelter provided job opportunities and essentials, however, some of the women had bigger dreams and goals. When I left the shelter, I got a job working in corporate for ten years. I noticed there was a lack of mentorship for women who wanted to move up and forward. Coaching is expensive, and many women aren’t aware of its benefits. I had my purpose. To help women who could use a helping hand.

In January 2019, I started a small group called T Time for corporate women and entrepreneurs to have the tools they needed to thrive in their careers. Then in September 2022, I launched T Time Foundation not only to provide coaching and mentorship access to corporate women, but also to women coming out of recovery programs, and to teenage girls. This format sets us apart from other organizations and helps us reach the underserved.

Our organization features virtual cohorts throughout the year and contracts certified coaches and mentors to fill the need and impact women’s future. The donations we receive go directly toward helping women and girls have affordable or completely funded access to coaching and mentorship so they can live up to their potential.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for our new nonprofit thus far has been our testimonials and lunch and learns. We launched our cohorts in January 2023 and have had much success coaching women this year. Some of the success stories include women who have taken the leap and left their full-time jobs to focus on their entrepreneurial pursuits. These women were in the position to make that leap. Some have used our resources to get jobs through our partner organizations. Some have negotiated better salaries and have been promoted.

These success stories and word of mouth testimonials have driven traffic and interest to our lunch and learns and website. I believe whatever marketing strategy you use in your business, make sure it’s genuine and authentic and you clearly define the problems you solve for people. People can tell authenticity.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

These books have impacted my life and the way I think about business and purpose:

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren: This book planted the seed that stirred my gifts and helped me focus on purpose and how I can serve others.

You2 by Price Pritchett: I read it often when I want to be inspired to maximize my potential.

The E Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It: I read this book with a small mastermind group, and it changed the way I view business completely.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itisttime.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttimefoundation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085098436448
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lee-m-s-4288bb26

Image Credits
Tyler Buntin, Jasmine Cole