We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tatiana Easley – Batie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tatiana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Starting a business is always a leap of faith, but imagine doing so at one of the most uncertain times in recent history. That’s exactly the risk I took when I launched a brand-new business with my son just one month after the world shut down during the pandemic. With no employees but us, I invested every dollar in my bank account, hoping it would be enough to cover our rent. I was nervous and unsure, but the determination to make it work fueled me. Little did I know, this risk would not only pay off but also redefine our lives.

We started small, grinding every day to make and deliver orders. Our efforts began to pay off, and we eventually saved enough to purchase a new car. But life has its twists—minutes after driving off the lot, the car broke down. With no extra money to repair it, we found ourselves hustling harder than ever to keep the business afloat while covering unexpected expenses.

As things began to stabilize, I made another risky move: relocating back to Las Vegas, hoping for the same success we experienced in California. But things didn’t go as planned. After one strong week, sales plummeted, and we struggled. The timing couldn’t have been worse—I found out I was pregnant, which made balancing my responsibilities even more challenging. Still, my son’s unwavering determination kept us going. He had a dream: to turn our small business into a food truck.

With no road map or resources, I emptied my account yet again to buy a utility trailer, and together, we hit the streets of Las Vegas looking for help. We faced countless slammed doors and moments of discouragement, but giving up wasn’t an option. Finally, we connected with someone who guided us through the process of converting the trailer into a health department-approved food truck.

Over the next three years, we sacrificed, saved, and poured our hearts into this venture. Today, my 16-year-old son runs Chily Barkers, a thriving food truck business that has accomplished more than we ever dreamed. From being featured on the Food Network to receiving city proclamations and awards, this journey has been extraordinary.

We’ve experienced both gains and losses, but every challenge taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and faith in ourselves. Taking that initial risk during the pandemic was terrifying, but it opened doors to a legacy of perseverance and success that my son and I now proudly share.

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

Tatiana Batie, the 2024 Ms. Black Las Vegas, is a dedicated leader and community advocate. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the NAN Youth President, she is committed to uplifting her community. Co-founder of the Melanated Models Foundation and momager of the food truck Chily Barkers, Tatiana is using her platform to unite her brands under “Bridging The Gap,” a mission to build leadership and confidence in Las Vegas youth. She is passionate about empowering the next generation through modeling programs and is working toward opening a community center to further her impact.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Becoming a teen mom was a defining moment in my life. At just 16, I was faced with overwhelming doubt and criticism from those around me. People told me I would never amount to anything, that my dreams would have to be put on hold, and that my life would be full of struggle. But I refused to let their words define me or my son’s future. Instead, I used them as fuel to prove everyone wrong.

Raising my son as a teenager was no easy task. I juggled school, work, and motherhood, often running on little sleep and sheer determination. My focus was always on creating a better life for him and for myself. I made sacrifices, leaned on faith, and pushed through every obstacle, knowing that the life I wanted for us wouldn’t come easy.

Fast forward years later, I found myself driving my son to college—a moment that felt like a victory lap. It was emotional, not only because of his accomplishment but because it symbolized how far we had come together. Here was the boy people doubted would have a chance at a great future, now pursuing higher education. It wasn’t just his victory; it was ours.

But that wasn’t all. While I continued to grow personally and professionally, my son was working toward his entrepreneurial dreams. Together, we built his business, Chily Barkers, from the ground up. What started as an idea turned into a thriving food truck that has gained recognition, awards, and even national attention. Watching him become a young man with vision, drive, and success filled me with pride.

Today, I’m happily married, running my own ventures, and celebrating the success of a son who has defied all odds. Our journey wasn’t without challenges, but it was filled with resilience, faith, and determination. We proved that no matter where you start, with hard work and unwavering belief, you can rewrite the narrative others try to impose on you.

This journey taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship—it’s about thriving in spite of it, breaking barriers, and inspiring others along the way. I’m living proof that being a teen mom doesn’t limit you; it strengthens you and gives you the drive to achieve what others deem impossible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Life often requires us to pivot, especially when juggling multiple roles. One of the most significant pivots I’ve experienced was learning to balance being a mom, wife, entrepreneur, and maintaining a social life. It wasn’t just about finding balance; it was about redefining priorities, creating structure, and embracing flexibility.

The turning point came when I realized that my family and businesses were growing simultaneously. I was managing my son’s entrepreneurial dreams of starting a food truck, running my own ventures, nurturing my marriage, and still trying to maintain a sense of self. It was overwhelming at first, but I knew something had to change for me to keep thriving in all areas.

The first step was involving my family in my journey. I made my roles as a mom and wife part of my entrepreneurial world. For example, my husband became my biggest supporter, often helping me plan events or manage logistics. My son wasn’t just a child I supported—he became my partner in building his food truck business, teaching him the importance of resilience and hard work.

Next, I restructured my days to focus on what mattered most. I created schedules that allowed me to dedicate time to my businesses while carving out moments for family dinners, outings, and even date nights with my husband. I also became intentional about my social life, attending networking events or community gatherings that aligned with my personal and professional goals.

There were sacrifices, of course. Late nights working on projects, missed social events, and moments of exhaustion. But every pivot came with valuable lessons. I learned to delegate, ask for help when needed, and set boundaries to protect my time and energy.

Ultimately, this journey taught me that pivoting isn’t about giving something up; it’s about finding ways to integrate your goals and values into a cohesive life. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built a lifestyle where I can be present for my family, run successful businesses, and create meaningful connections—all while staying true to myself. It’s not always perfect, but the beauty is in the growth and the ability to adapt.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceo.tatiana?igsh=Nmh2enB3bXhkZnQy
• Facebook: Tatiana Batie

Image Credits

Photos by Shots By Dre
Outfit Cosmic Eco
Hat Prowess Designs
Hair Myesha (Madame Muse)