We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TAVIIA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi TAVIIA, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Ha. This is a really funny question for me because if I’m being truthful with myself and everyone reading, not a day goes by that I don’t think my life would be easier if I wasn’t an artist. The reality is, it would be. The entertainment industry is so tough and critical that no matter how strong-minded I might be, it’s hard to ignore the static that surrounds me. I go through periods of self-doubt, insecurity, feeling like I’m not doing enough— feeling like my time is running out. Most of the time I say to myself, ‘Tav, just go get a regular 9-5’, get you a nice 401k and be stress free. But I would never do that. Never in a million years. Why? Because I love my art. I love my music. Moreover, I’m passionate about my music. Making music is the thing that makes me the happiest in this world. It’s my purpose. Why else was I blessed with my talent? What a waste if I never used it. Or if I stopped to work a job I know I’d be miserable doing. I couldn’t do that to myself. So I push through the negative every single day because even with all of the frustration that comes with being an artist, there’s nothing on this planet that I’d rather be.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is TAVIIA and I’m an RnB artist from Miami, FL. I spent most of my childhood living in Pembroke Pines, FL. My love of music started at 5 years old when my mother put me in piano lessons. To be honest, I hated those lessons. But I loved the piano. I was in elementary school when I learned I could sing. My mom sent me to sing in the church choir where I sang every Sunday until high school. In high school is where I met Mrs. Kidd, my drama teacher, who really pushed me to pursue Musical Theater in college. I auditioned for New World School of the Arts and got in. During my time there, I was able to really get to know my voice and what my strengths and weaknesses were. I began journaling and really got a knack for writing. I journal to this day. Once I left, I took everything I learned and applied it to my music. It took me a long time to be confident enough to put my songs out. I write everything I sing and my lyrics are personal to me. Eventually I realized that there’s always someone out there that can relate to what I’m talking about. For every 5 people that hate it, there’s 1 that loves it— and that 1 is all that matters. As I continue on this journey, I gain more confidence every day. I have a single out—‘Would You Love Me’. And I have an EP out— ‘Sincerely, T’. I even started making beats. I’m so excited about where I’m headed. I think it’s going to be a hell of a ride.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly, I think I really just want to make my parents proud of me. And I really want to do that doing what I love. I can’t even put into words how much they have done for me— how much they’ve sacrificed for me. I definitely was not the angel child, ha. I want them to never have to touch their retirement. I don’t even think they know this, but they are a big reason I haven’t given up.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Seeing the finished product. Whether it’s a song, an album cover, an EP— it doesn’t matter. Nothing compares to the feeling of conceiving an idea, executing it and seeing it come to fruition— seeing it’s impact. It’s like, euphoric. Knowing I put the work in and did the damn thing. It’s the best part hands down by far.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/iamtaviia
- Twitter: twitter.com/iamtaviia
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Diego Jeanty Akio Allman Melissa Bibliowictz Delmar Bailey