We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tia Zatonya Brightwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tia Zatonya below.
Tia Zatonya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
Yes, my business serves underserved communities, and this is a story that resonates deeply with my journey and the mission of Through It All, INC (TIA). After my diagnosis with Lupus and Fibromyalgia in 2013, I faced unimaginable challenges that left me feeling isolated and vulnerable. The struggle of leaving the workforce, going through a divorce, and experiencing homelessness with my four children was a dark time in my life. It was during this period that I realized how many families like mine were grappling with similar hardships, often feeling lost and without support. In Savannah, Georgia, where I now run my small businesses, many families in marginalized communities face barriers to education, resources, and basic opportunities that others take for granted. This is where TIA comes into play. We recognized that these communities were underserved, and felt a calling to change that narrative by filling gaps and breaking down barriers in our communities. Our 501c3 organization was founded on the belief that by educating youth and empowering women, we could uplift voices and create pathways for thriving lives. For example, our 8-week summer program focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Art, and Music) to spark creativity and critical thinking in youth who may not otherwise have access to such resources. Through our workshops, we empower women to take control of their lives, emphasizing their dreams, mental health, and physical well-being. One story that stands out is of a single mother who participated in our Focus on HER series. Initially hesitant and unsure of her abilities, she gradually opened up and began to share her dreams and aspirations. With the support of our community and the tools we provided, she started her own small business, transforming her life and that of her children. This is just one example of how TIA is helping to serve an underserved community by providing the resources and support they need to thrive. Through my personal experiences and the initiatives we run, I am committed to shining a light on these communities, ensuring they are no longer overlooked but instead celebrated for their potential and resilience. My businesses are a reflection of this mission, and together, we aim to foster hope and create lasting change.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Meet Tia Zatonya Brightwell—a true Lupus Warrior and Survivor who is passionate about uplifting others. As a devoted mother of four, an inspiring Entrepreneur, and a heartfelt Author, Tia embodies resilience and faith. Based in the (Westside) downtown of Savannah, Georgia, she is the proud owner of two small businesses that reflect her commitment to community and empowerment.
Tia’s journey has not been without its challenges. After receiving a diagnosis of Lupus and Fibromyalgia in 2013, she faced significant obstacles, including leaving the workforce, navigating a second divorce, and experiencing homelessness. During this dark time filled with pain, anxiety, and depression, Tia discovered the profound importance of healing. With her children by her side, they embraced faith and sought support from family and community, setting the foundation for their recovery.
In 2019, Tia co-founded Through It All, INC (TIA), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to EDUCATING youth, EMPOWERING women, and ENGAGING families in marginalized communities. TIA amplifies voices and creates opportunities through various initiatives, such as an 8-week summer program focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Art, and Music), a 6-week online tutoring program for math and reading, and enriching winter field trips. Additionally, TIA offers the Focus on HER workshop series—a transformative 7-part program designed to help women take control of their lives by prioritizing their dreams and both physical and mental health.
In 2020, Tia Brightwell expanded her entrepreneurial journey by launching a small telecommunications and marketing company. She is also the author of “A New Day: All It Takes is a Spoonful of Hope,” a book that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those navigating their trials.
Tia lives her life with a mission to preach the gospel and serve her community, always striving to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Her unwavering spirit and dedication to uplifting others truly define her brand and impact.
How’d you meet your business partner?
The story of how Glenada Davis and Tia Zatonya Brightwell became co-founders of Through It All, INC is a testament to the power of faith, connection, and shared purpose. Their journey began at Step Up Savannah Neighborhood Leadership Academy Class #9. At that time, Tia was facing a challenge—she didn’t have a car and needed a ride to the class. In a moment of spontaneous inspiration fueled by her unwavering faith, she decided to approach Glenada, a woman she barely knew, with a bold proposal: to become co-founders of an initiative aimed at filling gaps, and uplifting their community. Glenada, taken aback by Tia’s initial thought, “This lady is crazy!” However, after going home and reflecting on Tia’s proposal through prayer, she felt a stirring in her heart. That moment of inspiration ignited a partnership that continues to thrive to this day.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2020, as the world faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself at a critical crossroads in both my personal and professional life. As a mother of four, the weight of the situation was especially heavy. My small businesses, which were rooted in community engagement and connection, suddenly faced significant obstacles. The uncertainty forced me to reassess my approach and pivot to meet the evolving needs of the community we served. With the launch of my telecommunications and marketing company in the same year, I realized that my vision for Through It All, INC (TIA) needed to adapt. The pandemic had heightened the existing disparities within marginalized communities; families were struggling with remote learning, and many women faced increased challenges in balancing work and home life. I knew that my mission to educate, empower, and engage could not pause, even if our traditional methods had to. We had to pivot some of our TIA initiatives to online accessibility. We transitioned our 6-week After 3 program into a virtual one, one that allowed children to engage in science, technology, entrepreneurship, art, and music from the safety of their homes, and allowed youth to continue the STEAM curriculum from our 8-week in-person STEAM Summer Camp. Collaborating with local educators and artists to create engaging content, ensuring that our youth could still access quality education despite the constraints. Additionally, our Focus On HER program for women became a beacon of hope during this tumultuous time. Through workshops focused on mental health and self-care, we cultivated a supportive community that empowered women to reclaim their dreams, even amid chaos. This pivot not only helped sustain our programs but also deepened our impact. We reached more families making these vital pivots allowed us to connect with individuals in Savannah and the surrounding area, spreading our message of hope and resilience far and wide. Looking back, this experience was a powerful reminder that adaptability is crucial in both life and business. It reinforced my commitment to serve and uplift others, even in the face of adversity. As I continued to preach the gospel and serve my community, I found renewed strength in my purpose—transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiathroughitall.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiazatonyabrightwell/profilecard/?igsh=c25xZjV2ZHF6YzZ1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiazatonyabrightwell?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-z-brightwell-949a79132?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TiaZBrightwell
Image Credits
T.I.A. Youth
TZB Trailblazing (Tia Brightwell Lady Z)