Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to TiAna Hester. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

TiAna , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?

I just recently signed with a Talent Agency; Rae Agency, and to think of the experience I built without an agent, prior to getting signed to my second agency is crazy.

When I was younger, I had gotten signed to BLOC LA, a talent agency in Los Angeles, California. I was young, and just starting to get serious about my dance career. I had very minimal experience, and no portfolio. I was living 6 hours away from LA at the time, and was having to do a lot on my own. My mother had no idea how to help me, and really be a “dance mom”. I missed a lot of auditions and castings because of my lack of knowledge, and I eventually got dropped from the agency.

I moved to New York, about 2 years after that, and slowly built my portfolio as a dancer. I was able to make a name for myself and establish a career in New York without an agent. I had no idea, I would eventually move back home 7 years later, and audition for another agency. I had a complex, but I was able to face my fears, and what encouraged me was that I actually had a resume! I got signed to both the modeling and dance division, and I have been able to work as a full time artist!

TiAna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is TiAna Hester, I am a dancer, choreographer, creator, mother, teacher, and human! I started training as a dancer, at the age of eight years old. I started as a recreational dancer, training in Hip-Hop, then later expanding my training to ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater. At twelve, I was competing, traveling and continued performing and traveling as a dancer, with the company I had been with. I knew I wanted more, but I wasn’t sure how or where to start. My question was always how do I get on tv, or how do I get to dance for artist and tour? I started teaching dance once I graduated High School, in 2008, as a part time job. I knew that was something that I wanted to do as well, but hadn’t gotten my spark yet. I always knew my gift was in performing arts, so there wasn’t anything that led me to the industry that I am in. I was always there.

I started researched auditions, and put myself out there a little more to really make a career out of dance. In 2010 I started training at another studio, and started getting exposed to more. I started dancing backup for the studio owner, who was an artist; Corey Action- that’s what started everything! I ended up auditioning for a talent agency the following year, and I actually got signed! However, that didn’t end well because shortly after, I was dropped. I moved to New York City to pursue dance as a career in 2012. Thinking- as soon as I got there I was going to catch my “big break” .. that didn’t happen at all. I started out auditioning, and teaching at after school programs. As the time progressed, doors continued to open. I grew heavily into the fitness field. My goal was to merge dance and fitness together, and create an unconventional way of exercising. In 2017, I found out that I was pregnant, and that motivated me to create something of my own. That is how my business ‘Pray Sweat Slay LLC’ was created. A Faith and Fitness, focused brand, that encourages a healthy lifestyle, starting at the core of who you are. I wanted women who were taking my classes to know that they were heard, acknowledged, and considered in all aspects of my business. I wanted to remove the idea of “perfection” and help promote purpose. I wanted to provide mental, and emotional exercise as well as physical. Affirmations, prayers, conversations, and fun within my classes; public and private. In addition, my goal was to help women reach their fitness goals, and provide cute merchandise to give a boost of confidence!

I believe what sets me apart is that I care. Not about the aesthetic of things, but the heart of people. There’s an intentionality behind what I do, and that is to serve others.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was speaking up, and having to prove my point. I realized that true power lied in silence. As I got older, and matured more. There are things that don’t always have to be explained. As a believer, and a woman of Faith, for me my battles are always fought. Not by my words, but my wisdom. I used to the think I had to always speak up and prove my strength, whether it was in relationships, business, or general situations. I have a ton of backstories, but nothing I can specifically go in that will make the message more clear. Humility is important.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is inspiring others to utilize their gift as a artist/creative. Whether that be helping them through challenges, like combat creative mental blocks by coaching, and asking questions. Or, teaching dance. Helping my students grow as dancers, encouraging them, empowering them through their own movement. I love the power of art and what it can truly do. The reward is being able to share that with others!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.praysweatslay.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tianahester
• Facebook: Tiana Hester
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tianahester6576

Image Credits
Nneka Peters Hannah Hall Darren Talent