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

Alright, Tianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I grew up with a passion for the arts, in a sense. I was pretty talented at a young age, ever since I could look at a simple sketch and duplicate it. My talent took me to an audition and acceptance at The High School of Fashion Industries as an art and design student. Yes, I was an art major in high school, whose focus was on art studies. Although I had the same curriculum as a typical high schooler, I had an additional focus and classes on art, design, and illustration.

Within my first year, I transitioned into fashion design and acquired the skills to cut, sew, and design clothing. I graduated with honors and was the first out of my peers to receive an acceptance letter to The Fashion Institute of Technology, the State University of New York. I took a different direction in my career path when I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising, Marketing, and Communications.

Throughout my entire educational background, I interned under the umbrella of fashion and music entertainment in marketing, merchandising, and design with some of the most influential brands and agencies in New York City to date. The ethics of the corporate world at times were harsh, unforgiving, and even political – in many aspects it still is. But the best part of it all is how you define your success and purpose. What I learned from my educational experiences was my strength in bringing people together to connect, network, learn, build, and bring a great sense of fulfillment in redefining success within your creative autonomy.

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 Tianna Boswell-Porter. I’m a writer, journalist, branding maven, and marketing consultant. I’m a New York native who currently resides in Southwest, Florida. I moved to the area in 2015 three years after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and I’ve spent most of my time exploring the community through artistically immersive and creative efforts. My skills led me to create a blog, called The Localista. It is a lifestyle and creative forum of personal journeys, local interviews, and being open to learning a thing or two from others. The idea continued to evolve into a mission through the growing need for an e-meet entrepreneurial space, to evolve through connection, meaningful feedback, and collaboration.

The platform has blossomed into archives, of free writing materials, and collaborative story perspectives. It also offers brand opportunities to partner. Our multidimensional lens as a brand focuses on rare and profound materials that make for great takeaways.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Your network will help point you in the right direction – especially when you’re unsure. It is okay to ask for help or even more information. A smart business person knows that yes, they can do it all themselves but they shouldn’t (if they can help it). You need to go to your local professional groups, or community and ask for what you need. Whether it be a mentor, a lead on a job, or connections, It is important to tap into the groups you’re affiliated with to get some perspective. I also encourage remaining teachable, if you can pick up something new, like a continuing studies course, or get certified in an area that will enhance your craft.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

It helps that I understand people. The goal is to understand your demographics by conducting market research along with gathering data and insights. These are the strategic tools used to create a plan for results. The only way you build your reputation is through creating impactful change within the community that ultimately leads to positive results. Establishing your brand’s vision and mission will support understanding your brand’s purpose and helps with outlining the process for business growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.thelocalistablog.com
• Instagram: the_localista
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianna-boswell-porter-48b3743b

Image Credits
Photography by Brandon Porter, The Portwell