We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tierra Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tierra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Being raised an only child, I played a lot of dress up with my moms hand-downs, and played with Barbie dolls. I listened to music artists like Madonna, Rick James, Janet Jackson, MC Lyte, Alanis Morsette and more pop stars of the 90s. I watched a lot of movies, so it was inevitable that I would find my way to being on stage. From what I truly can remember, I was 17 at a house party and for the first time saw a DJ performing right in front of me. While my friends were outside and smoking cigarettes, I was inside being a wallflower watching the DJ. I remember being in the backseat of my friends car thinking, “I want to be a DJ”. From there, I involved myself the best ways I could learn to DJ. This was at a time before Instagram existed, and Facebook was just becoming popular. So I had to learn on my own how to put myself out there as a performer. I landed my first gig at 20 years old and have been soaring ever since.

Tierra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I first started, I really try to play underground, electronica music, and not focus too much on main stream, which helped me stand out from other DJs. Eventually, I started to play more mainstream so I could get into bigger venues and really expand my horizons getting booked as a DJ. This was still at a time where it wasn’t very common to see female DJs. I think because of that I was able to really focus on what Womyn wanted to hear on the dance floor and connect more clearer with the audience.. now I am experienced in private and corporate parties, weddings, clubs, festivals, restaurants, and more. I tried to play something that everyone will like, not just focus on one targeted audience all the time. I just like seeing people have fun.. I definitely try to empower people on the dance floor, a health escape from Life’s worries and be expressive..

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I like to make people feel good and inspired on the dance floor. When people have troubles in their life, especially in America, I want them to leave all of that at the door and dance it out. When I see people with their eyes closed and head down and they’re just moving, I know It’s a sort of out of body experience with themselves. The DJ world is booming right now so to have aspiring DJs look up to me, is such a reward. I want to exude an energy that makes people want to join me. I love the feeling of being powerful when performing. When it comes to DJing someone’s wedding or a private party and I’m able to execute exactly what they wanted, makes me very proud of myself. It’s so important that you know what songs to play and at what part of dancing that really keeps the energy flowing for the client. The DJ agency I work for in LA, the corporate companies would say they always wanted me as their first option, but if I wasn’t available, they will take what they can. It feels good to be valuable and desirable in my line of work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve always imagined myself on stage in front of a sea of people ever since I was a kid. So there’s something about fulfilling that dream for me. But I’d say the biggest thing is being able to travel. Traveling makes me feel free. For a long time, I felt my Desire to move around was maybe a negative thing.. but now I realize it’s my soul doing what it wants. There’s so much out there, why would I want to entertain the same crowds? My mission and goal that I visualize, is being at an outdoor venue with a gorgeous sunset playing really good underground house music in front of a large group of people who are dancing along with me. Being financially abundant doing this, when I’m ready to settle down, I want that desert oasis house Where I have lots of cool animals I take care of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mothertierra
• Soundcloud: Mother Tierra

Image Credits

@karyablanigne
@strawberryshoots
@eleeesem
@wherezmykeys
@justintown27
@reedandweep