Tiara Nicole Riley is a motivational speaker who focused on mental health, time management, and women’s empowerment. She has published four books all centered on developing the reader’s individual experience within their personal challenges. Additionally, she serves as a Business Coach who works step-by-step with her clients in individual and group settings to be able to ensure transformation. She covers personal and business development topics to meet her clients where they are and grow along the journey together!
LM: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
TR: I am a human who has committed my life to helping others at every opportunity possible. I have been able to do so through written word, as a motivational speaker, and as a business coach. I use openness and transparency to ensure that I am able to touch the next person and let them know they are not alone.
LM: Tell us about your business.
TR: Through my business, I have had the pleasure of doing a number of things! I host events, I am a motivational speaker, I am able to assist other business owners to build solid foundations, and I am a 4-time published author. The best blessing of my business is the ability to help others chase their dreams in a strategic way!
LM: What prompted you to start your business?
TR: Obedience to God has prompted every decision I’ve made in my business. I hosted my first event because I heard very clearly from God that I needed to do so, and this year we’ll be hosting our 5th annual #LovingMe conference! I published my first book because I heard God very clearly tell me that my story could benefit the life of someone else.
Everything I do, especially in my business, I view God as my business partner and only do the things I feel him telling me to do. Most importantly I stop doing things I no longer hear him telling me to do. Obedience to God’s word for my life has guided me in business over the last 5 years.
LM: Have you always aspired to be an entrepreneur? Why or why not?
TR: I have always known I was going to be an entrepreneur. As a 2nd generation entrepreneur, I saw what it looked like to work hard, sacrifice, and live as a Godfident business owner. I knew that was the life I was working towards, I just didn’t know what I would be doing, yet.
Thankfully I have since discovered my God-given purpose and being obedient every step of the way has allowed me to touch the lives of others.
LM: What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
TR: The autonomy. Although that freedom comes at a price, I have the ability to control my schedule, my future, and my vision. I have complete control (and responsibility) over what happens in my business and as a creative that gives me intrinsic rewards.
LM: What’s the worst part of being an entrepreneur?
TR: Being your own boss is TOUGH. Our culture has begun to glamorize the idea of being your own boss but when you really step into that role, you understand how challenging that can be! There are no guarantees in entrepreneurship, you have to earn everything. Every payday, every opportunity, and every client. It’s all up to you…
LM: Who’s your inspiration? Why?
TR: The next generation.
My twins who I miscarried in 2016 have been pushing me every single day. When I left them in the hospital, I made a promise to them that I’d spend the rest of my life ensuring that their lives have a purpose. I also dedicated my energy to creating a life they would’ve been proud of.
My baby sister motivates me because I aim to be the best example of #BlackGirlMagic I can be for her. Being 10yrs older, I’ve made every major life decision knowing that she’s watching and learning by my example. That understanding has motivated me to make the best choices I can make in every moment. I’m far from perfect, but I am giving life my best efforts because of her!
My 8 nieces and nephews push me as well. I want them to SEE that they can live their best lives and chase their dreams fiercely. Representation matters and when they get older I want to be able to SHOW them how to strategically chase their dreams. I also have every intention to fund their dreams and/or invest in their education so that they can get a head start on life.
My baby girl. As I transition into being a mompreneur, I am in awe of how that can motivate you to change for the better. You think your life is going well, and suddenly you realize how much better you could be doing. I made the decision to create this life (with my partner) and she deserves the best that life has to offer her. That understanding pushes me to charge my worth…because she deserves that much from me.
LM: List some of your greatest achievements
TR: Being a 4-time published author feels amazing and I couldn’t be more honored to have had the opportunity to share my story in a way that helps others.
As a business coach, I am strongly invested in the accomplishments of my clients…a win for them is a win for me!
Transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship was the biggest accomplishment in my business, I worked hard for years with that goal in mind.
LM: Name a time when things didn’t go right. What happened and how did you get past it?
TR: There are plenty of times things don’t always go right, but I make every effort to learn from them and apply those lessons to move forward. When I started my business I always told myself that even if just one person is benefited from my efforts, it’s worth it. That reminder pushes through those challenging times and allows me to stay focused on the ultimate goal. Thankfully God is a gracious God and when I need it most, he sends me that reminder by way of someone telling me how I’ve been able to bless their life.
LM: Where do you see your business in 3 years?
TR: That’s a hard question to answer because I just aim to be obedient (to God) at every opportunity possible. Whatever He tells me to do is what I will do. Also knowing that everything will change when baby girl arrives and my top priority will become being her mommy.
With that being said I know that my business will always be centered on positively benefiting the lives of others. Everything I do will be done in that effort and will be sure to remain pure, transparent, and open about the challenges that come along the journey.
LM: What advice would you give a new entrepreneur?
TR: HIRE. A. COACH!
You don’t know what you don’t know and it’s worth the investment. If you had a choice between a GPS and a roadmap…you’d choose a GPS right? Well the GPS is a coach who can give you turn-by-turn directions and a roadmap is YouTube/Google University where you try to teach yourself. Sure you’ll get there, but a coach can help you get there quicker and more efficiently.
Also, stay consistent. I truly believe about 75% of what I’ve been able to accomplish has come from staying consistent and working on my dreams every day. Some days it’s 30 minutes, some days it’s 10 hours. But I’ve touched my dream daily for the past 4-5 years and the results are what you’re able to see. Don’t work for someone else’s dream without working hard for yours.
That last 25% comes from being obedient to the direction of God and ensuring I’m doing what He says…when He says. Ultimately, delayed obedience to God is disobedience…so when you are sitting on a word from God and not doing your part you’re being disobedient. God will move mountains for one person, so when He tells us to do something we could be connected to someone else’s blessing. Don’t be selfish and make that person wait because you’re being lazy. God always rewards obedience…so don’t wait.
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http://tiaranicoleriley.com