Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Michele Walton.
Hi Tia Michele, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely!! I’m actually a scientist by trade, but I’ve always loved all things fashion. For several years, I had struggled with my weight. It fluctuated for a while until finally reached my highest weight of 280 lbs. I was extremely defeated at that weight because, though I loved who I was, it was an adjustment. I had always been smaller, until my health became vulnerable. One thing that I always found difficult to purchase at that stage in my life was swimwear. I love to travel, so as superficial as that may sound, swimwear was extremely important to me.
I made a decision to alter my health and lost over 100 pounds, Opening Taste Swim was a gift to myself, but was also a way for me to ensure I could provide quality, luxury swimwear and coverup pieces to women of various shapes and sizes from pieces for the more conservative to those who like a lot of sexy. I also intertwined my scientific roots by creating our all-natural SPF shimmering body butters by hand.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It did not start off that way. I’m a natural hustler, so hard work within entrepreneurship was not difficult for me. Building relationships with vendors and attempting to find REAL quality fabrics was the biggest struggle. I refuse to sell items that I wouldn’t wear. So I constantly keep that in mind as I test products and fabrics.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a scientist by trade. I’m originally from the great state of Mississippi and I’m certain that my upbringing taught me perseverance, grace, and grit.
With respect to my business, I am both the owner and the CEO. Taste Swim is known for having luxury, high quality swimwear that every woman can feel confident and sexy in. We are natural queens and bosses and we should look like that in every aspect.
I think in hindsight, I’d have to say that I’m mostly proud of just starting. So many times we have visions to start a new project or a business and we don’t execute for whatever reason we tell ourselves. I’m so glad I didn’t do that this time.
Taste Swim is different, simply because there’s only one “us”. We don’t want to be like anyone else. We have a real story that real people can relate to. I pride myself in that. Our customer service is also top notch!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes! I follow a ton of business owners and influencers on IG. Two of my favorites, @herlifesparkles and @india_arie_ have content e-books that I love. I also listen to “Girl CEO” podcast. I recently purchased “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill so that one is next.
To keep me grounded, I rely on my faith. I pray and meditate daily and write down my goals and aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Email: tastebytiamichele@gmail.com
- Website: www.tastebytiamichele.com
- Instagram: @tasteswim
- Facebook: @tastebytiamichele
- Other: TikTok: @tasteswim
Image Credits
Adrinie Freeman
