Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiona Nicholas.
Hi Tiona, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like so many others, my story started one way and ended up in an entirely different direction. Ten years ago, I made the bold decision to leave behind my parents, friends, and the sunny beaches of California and embark on a new chapter of my life in Dallas, Texas. Little did I know this bold decision would open more doors for me than I could ever imagine. Originally, I wanted to work within the Criminal Justice system, and I earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from USC, thinking I could encourage change in a broken system. However, after I moved to Texas, not only did I fall into the People Operations space and not the Criminal Justice space, I also started a blog so my family could see what I was up to while in Texas. Little did I know these two things would change my life and more importantly, the lives of others as well.
Although my blog started as a fun way to connect with my family and friends, it turned into so much more. It started as lifestyle, travel, and style and although I still talk about these categories, my blog has also evolved into well-being, leadership, and my personal favorite: my weekly quotes. It is my admiration for human potential that inspired the evolution of this blog—an outlet to share my experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Through my writing, I hope to not only touch the lives of readers but to also encourage self-love and personal growth. I firmly believe that it’s important to show people that they are not alone. Life is messy for everyone, and I try to show the good, the bad, complicated, and beautiful.
No matter where or what path I chose, there was always one common denominator – I continuously found myself drawn to understanding and uplifting those around me. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve, and it will turn into something even more beautiful than you can even imagine if you just trust the journey!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life would be so boring if everything went exactly how we hoped, right?! You learn your biggest lessons when the road gets bumpy. Think about it this way, you’re on a road trip, the road gets bumpy, and you get a flat tire – so now you’re hungry, frustrated, tired, and running behind schedule. No one is laughing while it is happening, but I guarantee you’re laughing about it a year later. You’re laughing at how you had to sit in the car and sing karaoke while you waited for help; you’re laughing at how quickly you scarfed down two hamburgers after you finally got some food; you’re laughing because that is the story you tell people as to why you now fly everywhere and no longer partake in road trips.
And look, I know life struggles are not always that easy. When I first started my blog, I was in my early 20s and I had no idea what I was doing (and quite frankly still don’t most days, just wingin’ it over here). Yes, it was for my family, but I still wanted it to look nice, so I studied what other bloggers were doing. While this was helpful in some aspects, my blog just ended up looking similar to everyone else. Over time, once I got over the comparison hump and just started posting my style, my favorite products, my most genuine thoughts, I gained subscribers that weren’t people from my circle. The second I let go of comparison and what others thought was the second I became unstoppable.
These bumps in the road are what make you strong, brave, and resilient. It’s also these bumps in the road who make you who you are and take you to the next level. If anyone is going to show up and instantly make your life better, just know that person is always going to be you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My blog is my greatest passion project. I enjoy spending my early mornings, evenings, and weekends writing and connecting with others. However, I also have made a really beautiful career for myself in the People Operations space. I am currently a Senior People Operations Specialist for a Security and Compliance company called Drata and an advisor for an automated communications company called ChangeEngine. As a Sr. People Ops Specialist, my role goes beyond the traditional human resources functions. I strive to leave people better than I found them and I do this by fostering a culture of trust, safety, inclusivity, growth, and well-being within the organizations and the vendors I work with.
I have been lucky enough to speak as a panelist on multiple webinars surrounding the significance of trust, connection, leadership, preventing turnover, and woman empowerment in the workplace. I have also been quoted on my work around the importance of 1:1’s in the workplace.
I feel incredibly grateful to have found a way to share my passion for others in all aspects of my life. By combining my expertise in People Operations with my passion for uplifting and connecting with others, I hope to create a valuable resource that empowers individuals to find fulfillment and success while also cultivating an environment of compassion and support in their workplaces and beyond.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There is no doubt that my friends and family deserve all the credit. They have been unwavering in their support and have had my back through thick and thin. It is their constant encouragement and belief in me that has pushed me to pursue my dreams and achieve everything I have in life up to this point. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering valuable advice, or cheering me on from the sidelines, my friends and family have played an integral role in shaping who I am today. Their love, guidance, and belief in my abilities have been the foundation upon which I have built my accomplishments. I am forever grateful to have such an incredible support system by my side. Extra special shoutout to my dad who is my absolute favorite person in the world. My Aunt: I wouldn’t be me without you. And James, Lauren, and Darius. Thank you will never be enough.
The leadership that I have had and continue to have in my professional career has been unlike any other. From the beginning of my career up to this day, I have been surrounded by powerful women, and if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am now. These women inspire me; they have shown me how to break the glass ceiling, have helped me find my voice, and taught me how to embrace every challenge that comes my way. Rita Selvaggi (former CEO of ActivTrak), Heidi Farris (current CEO of ActivTrak), Mindee Humphrey (VP, People at ActivTrak), and Kelsey Correia (HR Manager at Drata): Thank you for your unstoppable determination and showing me that women can lead fearlessly.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tionalynnblog.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tionalynn/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiona-nicholas-701887178/
Image Credits
Kristine Pantoja
