Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiyonna Watkins
Hi Tiyonna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Becoming of Me: A Story of Growth, Boundaries, and Unshakable Purpose
My journey hasn’t been easy. I started young too young balancing motherhood before I even had the chance to figure out who I was. I had no blueprint, no roadmap just the determination to push forward. I worked tirelessly, sacrificed more than I ever spoke about, and carried the weight of responsibilities that should have been shared. There were days when exhaustion whispered that I wasn’t doing enough, but I refused to believe it. My children’s faces reminded me why I had to keep going. They deserved a version of me who wouldn’t quit.
Love wasn’t always what it claimed to be. I learned through betrayal, through disappointments, through giving parts of myself that weren’t always appreciated that love without respect, security, and alignment wasn’t worth the cost of my peace. I’ve learned to be firm about my boundaries. I always knew what I should accept and what I shouldn’t, but being genuine and having a big heart often made me feel guilty for treating others a certain way, even when they deserved it.
You know how they say, “When you get tired, you’ll change things”? Well, I got tired. Tired of the disappointment, the betrayal, and the feeling of being unappreciated. I knew real boundaries especially as I got older needed to be set in stone. The kind that no longer wavered at sweet words or empty promises. So, I walked away from what no longer served me, even when it hurt. And in doing so, my self-journey truly began. I started to reclaim myself, love myself more, celebrate my victories big or small and, most importantly, give myself grace. Because, at the end of the day, there’s no blueprint or instruction manual for navigating life, parenting, or healing.
I’m not just surviving. I’m evolving.
I’m learning that growth will not always be pretty. Sometimes, it’s lonely. Sometimes, it requires me to shed old versions of myself that I once held onto. Some days, it demands silence no communication, just true isolation from the outside world. But I’m embracing it because I know I am stepping into the woman I was always meant to be the woman God sees me as. A woman who no longer questions her worth. A woman who knows her vision is bigger than any temporary setback.
I prioritize my peace and walk away from anything that doesn’t align with my future. I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup, so self-care no matter how small has become non-negotiable.
This is only the beginning. Right now, I’m juggling school, working toward graduation, balancing a full-time job and tax preparation, and even taking additional classes to provide a certain service to the public (to be announced—Shhh!). I started my own podcast, All Talk All Love, though I’ve placed it on hold as I continue seeking God’s guidance and clarity on my true purpose. Others tell me, “Just start again, Tiyonna,” but deep down, I know this journey is bigger than just picking up where I left off. Maybe my purpose is unfolding right now by sharing my story, inspiring others to start their own self-journeys, and reminding them not to give up.
There is no limit to what I can achieve. Right now, I’m setting the foundation for something greater. I’m proving to myself and my children that with resilience, discipline, boundaries, and a clear vision anything is possible.
Most importantly, I’m choosing self-preservation. I will no longer pour into spaces that drain me. I will no longer dim my light for the comfort of others. I will no longer ignore my own needs for the sake of keeping the peace. My well-being mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually comes first. Because I deserve to not just survive, but to truly live.
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?
At one point, I was juggling three jobs, running on little sleep, and barely having a moment to settle into the new home I had worked so hard to secure. Yet, no matter how tough it got, my commitment to my child never wavered even if it meant bringing her to work, where she would sleep in the closed lobby. Years later, I took another leap, moving to a different state with my kids, leaving behind family and stepping into the unknown without a support system. Now, with four kids, I sometimes pause and ask myself, How are you still managing?
The only family I have here is my best friend, but through it all, I’ve gained resilience, independence, and unshakable determination. Every challenge has made me stronger, proving that even in loss, there is always room for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a mother of four, a business-minded individual, and a woman dedicated to growth, resilience, and success. I juggle multiple roles working a 9-to-5, preparing taxes, and attending community college to further my education. On top of that, I’m taking specialized courses to offer a new service to the public (announcement coming soon), constantly expanding my knowledge and skills. Deep down, I know I’m not meant to work for anyone but myself. With faith as small as a mustard seed, I trust that God will prevail. My story is already written I just have to walk through the experiences to see it unfold.
I thrive on adaptability and perseverance. Whether it’s balancing multiple jobs, navigating motherhood, or forging my own path in business, I’ve learned to tackle challenges with resilience and grace. I also launched my own podcast, All Talk All Love currently on pause which was created to inspire and connect through real, meaningful conversations. My goal will be to explore different perspectives and spark discussions that could lead to thoughtful, opinionated solutions for the world to consider.
People know me for my determination, independence, and strong sense of self. I’m the one who keeps going, no matter how many obstacles stand in my way. I am still learning and growing, striving to be known for my ability to set boundaries, honor my self-worth, and embrace my journey flaws and all.
I am most proud of my resilience and my ability to push forward, even when the odds were stacked against me. Raising four kids while working and pursuing my dreams hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never given up. I’m also proud of my personal growth in learning to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, stand firm and fully embrace the woman I’m becoming. Most importantly, I’m proud that I am setting an example for my children. I’m showing them what hard work, perseverance, and faith can achieve.
What sets me apart is my mindset I refuse to let circumstances define who I am. I don’t just survive; I evolve. I’ve faced setbacks, but each time, I rise stronger. I know I’m one of God’s chosen to bring something meaningful to this world. I don’t just dream; I take action. And I don’t wait for opportunities; I create them.
I am building something bigger than myself, and my story is proof that no matter how hard life gets, there is always a way forward.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The pandemic forced me to see things for what they really were, not just about myself but also about others. During that time, everything became clearer the things I once overlooked, the people I once trusted, and the love I thought was genuine. The isolation and the challenges we all faced brought truths to light, and I realized that not everything or everyone I had invested in was worth it. Love, for me during that period, became a deep disappointment. I had placed trust in people and situations that didn’t offer the same respect, support, or loyalty I had given in return. It was a painful lesson, but it ultimately opened my eyes to what truly matters and showed me where I needed to dismiss myself from .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shyessencevibes_?igsh=MTBwdGI2Yzd0cTdpOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E92Vwp7Vg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chicagoanshy?si=dVXl2_gviJx4rSrF
