Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Rae.
Hi Tiana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been a mix of passion, resilience, and learning how to keep going even when things felt uncertain. I’m a mother of four, and for a long time, my focus was simply surviving and showing up for my family. But creativity was always a part of me. Whether it was herbal medicine, reiki, storytelling, performing, or expressing myself through fashion and beauty, I knew deep down that I was meant to create. My journey into the industry actually began at 15, when I first started modeling. It was something I pursued on a whim that turned into love and passion for the work, but at 20, when I became a mother, my priorities shifted. I devoted myself fully to raising my children, pouring my time and energy into motherhood during those foundational years.
As my children got older, I found my way back to myself creatively. At the end of 2024, I made the decision to step back into the industry—this time with more clarity, purpose, and life experience. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to walk in major runway shows including New York Fashion Week, Dallas Fashion Week, and International Fashion Week, which have all played a role in rebuilding my confidence and presence in the fashion space.I started stepping into modeling and acting in a more intentional way, taking opportunities that allowed me to grow, even if they weren’t always paid. Runway became a space where I felt confident and seen, and from there I began exploring voice work and eventually filmmaking. Creating my own projects gave me a sense of control and purpose—I wasn’t just waiting for opportunities anymore, I was building them. Beyond modeling, I’ve expanded into acting, appearing in projects such as Landman, Lioness, and films like My Plus Size Bachelorette, Whispers in the Dark, and Contusion, as well as the stage production Reparations: The Stage Play. Each project has helped me grow as a performer and storyteller.
Now, I’m stepping into filmmaking—something that feels like a natural evolution of everything I’ve experienced so far. I’m currently preparing to begin production on my first short film, The Space Between Us, in May 2026. At this stage in my life, I’m not just pursuing opportunities, I’m creating them—and that shift has been the most powerful part of my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been a lot of challenges—personally, financially, and emotionally. Becoming a mother at a young age meant putting many of my dreams on pause, and for a long time, my focus was simply on providing, nurturing, and holding everything together for my family. That season taught me strength, but it also came with sacrifice.
Stepping back into the industry later in life brought its own set of obstacles. I was starting over in many ways—rebuilding confidence, relearning the space, and navigating opportunities that don’t always come with financial stability. In industries like modeling and acting, there are often expectations to invest time, energy, and even money upfront without guaranteed returns, which can be difficult while raising a family.
I’ve also faced moments of self-doubt, burnout, and questioning whether I was on the right path. Balancing motherhood, creative pursuits, and financial pressure isn’t easy. But every challenge has pushed me to become more resourceful, more intentional, and more resilient. It’s not a perfect journey, but it’s real—and it’s shaped me into someone who refuses to give up on building the life and career I know I’m capable of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative working across modeling, acting, and filmmaking, with a strong focus on storytelling and emotional connection. No matter the medium, I’m intentional about bringing authenticity and presence into my work—whether that’s through movement, performance, or the stories I choose to tell and create.
What I specialize in most is storytelling rooted in real emotion and lived experience. I’m drawn to work that allows me to explore depth, vulnerability, and transformation. That passion has naturally led me into filmmaking, where I’m currently developing my first short film, The Space Between Us, set to begin production in May 2026. It’s a project that reflects my desire to create meaningful, impactful stories that resonate on a deeper level.
Outside of my creative work, I’m also a certified herbalist (since 2017), a Reiki Master (since 2022), and an Ifa practitioner. Those practices have played a major role in shaping who I am. They’ve taught me how to stay grounded, trust my intuition, and move through challenges with resilience and intention. That spiritual and healing foundation directly influences my creativity—it allows me to connect more deeply to the energy of a scene, a character, or a story.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to keep evolving. I’ve had to rebuild, refocus, and push forward through challenges, and instead of letting that stop me, I’ve used it to refine my purpose. I’m proud of the fact that I’m not just waiting for opportunities—I’m creating them.
What sets me apart is my perspective and intention. I don’t approach this work on a surface level—I bring life experience, emotional depth, and a strong sense of purpose into everything I do. I’m not just here to participate in the industry, I’m here to create work that moves people and leaves a lasting impact.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is creating—whether that’s bringing a character to life, telling a story, or expressing myself through fashion and beauty. There’s something deeply fulfilling about turning emotion and experience into something tangible that can connect with other people.
My spouse and children are also at the center of my happiness. Being their mother has shaped me in ways nothing else could. They’re a constant reminder of why I keep going, why I push through challenges, and why it’s important for me to build a life that reflects purpose and passion.
I also find happiness in growth and alignment—feeling like I’m evolving into who I’m meant to be. Through my practices as an herbalist, Reiki Master, and Ifa practitioner, I’ve learned how to stay grounded and connected to myself, even in uncertain seasons. That sense of inner peace, combined with the ability to create and care for my family, is what truly fulfills me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopftenp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thee.tianarae
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thee.tianarae
Image Credits
@kaydub.photos @iamchrissyh @world_runwaycircle
