We had the good fortune of connecting with Tashia Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tashia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Achieving work-life balance is a daily challenge. As a mom and leader I had to first let go of mom guilt. Which gave me the opportunity to see all things in real time and determine real-life needs from the broadest perspective. I knew exactly how I wanted life to begin to flow and what it was going to take to get there. To reach my overall goals I needed to find balance and keep it immediately. This pandemic has taught me so much about myself. It forced me to begin moving and operating as my greatest self and start the day off showing up as her. Being a working mom does not mean you have to become less productive. When you truly want to maximize your goals you will find ways to make it work. In order to maximize your goals you have to stretch your thinking. Staying organized, Setting boundaries, Loving myself daily provided the energy behind the force to become the woman I always wanted to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got pregnant just a few weeks before graduation, when I was 18. I wasn’t prepared for all the things that we’re going to change. I knew I wanted more for myself and my child at that time so I started off working as a patient care tech. I fell in love with nurturing and giving hope to the elderly. Eventually it pushed me into the most promising career and I furthered my education into nursing. I worked so hard for what I wanted. By the time I was 24 I had two children. I knew my passion was people and my purpose was healing. About two 1/2 years ago I found myself struggling to stay satisfied in the hospital system. I didn’t feel like a failure but I wasn’t doing what made me happy anymore. I always promised myself the more I have the more ill give. Right before the pandemic I started mentoring children. It started out as me just being a voice for my baby cousin. I lost to gun violence and one day it just hit me. I felt so empowered making a difference. I began speaking to teens more and more who were going down similar paths. I wanted them to know the importance of not being a product of their environment and learning from the surrounding. Its not about getting out it’s about staying out. When the pandemic hit it became more and more challenging to reach those children physically. So I figured out ways to dedicate my time virtually. The more I mentored the more it motivated me. I became a life coach and a beacon for those parents who also needed grace while trying to maintain during a stressful year. Im a strong believer you heal the parent you heal the children. I relocated to Houston as the communications director for S.M.O.O.O.T.H and now the active Vice President and mentor for mindset180academy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is huge I would definitely start off with a Day Trip to Galveston. I grew up on the gulf coast so I have a soft spot for water. I’m such a foodie and Chefs in Houston have put this city on the culinary map . I know so many people that want to visit just to eat and have a good time. Some of my favorite restaurants would be “Taste-Bar + Kitchen” and Soul food Vegan. It gives a little bit everything no matter who comes to visit. I always tell my friends to leave on Monday. Because Sunday Funday is a must. Seaside has done it for me for months as my go to spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to name a book that changed my life it would be “Peace from broken peices” by Iyanla Vanzant. In many books she uses her own personal experiences to show how life’s hardships can be revisioned. Life lessons teach us as we grow, and heal. As a woman I’ve learned through life that I can always change my story at any time.

Website: www.mindset180academy.com

Instagram: iam_natashia

Linkedin: Natashia Taylor

Twitter: takswithtashia

Facebook: Natashia Taylor

Other: Vice President/Youth mentor : Mindset180academy

Image Credits
Harold Mansell of Mansell Photography.

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