We had the good fortune of connecting with Tadia Franko and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tadia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
So for me, I believe I have taken a lot risks in my life, both professionally and personally. I wouldn’t say I take risks without understanding the consequences; whether good or bad outcomes. I’ve always been at a place where I knew what I was doing, and I was okay if nothing worked out, and if things did…great! I would say right now, I’m at that same crossroad of every move I’m making in both work and personal are high risk, and I’m at a place in my life where I’m at peace with whatever happens going forward. I am someone that is very creative and a hard worker-I learned that from my parents-but I’m also not afraid to be someone living in my car, or working at the grocery store to pay my bills if it comes to that because I know that I’m still going to pursue the things I love regardless of any situation or title I have. And that when you’re okay with losing it all, and your at peace knowing that titles, or life circumstances don’t bother you, taking risks, whether big or small, don’t phase you the same because you’ve already learned to let go of all the things that could potentially hurt you by situations or by others. I hope this is all making sense, but I do hope what people take from this, is that life is a continuous wheel of high risks situations and learning to find peace beforehand, when everything hits the fan (so to say) the risks, and the chances you take don’t seem as big of an obstacle because you’re already okay with losing everything. So in that, that opens a lot of opportunities to diminish the risk, and be comfortable with the outcome(s), whatever they may be.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m definitely still only at the beginning phase of where I want to take my creativity and my capabilities, I currently work full-time with Disney, on the boardcasting side for live events, like NBA, NHL, MLB and college sports events. That is an exciting and challenging part of my career, something I really worked hard to get into despite not having a film studies degree. And I think that those challenges in itself, sparked me to get into putting out my content and photography and showcasing my skills, because at the time, I felt it would better my chances of getting into the field I wanted to be in. Do I think that it has brought on some challenges in my professional career outside my my freelancing? Absolutely, I think sometimes people are quick to judge based on what they see, and I understand that but again I have no fear of losing everything because I know I’ll just keep creating regardless of where I go or what I do. I love painting it brings me so much peace, and that’s really what a lot of my work and content is, is creating things that either I enjoy or need to get out, because I feel like creating is a very healthy outlet of letting go of bad things that happen in a persons life, so I always encourage people to do that, or at least try. I love working brands, that’s been such a fun experience for me. And it’s honestly been so unique to make connections with people I otherwise would have never interacted with if I hadn’t gotten into a creative field. A good example of that is the owner and founder of Flatbike, Bob Forgrave, we collaborate through our socials, but have made real-life genuine connections and friendships and I’m so grateful for that. I’m grateful to have so many good people in my life, with so much compassion and kindness towards others; I tell business this all the time, it makes such a huge difference. For me, it never comes down to quality of product but always kindness and respect by the business and the people I interact with on their teams. I feel I may have gotten a bit lost in this explanation, but these are the things I’ve learned along the way, and really kind of got me to where I am at right now-even though where I’m at is completely unstable, I’m confident that things have a way of working themselves out. Creativity and kindness are such a beautiful part of life, I know that regardless of where I go, or what I do, I’m always going to create because it’s what I love, and I’m always going to love the people around me, even if they chose to hate me.
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?
Oh this is a fun question. I’m a huge coffee fanactic, so my Adele tours are going to be a lot of coffee shops and pastries shops. First thing on the list, Tiny Box, it’s a little restaurant in downtown Houston with a plant shop attached. Tip, only go in the mornings as the crowds friendlier, and it’s not so long of wait time. I love to get their biscuits and jam, with an almond milk late, and once we’re done, walk across the lawn to their plant shop and get me a little plant (which great prices by the way, and all plants are from Oregon). I’d probably have us go inside their little shop and grab a really cute and good smelling bar of soap (it’s just something I enjoy). Afterwards, make our way down to some parks, enjoy a walk, do some photography, pick up some lunch at Whole Foods (can’t go wrong with either their sushi, or a slice or two of their pizza -on of my favorites), and either head back out to a park or just hit the road and find somewhere new. I’m really into doing things that are really relaxing to the mind and body, whether that be hitting up a day at the spa, (Shoutout to Massage Heights in The Woodlands -you all are so awesome and have such a great team) or getting some art supplies and having like a communal art party where everyone just creates. Photography is always included in my ventures, so sometimes it’s mini photo shoots. I love being out on the water so if I can get anyone out with me to go kayaking or canoeing I’ll do it! That’s pretty much the type of ventures you’ll find me bringing people to along, but don’t get me wrong, ending with a nice drink or two at the bar every now and then is definitely a good time. 🤍
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents. My family deserve a lot of recognition for the constant support and love the give and have given me despite my failures (or like my last question, risks that didn’t work out). I’ve gone through a lot in my life, like most people, but my parents and my family has always kept me grounded. Always been there when things got too much to bear on my own. Sometimes, understandably, they haven’t always agreed with my decisions, but have always been there regardless of the outcome. They were examples of love, and kindness towards everyone. They never cared about people’s titles, fortunes or misfortunes in life, they cared about people, regardless of who they were or are. So in that, I feel that they really taught me how to show love and compassion, how to understand the beautiful and sometimes cruel world that we all face and how to go forward despite any obstacle or objection I may face. So, I would love to acknowledge my parents and my family for that.
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