Meet Tiona Nicholas | Blogger and People Specialist

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

Hi Tiona, what do you attribute your success to?
In the bustling world of social media and blogging, where content is king and engagement reigns supreme, it’s easy to get swept up in trends, algorithms, and strategies aimed at boosting visibility and clicks. Yet, amidst the noise, there’s one lasting principle that stands out above all: authenticity.

When writing for Tiona Lynn Blog, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of everything I do. It’s exactly why I have a blog in the first place. In a landscape saturated with curated perfection and filtered realities, I’ve found that staying true to myself and my values is not only refreshing but also the key to fostering genuine connections with my readers.

The digital space is saturated with content, reiterating similar themes ad nauseam. Amidst this noise, I believe the real value lies in offering readers a raw, unfiltered experience. People crave authenticity; they seek vulnerability and realness. By baring my true self through my writing, I have been able to forge meaningful connections with my audience and these connections are my driving force.

I’ve found that my readers resonate with my honesty, finding solace in knowing that they are not alone in their experiences, in this complicated, messy, yet joyous life. This connection forms the foundation of trust and loyalty, ultimately paving the way for success.

While trends may come and go, authenticity remains timeless. It is the beacon that guides Tiona Lynn Blog through the ever-changing landscape of the digital sphere, ensuring that each piece of content resonates with a genuine voice, celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the strength in vulnerability, and the magic of being true to ourselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In a past article with Voyage Dallas, I had the opportunity to reflect on my professional journey that has been anything but predictable. What began as a passion for Criminology eventually unfolded into a captivating career in HR and People Operations—a transition that surprised even me. It’s a path that, at first glance, may seem like a series of random events, but in hindsight, reveals a beautiful tapestry of growth, resilience, purpose, and ongoing passion for people.

I was certain Criminology was my path, dead set on it. Yet, life had other plans in store. Through a twist of fate, I found myself navigating the dynamic world of HR, where every challenge became an opportunity for learning and growth. In this space, I surrounded myself (and still do) with mentors and leadership that encouraged exploration, elevated my voice and ideas, embraced failure as a stepping stone, and celebrated the impact we can make on individuals’ lives. The time, patience, and guidance that was poured into me by leaders and mentors ignited a passion within me to uplift and empower others in ways I never thought possible. And it’s a commitment I carry with me every single day, as I strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and shine professionally and beyond.

Today, I stand proudly in the tech startup arena, serving as a People Professional. It’s a role that constantly challenges me to push boundaries, innovate, and redefine what it means to create a thriving workplace culture. Every day presents new opportunities to absorb knowledge, to refine my skills, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those I interact with. My passion in the people space has opened doors that have led me to become an advisor for other tech startups, speak on panels, consult on up and coming platforms and tools, and mentor others.

At the core of my professional ethos lies a simple yet profound belief: the power to leave people better than I found them. It’s not just a motto; it’s a guiding principle that shapes every interaction, both personally and professionally. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative magic of kindness and connection, forging bonds with individuals whose stories have touched and inspired me in ways I never imagined. You truly never know the impact someone can have on you by a simple conversation and I challenge you to listen to someone’s story, you might become inspired yourself.

Through my journey, I’ve come to realize that life rarely follows a linear path. It’s okay to deviate from the script, to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that shape our destiny. Because in the end, it’s not about sticking to a rigid plan; it’s about navigating the journey with resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering belief that everything happens for a reason.

So, to anyone out there who may be grappling with a deviation from their carefully laid-out plans, I offer this reassurance: trust in the process, embrace the detours, and know that every twist and turn is a stepping stone on the path to your true purpose. Your journey may not unfold as you initially envisioned, but rest assured, it will lead you exactly where you need to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is such a fun question because I have lived this scenario several times. Considering I’m writing for Voyage Dallas, I obviously live in Dallas, however I don’t just live in Dallas, I live in the very heart of Dallas, the heart of Downtown and trust me when I tell you there is never a dull moment.

For breakfast, we would eat at Starship Bagel, City Hall Bistro at The Adolphus, or Commissary.

For lunch, we would eat at Patrick Kennedy’s Irish Pub, Twisted Trompo, or Record Grill.

For dinner, we would eat at The Henry, Uno Mas, or Wicked Butcher.

For a drink, we would go to Catbird, Midnight Rambler, Pegasus City Brewery, or the bar at The Sweet Tooth Hotel.

For a night out, we would go to One-Eyed Penguin, Rodeo Bar, or walk to Deep Ellum.

If it were a friend visiting the area who likes sports or concerts we would walk to the American Airline Stadium and watch either the Mavs or the Stars play, see a concert, or a comedy show and have dinner at Yellowtail Sushi Bar & Steak or JINYA Ramen Bar.

If it were a friend who liked shopping and bubbly, we would walk to Neiman Marcus and purchase a mini bottle of champagne out of the champagne vending machine inside the department store.

If it were a friend who enjoyed animals we would walk to the The Dallas World Aquarium or drive to the Dallas Zoo.

If it were a friend who enjoyed art, we would walk to the Perot Museum, Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) and have lunch at one of the food trucks in Klyde Warren Park, go to the Reunion Tower to see the entire city of Dallas, or take a picture in front of the Giant Eyeball in front of The Joule Hotel.

If it were a nice day in the Fall or Spring, we would walk to the Dallas Farmers Market and explore, grab lunch and then watch a movie in the lawn at AT&T District and grab dinner in the Exchange Food Hall.

If it were the Summer, we would walk over to The Joule Hotel, rent a cabana on their rooftop for the day, cool off in the infinity pool that overlooks the city, and end with dinner at Sassetta (the Italian restaurant at The Joule Hotel).

There is truly something for everyone here in the city, even if it’s just going on a walk to take in the views and the people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout wholeheartedly to my readers – the lifeblood of my blog. Without you, my words would merely echo in the void. Writing is not just about putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard; it’s about forging connections, sparking emotions, and igniting thought. Each time you engage with my work, you breathe life into my writing. Your presence transforms mere words into a dialogue, a shared experience that transcends the boundaries of space and time.

Your support fuels my creativity and inspires me to delve deeper, to explore further, and to share more authentically. It’s your unwavering encouragement that emboldens me to peel back the layers of vulnerability and reveal the raw essence of my thoughts. Your simple “Thank you” or “I needed this”, carries the weight of significance, reminding me of the profound impact that storytelling can have on the human soul.

So, to each and every one of you who has taken the time to read, to reflect, and to respond, I extend my deepest gratitude. You are not just readers; you are companions on this journey of self-expression and discovery. Your presence enriches my writing in ways I cannot fully express. Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure.

Website: https://www.tionalynnblog.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tionalynn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiona-nicholas-701887178/

Image Credits
Kristine Pantoja and Mallory Anderson