Meet Tiana Payne | Event Coordinator & Facilitator

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

Hi Tiana, what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who pursue their passions despite not knowing how they will reach the destination. It is so encouraging when I see others endure and persevere on that journey from just dreaming to creating goals.

What should our readers know about your business?
“Indie Affairs” is the name I went with for my business because it defines why I love arts & entertainment. Every individual starts as an “Indie” (or independent) creator who believes in themselves enough to chase their goals. Over the years I’ve been involved with different teams within the industry (ticketing, security, brand ambassadors, staging, marketing), and this has allowed me to develop a deep respect for the processes and the hard work that it takes to put on a great “show”-be it a sports game, festival, concert, halftime show, block party, video shoot, or seminar. I think that what sets me apart from others, is that I’m willing to take on any role because I know I will learn from it. I’m most proud of simply making the choice to fuel my passion for events when I recognized it was a way to live a life I love. That was my main challenge, being afraid of failing before I even started, or not knowing where to start. Imposter syndrome is real! I had to check myself (and my friends did check me as well) and recognize that all of the work I’d done on events in the past had more than prepared me for what might come. The thing that excites me most is my plan to open a multi-purpose venue in the future; owning a space where I can continue to assist others to bring their ideas to fruition will be incredible. I want to create a space where anyone who visits feels safe to share their vision, encouraged to make it happen, and supported along their journey,

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.
My friends and I are southern girls, so we would find a Waffle House (which is not hard to do in Georgia). My favorite restaurants right now are Southern Fire Kitchen, they have amazing southern cuisine; Bell Street Burritos (try the steamed shrimp burrito); and O-Ku, which is a sushi restaurant, we usually sit upstairs on the rooftop for the view. Jeni’s Splendid Ice creams are always a must. The Interlock is right nearby to go to the rooftop pool, St Germain French Bakery Cafe, or Holiday Bar, which is a fun indoor/outdoor Coffee & cocktail bar. Another nice spot for rooftop dining and drinks is HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern at Atlantic Station, and they have Karaoke Wednesdays! Ponce City Market is always great to shop, dine, or check out the rooftop amusement park, Skyline Park. The Village Market is a favorite store in PCM, they have this awesome saying “Support is a verb”. Also, Eleven tlc is a yummy tea and latte shop in PCM, they sell vegan soft serve ice cream! On Edgewood, Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar for dinner. Afterward drinks at Our Bar ATL; the owners and staff are amazing, plus they care about the community; often hosting food and clothing drives for locals in need in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Fun fact: I’ve been to over 50 Atlanta Braves baseball games! I worked on the retail operations team during the inaugural season at the new park in 2017, so much fun. The Battery Atlanta is home to the Braves baseball stadium, my favorite places there are the bar Sports & Social and the Coca-cola Roxy venue. On Saturday & Sunday Atlantic Station has a Maker’s Market with local vendors selling arts, crafts, clothing, etc., along with the retail stores, a super cool location for shopping and dining. Poke Bar for bubble tea and Antico-Pizza Napoletana for dinner before we hit the code.atl party held every Saturday night at Traffik Kitchen & Bar to end the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to Shoutout my parents, my grandmothers, my family, and my friends. I truly have a village that supports and encourages me to pursue my creative passions and fulfill my dreams.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-payne-0919b197

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tpaynee__

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndieAffairsGroup

Other: My personal IG page is @tpaynee_ https://www.instagram.com/tpaynee_/