Meet Tiekeria Wilkins | Retired Army Veteran, Author, Mindfulness & Accountability Instructor

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

Hi Tiekeria, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent, in terms of impacting my children, is to ensure they know their thoughts, opinions, and emotions truly matter. I remember what it felt like to be a child and feel as if I had no control over myself, my choices, or the world around me. So, I strive to create an environment where my children feel empowered and heard.

From a young age, I have encouraged them to express their emotions and interpretations of situations. They are never required to blindly follow without questioning or bottle up their feelings just to make others, including myself, comfortable. I believe that fostering a sense of autonomy is crucial. They know it’s okay to ask questions, decline offers, and stand up for themselves.

Additionally, my children understand that with autonomy comes responsibility and sometimes consequence. As a parent, I teach them right from wrong and guide them, not push or force them to do the right things. This approach helps them recognize that their choices have impacts and that they must take accountability for their actions.

This way, they not only feel valued and understood but also learn important life skills. Leadership and self-confidence are built from childhood, and my goal has always been to nurture these qualities in my children, ensuring they grow up feeling capable and respected.

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.
A few years ago, I came to the profound realization that the most significant aspects of who I am stem from the struggles I have endured. While it may sound cliché, it’s undeniably true. I grew up with an often-absent father and a mother who faced her own battles, which meant I was frequently cared for by a group of individuals I refer to as “My Village.” Throughout my life, I have endured mental, physical, emotional, and financial abuse, experienced homelessness, and navigated six Army combat deployments.

I have faced the challenges of being a single parent, the grief of losing my husband, and the complexities of co-parenting with a narcissist. I have lived through periods of loneliness and isolation, supported my son with his non-verbal autism, and watched my daughter transition into adulthood, attend college, and start her own family. I continue to face financial hardships and many other trials, but the key takeaway is that I live.

My experiences with hardship have been profound, and I wouldn’t wish them upon anyone. This understanding fuels my passion for creating a space where others, particularly Black women, can find strategies and support to navigate their struggles. In a society where self-interest often prevails, it is crucial to offer a shoulder to lean on and a clear understanding of shared experiences.

My story is not unique; many individuals have faced similar challenges. This is why I am dedicated to teaching and writing self-help books—to provide guidance to those who feel lost in the aftermath of their own hardships. While writing my books and creating social media content can be difficult as it forces me to relive some of the hardest times in my life, I am driven by the hope that my story can help even one person realize their worth and potential.

My brand is about embracing adversity and using it for growth and good. It is a testament to the fact that no one has to suffer in silence, and that even seemingly insignificant struggles can be the catalyst for becoming the best version of oneself.

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.
I consider myself a homebody who prefers family-oriented and tranquil environments over nightlife and crowded spaces. Since moving from Baltimore, Maryland to the Columbia area of South Carolina, I have experienced a significant cultural shift. Despite living here for ten years, I am still adjusting to the differences.

However, I have found several places that I enjoy visiting with my family. The Riverbanks Zoo, the State Museum, and Riverfront Park are among our frequent destinations. My son, in particular, is fascinated by the Aquarium and Sea Lion Landing, with a keen interest in marine life.

Additionally, I regularly attend various festivals and farmers’ markets throughout the area. I have a particular fondness for the Peach Festival, which takes place around the 4th of July each year. South Carolina’s vibrant festival scene, celebrating an array of fruits and vegetables, has become a cherished aspect of our community involvement.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to receive guidance from numerous remarkable individuals. It’s challenging to single out just one, but I’ll highlight a few. My grandmother has been a beacon of determination and mental strength. My friends, whom I consider sisters, Rosheka and Latifah, have instilled in me the values of optimism and openness to new experiences. From my father, I learned the importance of flexibility and the ability to relax and let go of control. My mother taught me the significance of trust and dependence on others while always having a backup plan. Lastly, my children have imparted invaluable lessons in patience and understanding that achieving goals can be done in various ways, not just my own.

Website: https://AHappyOhm.Wordpress.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlashawn.cantywilliams

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyHappyOhm

Other: Link to my Author page and books on Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BS5WV7VX/about