Meet Tia Williams | Social Worker & Outdoor Enthusiast

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

Hi Tia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to provide an opportunity for other people seeking experiences in the outdoors. It can be hard to find spaces that are welcoming and encouraging when starting something new. You also don’t always want to have to depend on someone else to do something, which is why when I lead groups I don’t keep all the information to myself. I want women to be able to experience this without me if they choose to do so.

I also wanted to start a business because I know how overwhelming it can be to research spaces, know the pros and cons to going there, and planning an itinerary, etc. I wanted to take that stress away from others and often my knowledge to getting it done.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work primarily with women of color. I especially want more Black women to be involved in outdoor activities. The face of the outdoor industry has primarily been very white and that needs to change. Too often has it been perceived that people of color don’t camp, or hike, or go backpacking, etc. But there have been a lot of barriers that have kept people of color out of outdoor spaces. What sets me apart from others is that I want to educate others on the history of the outdoors, while also dismantling the myths about why and how things are when it comes to outdoor recreation.

It’s not easy. There are many who believe they know a person’s experience better than they do and because it hasn’t happened to them or they’ve never seen it that it doesn’t exist.

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.
If there was an Atlanta United game, I would say definitely check out a game! I really enjoy being outdoors, despite how disrespectful pollen can be so I would say to go out to Piedmont Park. The parking would be horrible, but you may encounter a festival, or you can have a little picnic in the park. There’s lots of spaces you could walk around to check out the different areas of town like Atlantic Station, Chattahoochee Works, The Beltline, etc. If you want a quick hike outside the city, check out Vickery Creek or you could go to the new Westside Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Whitney Dozier and Tiana Pendergrass who started on this journey with me. Things have since changed, but I couldn’t have got the ball rolling without them.

I would like to shoutout my brother, Phedrick, who bought me some of my first outdoor supplies. He didn’t know all of what I was getting into but he has supported me in learning more and getting better.

I want to shoutout my friends and family that have come out to take hikes with me and always encourage me to keep going.

I want to shoutout my coworkers, Chanel and Natalie, who send me articles, books, and other organizations to check out for more inspiration and knowledge of the industry.

I want to shoutout my girlfriend, Ariana, who continues to wake up bright and to go on sunrise hikes with me, who has enthusiastically learned how to camp and cook in the outdoors.

And lastly I want to shoutout the hikers that keep coming back for more hikes!

Instagram: @tiaisliving @hikingishealingco

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