Meet Tiana Carston: Online Boutique Owner

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

Hi Tiana, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Coming from a family that had their own business it was a dream of mine to have my own. I have always had a “boss mentality” but I made a choice to start my family first over my career so working for someone else consumed my life. I worked two jobs as I tried so hard over and over again to launch my own business but fear got the best of me every time. I was afraid to loose my guaranteed income so I lacked consistency in any business I tried to launch. I recently became overwhelmed and I knew I had more to offer in me, a side no one had seen before. I wanted to be able to express myself not only because of my “boss mentality” but because I wanted to be a better Mother without fear of loosing my income. Being on the fast track I knew I needed to slow down it was becoming all to familiar of my past I prayed my way out of . I wanted to creative a more balanced and stable life for my family and what better way after much prayer then to pour some happiness and motivation into myself and take a step out on faith. I decided to put my 2 week notice in and focus on my online boutique so I could express myself , work from home and be a better Mother. I knew I made the right choice because after I started my journey , the way was paved and I was blessed with so many great mentors . Now my life is more balanced and everyday is a process but I definitely see great progress.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I definitely have an unexplainable drive. Anyone who knows me always says “Tiana , I don’t know how you do it!” My journey has not been easy. I am a wife and we have five kids ages six and under and I also take care of my Mom. I look at them everyday and giving up is not an option. They look up to me! I didn’t finish college and I had already allowed fear to stop every other business venture of mine. I knew I needed to pray over the next steps I was going to take and I prayed and prayed and I always ask God to protect me from my own understanding and only bless me with what I am asking of if it is truly for me. I knew exactly what I needed to do, make my mind up , establish a plan and be very consistent and establish a organized business that truly was apart of me. My brand and every piece I choose to sale says alot about me. I once could not make choices on what fashion pieces I wanted to wear. I either wasn’t allowed to wear it or did not have the money to buy it. Once I did I had already become a mother and was putting myself to the back burner. I can now express the girly side of me and I want to help other woman be able to do so as well , so I created and affordable online boutique with many different styles so woman can express every side of them whether they are relaxing at home, going to the beach, a night with the girls or a night with her man. I want woman to be able to love themselves and feel good everyday for any occasion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to try new things and visit new places. I wouldn’t make plans at all. I am definitely a spare of the moment kind of girl when it comes to going out but if I had to choose I would go to a comedy show because I love to laugh. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden but I also love seafood and and dishes you can’t find just anywhere to the sugar factory would definitely be a place for me followed by the selfie museum so we could take a lot of pictures lol. I love being behind and I front of the camera. I love capturing memories and sometimes I can’t enjoy myself because I capture everything. Other than that I am very chill honestly, you might catch me at a club every now and then . Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely like to give credit to a life long friend of mine Kia Mullins owner of House of K Boutique. She showed me it can be done no matter where or when we start as long as you put in the work it will all workout. I also would like to thank Lashieka Ferrell owner of Eye Charms Boutique for being my mentor. She helped me get all the license I would need for my business to be legal and gave me tips on the financial end of this business. Words can’t explain how appreciative I am of them both. Especially because we are in the same business but their has been no hate just a lot of love and support.

Website: Diaryimpressionsboutique.com

Instagram: diaryiboutique

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5273503882719746

Other: You can also find me on TikTok under tianacarston96