We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiara Bennett-Hardison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiara, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” —Dr. Mae Jemison. I can only imagine the challenges she had to face to become a Space student let alone the first African-American female astronaut. So who am I to complain that I can’t get the perfect formula for a skin care product. I use this quote to remind myself to keep pushing and never given up because profit doesn’t come easy or someone else doesn’t believe in my vision. I started a Jewelry & Handmade craft line in 2006 and couldn’t get my Advertising and Products right and gave up. More Recently I’ve relaunched as Trust Your Instincts, an all natural skin care and all things self care. Business has been great and I have been blessed to receive constructive feedback from family and friends that keeps me going! People with fixed mind sets normally are the ones giving the most advice and that’s why I love this quote! I am guilty of limiting the Content I released or what modeling photos I post on Facebook based on who may see them or what they may say! I am living for me now though, and I have never felt more alive! I am truly blessed to have such a hive support system.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Trust Your Instincts started off as an all natural soap line to help people that have dark blemishes, eczema or dry skin. Our products work because we only use organic & natural ingredients for our products. After hours of research I was able to find some online classes that taught me more about essential oils, chemical reactions and natural preservatives. Challenges have come for sure trying to find work life balance at home during a pandemic. While working from home for the government, I also home school my two kindergarten aged children. So for over a year, loyal customers had to order their products from my Google Forms link. This slowed down sales and caused people to turn away from the site. With the push from my husband, I was able to create a website that helps generate online sales and give my Instincters the ability to see the product they are buying and my new customers the opportunity to browse our products. I now own a Relaxation Bar in Tucker, G.A where we offer TYInstinct products, Ear candling and sinus draining facials, Massages and one-on-one yoga sessions. I have learned so much during this process but the biggest lesson is to stay focused and active. No one can take away the work you put into your projects. So show grit!
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.
Atlanta is definitely a motivational city! Art and culture surround us! So if my best came I’d have to take her on a scenic drive to see some of the most motivating pieces of art I’ve ever seen. Breakfast for the visit would come from some of the best hole in the walls you can think of! Broken Egg, Flying Biscuit, Gutbusters, First Watch and Milk & Honey! Mmm! Lunch would have to start off at Ted Montana Grill for theeee best Service and Bison around! Six feet under for sure, followed by Maggianos then Publik Draft house, twice! For Dinner & drinks we’d be hitting Cuts Steakhouse, Desta Ethiopian, next Baraonda downtown on peachtree for Italian, some good old Benihana for hump day then South City kitchen. The attractions are super dope like the aquarium & the civil rights museum but I’d take my best to The Botanical gardens and Stone Mountain!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my son Zaire! He is my Angel on earth and the reason I get up everyday and work so hard. He fought so hard to stay here with us after being born 24 weeks early and fighting multiple life altering illnesses.
Website: https://trustyourinstincts.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtimomonroe/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/timomonroe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TYInstincts/
Other: https://www.instagram.com/tyinstinct/
Image Credits
Lush Legendz and Torell Hardison