Check Out Tavia Ellis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tavia Ellis.

Hi Tavia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
As early as I can remember art has always been a part of my world. From being mesmerized by the beautiful hymns of my late grandpa, to the overwhelming feelings that would come over me when my church’s choir would sing on Sundays. I would close my eyes and imagine myself on that stage leading all of them into worship. My absolute favorite part of this artistic world, that I was born into, was the behind-the-scenes access I was granted by my father, who was and still is a play writer, a fantastic one at that! And that’s it, that’s where I got started. As young as 9 years old, I fell in love. Watching my father live in the inspirations of life. I walked side by side with him as he brought his stories to life on those stages. He has a way with words, and a natural ability to direct and lead people through his vision. Not knowing at the time, everything he poured out, filled me up.

As a director, for every decision you make it is important to keep the bigger vision in mind, knowing that the decisions you make also affect the moving parts involved, which also have an impactful role. I’ve been blessed to learn this in my short years of not only assisting in directing but also being the talent in certain productions and projects. To speed things up to the present time, I have come to the realization that directing talent is my absolute passion. It nurtures all of my gifts and talents, which include acting, singing, song and story writing, and lastly storytelling. I am beginning to see that directing has allowed me to be in rooms that only God can put me in. I love being able to see people’s lives impacted by the work that I do. This is only the beginning for me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, but I wouldn’t choose any other road, I know this one was designed for me. I believe one struggle that came up frequently was honestly trying to find a job that I belonged in. A job that I would absolutely love to do, and a creative environment that challenged me and brought cause. Something that would be worth the hard long hours and early mornings. I was so used to getting any job that would hire me, I did not ask questions about the work environment nor truly reflected on what job I would love to have that would sharpen my skills. I just adapted, Got a job of course because money was needed. When I tell you I have had every kind of job there is. I have sold cars, been a door-to-door salesman, I have waitressed, the Desk clerk at a hotel… the list goes on and on. Finding my voice in the midst of these environments was challenging. Being an entertainer is deeply in my blood. I love making people laugh and always have a good time around me which to an extent also meant being a people pleaser. Eventually, I felt drained and my flame was dimmed, every day became just an ordinary day without passion.

Nothing could keep me at a job that I didn’t feel purpose at. Leaving so many jobs, unfortunately, didn’t nurture the disciplinary side that I am realizing is needed, especially in creative space. I saw that I placed my happiness and purpose in the hands of others and that’s why I didn’t share my voice. I knew what I needed was community, accountability, and inspiration. I initially submerged myself in the music scene in the Toledo area and met the most amazing people who were like-minded. I started thinking about what it is that I want out of life and my prayer life deepened and eventually My fire burned so bright. I refuse to lose it. I have just now come to the realization that directing is what I have been looking for, even though it has always been right in front of me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a creative I do many many things. Proudly, I work for my father’s production company Tellis Media. Tellis Media is all things production and directing. whether it’s directing an event, a play, a concert, or any show of some sort. We either create our own events or we take on clients that want to throw an event and need a team to orchestrate the vision. I was hired on as his Operations Director, and also his Talent Manager. we are short on staff. This job requires me to do a lot of the middleman duties, taking the overall vision of the project and organizing it step by step to attainable goals and distributing tasks to the team to get the best results. Also, I manage the scheduling, setting up the meetings with the clients, and team, and bringing on talent. I help my Father assess the talent of prospective clients brought on. I have my hands heavy in the arrangements of the performances or public events on behalf of the clients. The most important part is establishing professional relationships with every individual involved with the project and the organization we are working with. This is a very new role for me, I got hired at the end of 2021. there is a lot of growing to do and I look forward to what 2023 brings us! I am super proud of our very first Fashion show that took place this October, it was titled “Role Models in Motion” which highlighted the importance of role models in our community. We brought on very impactful women role models to speak and share their stories while being dressed in the latest fashion from some of our very own local fashion designers.

It was such a beautiful elegant experience the fashion was amazing, the speakers did amazing, and the atmosphere was so intimate and classy. Also, we were super excited to be supported and sponsored by some amazing organizations: Toledo School of the Arts, Libbey Glass, Owens Corning, Moms House Toledo… and many more! on top of that during the inner workings of getting this project done I also released a song called “Passion Flower” featuring my beautiful friend Caroline. I am so proud of this piece of art. Passion Flower is a beautiful rendition of love. Please check it out. Wow, what sets me apart from others……my why sets me apart. I strive to be a connecting point–the igniting of wildfire, as I operate within my aspirations to help set ablaze the same fiery passion which drives other creatives into fulfilling their own. it feeds my boundless imagination which manifests in bold communication, unorthodox style, excelling in the execution of my visions, and exceeding my own expectations. a shapeshifter who integrates personality into business fields where most people approach with a certain level of structure and rigidity; as a child hyperactivity was deemed unacceptable through the typical societal lens, but found/finding strength in the way my mind determines a destination yet embarks on a seemingly route-less journey to get there.

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Honestly, success to me is being able to positively affect someone’s life through the projects that I create or partake in. To tell my story so that someone else can tell theirs. Success to me comes in waves, usually when I set goals and accomplish them.

Contact Info:

• Website: inmotion.vip
• Instagram: @taviaellis_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tavia.s.ellis
• Other: @tavitalks.tv

Image Credits
Kaitlin Eredics