Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashantia Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashantia Collins.

Hi Ashantia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I am originally from Michigan and moved to Cincinnati in 2019. I spent about 5 months exploring the city before the world shut down due to Covid. I struggled to find my footing, but creating content and engaging with Cincy Cocoa Bloggers was an opportunity to meet new people in the city. My life and content have changed a lot since then. I used to think I follow all the trends, but now I’m dedicated to creating and posting the things that feel the most authentic to me. I don’t have to have a perfect life to make things that speak to people. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I’ve changed career paths and learned a lot about myself since I moved to Cincinnati. When I lived in Michigan, I had an event series called Shades that was a space for young Black women to connect and speak about different topics. When I moved, I tried to grow an online presence through selling jewelry and other items before starting events again. Unfortunately, I decided to end Shades in 2022. While I still truly believe in the mission, starting a company from scratch with only your funding is very difficult, and it didn’t pan out. I was very embarrassed by that for a while, but failures are part of life, and if I ever decide to pick it back up, I know what I’ll do differently next time. 

The biggest lesson I learned from this time was don’t do what I see everyone else doing. I thought that “easy money” via jewelry and other small products would help me fund the things I really wanted to create, but having a business is expensive, and I couldn’t save because I needed to keep the jewelry line afloat. If the opportunity comes around again for me to restart the business, I will look for grants and only sell things I’m passionate about. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think right now, I’m in a transition space. I’ve recently created “Tia Makes and Bakes,” where I can showcase my passion for all things creative. I love cooking and crafting, and I wanted a separate space to show all of that off. Personally, I’m still creating my own lifestyle content and being more intentional about engaging with all that Cincinnati has to offer. I’m not sure where I’m headed yet, but I’m really proud of the community that I’ve gained over the last couple of years. I hope that as I continue to grow, I will be able to engage more with creators in the city and create spaces for Black women to be themselves and connect. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mom has been my rock my entire life. My late 20s have been a whirlwind, and she’s always there to help me work through my problems. I also have a wonderful community of friends and sorority sisters who have always looked out for me. Since I don’t have family here, it means the world to me. All of them are forever in my corner, cheering me on and encouraging me when I’m too hard on myself. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: a.briae/tiamakesandbakes

Image Credits
Kiaya Carter