In this interview, rising star Tia Ola shares her inspiring journey of balancing her modeling and acting career with her diverse interests, including human biology, coding, and entrepreneurship. From walking the New York Fashion Week runway to starting her own dental health initiative, Tia discusses her passion for making a difference and staying grounded in the competitive world of fashion and entertainment.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS TIA OLA IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
Hi! I’m Tia Ola, a Nigerian American teen actress, commercial, print, fashion, and runway model, and a dental health advocate from Dallas, Texas. When I’m not modeling or acting, I love volunteering, studying human anatomy, doing DIY projects, drawing, sculpting, thrifting, shopping, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with my friends and family!
YOU MENTIONED THAT WATCHING A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT BABY PHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MODELING. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT KIMORA LEE SIMMONS’ JOURNEY THAT RESONATED WITH YOU THE MOST?
What resonated with me the most about Kimora’s story was how she incorporated both her interests in modeling and designing, which taught me that you can pursue both of your passions at the same time.
ACTING CLASSES HELPED AUSTIN BUTLER BREAK OUT OF HIS SHELL. HOW HAVE YOUR OWN CLASSES IMPACTED YOUR CONFIDENCE AND PERFORMANCE IN BOTH MODELING AND ACTING?
Taking modeling and acting classes has boosted my confidence and performance skills tremendously. They’ve helped me see that the only way to keep growing is by constantly trying new things and stepping outside of my comfort zone. When you challenge yourself to try something new, you gain the confidence to keep pushing yourself even further.
WALKING THE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK RUNWAY FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST HAVE BEEN EXHILARATING! CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT THAT MOMENT FELT LIKE AND HOW IT’S INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?
Walking the New York Fashion Week runway for the first time felt like a complete dream come true. Seeing the massive runway, hearing the bass-heavy music, and watching the photographers snap away, made me feel invincible! That moment gave me a huge confidence boost and made me realize that I’m meant for this. It really solidified for me that I belong in this industry and that I can keep going after my dreams!
WINNING THE PLITZS NYFW KIDS FASHION DEMOCRACY SHOW WAS A MAJOR MILESTONE. HOW DID THAT ACHIEVEMENT BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AS A MODEL?
Winning the Plitzs NYFW KIDS Fashion Democracy Show gave so much confidence as a model. Up until that point, the runway was my biggest challenge. It took hours of training, private coaching, and attending workshops to improve. Being recognized as the winner showed me that I’m capable of overcoming challenges, and with enough hard work, I can turn my biggest obstacles into my greatest strengths.
YOU BALANCE YOUR MODELING AND ACTING CAREER WITH INTERESTS IN HUMAN BIOLOGY, CODING, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO COMBINE THESE DIVERSE PASSIONS IN YOUR LIFE?
I manage my modeling and acting career alongside my other interests by creating a structured weekly plan, breaking down my time hour by hour, so I can devote time to these hobbies. Sometimes, I even find ways to combine my passions by looking for opportunities that bring them together, like roles that involve science or entrepreneurship themes. It helps me stay engaged in everything I love!
“CONFIDENT SMILES” IS A WONDERFUL INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH. CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS PROJECT AND WHERE WE CAN FIND IT?
The biggest thing that motivated me to start Confident Smiles was my own personal struggles with my oral health. I had 4 cavities before I entered the 3rd grade and I chipped my front tooth while I was in the 6th grade, and these incidents destroyed my confidence. However, I’m really grateful that my family encouraged me to keep smiling, and I was fortunate enough to get those dental issues fixed. But I know not every child or teen is as lucky, and that’s why I want to make a difference. I want to help prevent other kids and teens from going through the same dental health struggles I did. You can find Confident Smiles on Instagram at @tia_confidentsmiles!
IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY, HOW DO YOU STAY GROUNDED?
I stay grounded and focused by always reminding myself of how fortunate I am. I’m lucky to attend a school that gives me the flexibility to pursue my modeling and acting dreams, and my family makes sacrifices every day to support me. I know that just as quickly as things can take off, you can lose momentum and find yourself back at square one. So, I make it a point to appreciate every opportunity and stay present in the moment.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DREAM ROLES OR COLLABORATIONS IN BOTH THE FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES?
Looking ahead, I dream of doing major commercial and fashion campaigns for top designers like Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Cartier, and Zuhair Murad (just to name a few!). In the entertainment industry, I’d love to act on big-budget film sets alongside some of my idols for large networks. But beyond that, I hope to inspire a new generation of young creatives, showing them that it’s possible to pursue multiple passions and succeed in whatever they set their minds to.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
On my public instagram page @tia_olatunji.
