Story & Lesson Highlights with Tierra O’Neal

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tierra O’Neal. Check out our conversation below.

Tierra, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, women’s basketball and women’s sports in general have been bringing me so much joy lately. I grew up as an athlete, so sports were a huge part of my life, but somewhere along the way I drifted from it. Recently I found my love for it all over again, especially the WNBA. Watching the growth, the storytelling, and the level of talent has reignited that spark in me. It feels like reconnecting with a piece of myself I didn’t realize I missed and I can’t wait for the opportunity to be apart of such a great movement. I have a huge interest in Sports Media!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tierra, known as HeavenlyErra online. I am the creative behind HeavenlyErra Media. I focus on video editing and production for brands, entrepreneurs, and creatives. What really sets my business apart is the way I build relationships with my clients. I actually care, I listen, and I’m always willing to go the extra mile to make sure their ideas come to life in a way that feels real and true to them. I love a good challenge, and finding new ways to make someone’s story stand out is something I really love.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I saw myself as someone who could do anything. I had big dreams and even believed I could be a superstar. HAHA! I’m talking about Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Spice Girls kinda superstar! I pictured a life chasing my own goals, doing my thing and just being happy. But then everyone started telling me there was a “formula”. Go to college, get married, have kids, get a career, blah blah…. and trying to follow that led to some of the darkest moments in my life. Even with all that, that part of me that dreamed big never went away. Through it all, I still had some amazing moments but I know they could’ve been bigger if I didn’t have that “formula” hanging over my head. I’m just thankful for the moment I REALLY decided to trust the dreamer in me again. I’m never letting it go again.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, of course! There have definitely been times I almost gave up and honestly, it’s happening right now lol. Being a business owner is hard. There are days when it feels like nothing’s working, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. But every time, I find a way to push through. I remind myself why I started, how much people need me and I keep going. Giving up just isn’t an option for me. Like, literally!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is definitely the real me. I can’t be something I’m not. It’s too much of that going on on social media these days and I stress out more trying to follow what these gurus etc. say online. It’s just too much. I’m trying to bring realness back, or at least attract more people who appreciate authenticity and real creativity. What you see is what you get.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve been dimming is my own. I was born to be in front of the camera, to share my story and my perspective, but I get so focused on helping everyone else shine that I sometimes put myself on the back burner. It’s something I’m learning to recognize and change, because my voice and my creativity deserve the same attention I give to others. I’m really talented and I have to hype myself up more! Stay tuned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heavenlyerramedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenlyerramedia
• Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@heavenlyerramedia