Tia Lowe
Role: Marketing Analyst, Ryan Specialty
Other(s): Creative Director at Femme Fatale
“After graduating college, there’s so much room for growth. There’s no time frame, no limit. Just do what feels right and trust your gut. Develop your best self. Your best self cares the most about you and won’t lead you astray. Trust yourself, even in tough times. Things will shift, and you can get yourself out of any tough spot.”
I wish all readers and listeners a warm welcome to a new conversation in the NUFRIENDS Industry series.
Today, we will be spotlighting Tia Lowe, Marketing Analyst at Ryan Specialty and Creative Director of a handful of endeavors.
A shortened version of the conversation is provided below. Enjoy!
Elijah: Tia, welcome. Let’s just dive in. Tell a bit about your background.
Tia Lowe: Thanks Elijah, well, my story begins in a town called Bossier City, situated in Louisiana. It was my mother who played a pivotally influential role in shaping who I am today She instilled in me. A spirit to participate and engage In a multitude of activities.
Elijah: What led you to Howard University from Bossier City?
Tia Lowe: To be honest, it was Howard’s reputation and the endless opportunities it offered that pulled me in. As well as the chance to learn about black women and men who paved the way for us. The Zora Neale Hurstons, Ida B. Wells’ of the world. So distant from us, but so important. I liked how much emphasis was put on us to come behind them and to contribute. That’s a big thing I’ve carried with me for a while.
Elijah: How did you move from the university setup to a corporate role in an insurance company?
Tia Lowe: Certainly, it was a ride with twists and turns! Upon graduation, I first joined a liquor company in sales, experiencing the grassroots aspects of ground work this experience paved the way for me to join an advertising agency later on. Presently, I am part of an insurance. company where I work in marketing, transforming marketing ideas into concrete campaigns and projects.
Elijah: That’s an interesting path. Now, I heard that along with your corporate duties, you’re creatively inclined as well. Could you unpack that a little for us?
Tia Lowe: On the creative front, I’m actively working to nurture & build artists’ careers. This involves providing guidance and shaping their professional And artistic personas. I am also a part of building Femme Fatale’, a party concept designed specifically for black queer individuals, making it a unique and inclusive social space.
Elijah: You’ve quite a diverse palette of experiences. Could you share some valuable lessons you’ve learned from these early career experiences?
Tia Lowe: Absolutely, each phase of my journey, each role I’ve embraced, has been a learning experience. Corporate work can often become intricate with varying processes and systems. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that there’s always something new to understand at every turn. My roles have exposed me to different business functions and processes, increasing my expertise.
Elijah: Vision drives achievement. When you visualize your career, in both the corporate domain and the creative space what do you see?
Tia Lowe: When I look at the future, I hope to be part of a team where members share similar interests. A team willing to challenge conventional business models. I also hope to master creative collaboration and aim to build an all-inclusive creative space where everyone can thrive and be heard.
Elijah: Managing multiple roles can be challenging. So with all the responsibilities on your plate, how do you ensure you stay in touch with community needs while juggling your corporate obligations?
Tia Lowe: Balance is crucial indeed. To remain connected to the community and understand their needs, it’s essential to listen and stay engaged actively. By following a diverse range creators, I manage to stay in the loop while effectively dealing with my corporate workload. It’s all about, the right balance and mindful juggling.
Elijah: It’s been a genuine pleasure talking to you Tia. your journey is indeed inspiring, and I’m sure our those reading or listening have gained valuable insights from your experiences.
Tia,
Welcome to the Industry.
Welcome to NUFRIENDS.
