Tia Mowry first graced our screens back in the ‘90s when she starred in the popular television sitcom “Sister, Sister” alongside her real-life identical twin sister, Tamara Mowry.
But fast-forward a decade, and the actress is still just as busy as ever. Not only is she starring as Cocoa Mckellan, a free-spirited mom in the hit Netflix comedy series, “Family Reunion,” but she’s also sharing game-changing hacks with over 659K subscribers via her YouTube channel, “Tia Mowry's Quick Fix.”
And that’s not all. This pivot pioneer doesn’t stick to one lane. Mowry is also the best-selling author of the clean-eating cookbook and guide, Whole New You, and the founder of the new health supplements line, Anser. Oh, and did we forget to mention she’s also a mother of two? Yes, Mowry is a total boss.
Ahead, we chat with the actress about her decades-long career in entertainment, including what it’s like to be a role model to so many young women, and why she looks up to her “Family Reunion” co-star, Loretta Devine.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You came back to our screens this year via Netflix's hit comedy, "Family Reunion." How was that experience? What did you learn through your character Coco? Can we expect to see more of you in another season or show soon? What can we expect next from you? Where do you see your career taking you next?
TIA MOWRY: It was a great experience. I feel like this is the closest that I am personally to any character I've played, so it was lots and lots of fun. I also love working with children. As a child actor myself, I can be sympathetic to what they're going through. We're a big family on that set!
What I’ve learned from Coco is that, even if you have different parenting styles (traditional or non-traditional) or a different approach to life, it doesn't mean you can't get along. This show is about the new and the old and how we come together as a family. Just because there are differences doesn't mean there's no love there. You can work it out!
Season two of "Family Reunion" starts shooting next year in February! So you can expect more episodes of that and "Tia Mowry's Quick Fix." Other than that, I just hope to continue to do what I love to do and grow in the entrepreneurial space and the culinary world.
Your career spans so many categories from author to actor and YouTuber with your channel "Tia Mowry's Quick Fix," what have you learned from following your creative passions over "staying in your lane?" What advice can you share for other women who want to make a pivot in their careers?
I believe women are multi-faceted. We have so many layers to what we want to do, who we are, and what we can give. It's important to reinvent yourself, and the best way to do that is by following your passions. What I've learned from doing that is that work doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love. Moving into that new space is going to take lots of time and energy, so it should be something you're truly passionate about.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
Just reset. Whenever I encounter a hurdle, I step away for a minute, recharge myself, and start all over again. I also meditate on the idea that whatever is happening right now won't last forever and that I can get over the hurdle to the other side.
“Don’t wait for anyone to validate what your talent is. Take it into your own hands.”
You've had an incredibly successful career. If you could go back and talk with young Tia, what do you wish you could tell her? Why?
I would tell her to not worry so much. And to not focus on what others think of you.
You have become a role model to so many young women everywhere, what advice would you give a young woman hoping to follow in your footsteps? How should they be prepared? What are the key traits to succeed in entertainment today?
Stay true to yourself. Follow your instincts because that's where you'll find your passion. You won't find it looking at other people and focusing on what they're doing. It takes time to discover yourself, but once you do, the rest is history.
Practice makes perfect. I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. As an actor, you practice. You go to class. You work on your talent so when the spotlight comes you're ready. It's the same with cooking. The more you practice what you want to do, the more success you'll find at it. Use that muscle. Constantly work at it. That's the best preparation you can do.
Don't wait for anyone to validate what your talent is. Take it into your own hands. Put it into existence now. Don't waiver. Stay focused. Get out there and meet people who are like-minded, see what they're doing and how you can help each other.
The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive—how do you create a unique voice and character that stands out above the rest?
Be yourself! There's only one you. I truly believe that.
You always seem so bold and self-assured, where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?
Confidence was a process for me. I had to learn to get there, to be bold and secure. It's like the rainbow after a storm. The more you overcome, the stronger you get. It might hurt for a minute, but you'll get through it. Learn to embrace the struggles instead of fearing them.
What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally? And how did you get through it?
I decided to star in my own television show as a child! That was hard. It was new and I was still growing, maturing. Thankfully, then and now, I don't focus on the negatives. It's important to know they're there, but not to let them drag you down. Just switch your thinking. Flood your mind with positivity and you'll start to feel the change.
Who in your field most inspires/influences you the most? How has this person changed/influenced your career? Why?
I recently had the privilege to work with the amazing Loretta Devine on "Family Reunion." She is a legend! Has been in this business for years! She inspires me every day. I like how she stands up for herself. It's important to know that, no matter what age you are, as a woman in this business, which can be intimidating at times, you have a voice and you should not be afraid to use it.
Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone. How do you define success? Why?
I define success as doing what you do and loving it because then it never feels like work!
“Unfortunately, people only see the success. They assume it’s easy and perfect, and they don’t see all the work it took to get there.”
With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?
I have two beautiful children looking up at me every day. It's incredibly motivating to know that they're watching me. The best thing I can do for them is to SHOW them how to work hard and follow their dreams.
What do you wish more people knew about your job? What are the biggest misconceptions? Why?
Unfortunately, people only see the success. They assume it's easy and perfect, and they don't see all the work it took to get there.
The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the behind-the-scenes hard work and hustle. What is the reality of being an entrepreneur today? How hard is it really? Be honest!
It's very hard! When you're an entrepreneur, you're constantly hearing "no" or "maybe later" or "the time isn't right." You're the one with the creative ideas and you're trying to get others on board, so it takes a lot of confidence and building yourself up on a daily basis.
What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?
The best advice I've been given is "believe in yourself.” If you don't believe in yourself, how can you convince others to believe in you?
What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?
The Alchemist. This book taught me that whenever you feel like you're alone, you're not. No matter what you believe in, you're always being guided. You just have to be sensitive and open to embracing the omens.
What is the #1 movie you always recommend? Why?
"The Goonies." What a great movie! It reminds me of childhood, and nostalgia is needed. Often times we get distracted by the "nos," the stressors of life, our routines. For me, because I watched "The Goonies" when I was a kid, it reminds me of not being under so much pressure. It takes me back to that time and place of letting go and enjoying the moment.
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