What happens when unstoppable authenticity meets unapologetic ambition? This week, you’ll find out. If you’re ready to be inspired by lived experience, powered by radical honesty, and driven by real strategies for success—from the jail cell to the main stage—hit play now.
In this candid and empowering conversation, Tara MacDonald welcomes award-winning international business coach, serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of Blk Women in Excellence, Tia Upshaw. Together, they discuss the realities of being women in business, the challenges (and triumphs) of plus-size representation in the wellness space, and how true empowerment is built—through community, self-worth, and never shrinking from your story.
From a childhood marked by adversity to building a movement that uplifts marginalized women entrepreneurs across Canada, Tia shares how her personal history of incarceration, single parenting, and persistent hustle shaped a life and career focused on possibility instead of limitation.
This episode features:
- Real talk about overcoming the stigmas of a “non-traditional” background
- The inside scoop on a brand-new entrepreneurial pilot program for incarcerated women in Nova Scotia—where business is more than a buzzword and hope redefines the future
- Raw discussion about online hate, the difference between allies and accomplices, and why celebrating your wins is an act of resistance
- Tangible advice for women wondering how to scale their side hustle, price for profit, and embrace confidence at any size
Key Takeaways1. Building Businesses, Breaking BarriersTia’s mission is all about making entrepreneurship accessible—especially for women dealing with social, economic, and systemic obstacles like criminal records, single parenting, abuse, and poverty. Her pilot program for women in prison is changing lives by enabling them to build real businesses, send meaningful income home, and develop real-world skills for re-entry. Expect to be inspired by how 60% of proceeds are designated for families, and the rest helps support women while still inside.
2. Your Story Isn’t a Liability—It’s LeverageFrom telling her own truth about mental health, incarceration, and being “unemployable,” Tia and Tara prove that vulnerability and radical self-acceptance are the real flex—personally and professionally.
3. Authenticity and Resilience: The Competitive EdgeThis episode dives deep into the emotional costs of online hate, body shaming, and workplace discrimination—but also the freedom that comes with refusing to “play small” or hide your power, no matter your size or background.
4. Know Your Value—and Charge For ItHear how Tia built her reputation and her rates—from speaking for free to negotiating $9,800 contracts and closing multiple high-ticket coaching clients each quarter. If you’ve struggled with valuing your own work, you’ll get tactical advice on setting rates, building credibility, and saying “no” to unpaid labor.
5. Collaboration is KeyThe conversation underscores why women need not just “allies”—but accomplices willing to put their money, voice, and power on the table for real change. Collaboration, not competition, is how we all rise.
Get connected and join the movement:
- Follow Tia Upshaw everywhere (@itistiaupshaw, #TIAUPSHAW). Book a discovery call, get information on her coaching offers, or bring her in to speak at your event through www.itistiaupshaw.com.
- Subscribe to Plus Fitness with Tara for more unfiltered conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of their worth, and don’t forget to leave a review to keep the show growing!
- Are you building something bold, overcoming adversity, or just looking for real talk and inspiration? Join the conversation using #PlusFitnessWithTara on social media, show us your “hot girl summer” moments, and tag us to be featured.
Remember:
Success isn’t reserved for the chosen few. Whether you’re on the rise, overcoming setbacks, or learning to love yourself—and your story—wherever you are, you’re in the right place. Empowerment, profit, and radical self-love: The tools are already in your hands.
You are a rock star in the making. Keep showing up, keep building, and keep believing—the world is waiting for your story.
Mentioned in this episode:
Plus Fitness with Tara is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.
eWomenPodcastNetwork
