This week on The Process, we're joined by Tia Coleman, a Jacksonville, Florida native whose journey is a powerful reminder that your past doesn't have to define your future—and that one person willing to believe in you can change the trajectory of your life.
Growing up on the west side of Jacksonville, Tia describes herself as a teenager who often found herself in trouble. Suspensions, fights, and a reputation that followed her made the transition to college more difficult than she expected, with former teachers and administrators refusing to write recommendation letters. But instead of allowing those setbacks to become her identity, she made the decision to rewrite her story.
Throughout our conversation, Tia reflects on the mentors who challenged her to see more in herself, particularly the Black business owner who gave her first job and taught her that a good name is more valuable than temporary popularity. We discuss the importance of protecting your reputation, surrounding yourself with people who raise your standards, and learning that confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through discipline, accountability, and intentional choices.
Tia also shares how becoming a young mother unexpectedly reshaped her priorities, why she chose a different path from many of her peers, and how those decisions prepared her for opportunities she never imagined. Today, she's using her own platform through Tia vs. Fancy Cash to encourage young women to embrace confidence, pursue purpose, and believe that transformation is always possible.
If you've ever felt like your mistakes have become your identity, this conversation is a reminder that your reputation isn't determined by your worst season—it's built one decision at a time. Sometimes, the greatest transformation begins when someone sees your potential before you do.