Ms. Mompreneur Tia Young
Career Accomplishments:
My most cherished accomplishment is wife to Victor Young, and mother to Taylor, Jordyn and Anita. My first job out of college was for Maison Blanche Department Store as a department manager in Orlando. After a year, I wanted to get out and see the world, so I became a Flight Attendant and Trainer for United Airlines and worked for 14 years with them. I was a Barbizon Modeling Coach for 2 years, then I started my own business in 2002 called Tampa Etiquette Academy, now called Tia Young Image and Etiquette, LLC. As an Etiquette Coach, I teach students of all ages proper social skills, business and dining etiquette. I am passionate about helping people become their very best.
Scholastic Achievement:
University of Florida- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Pasco-Hernando State College – Teacher Certification K-6, Academy of Etiquette and Protocol- Etiquette Certification (Business, Teen and Children’s Etiquette curriculum), John Maxwell Team – Certified Speaker, Trainer & Coach, Grace Family Church- Next Level Leadership graduate.
Community Involvement and Memberships:
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, Toastmasters International, Florida Hospital -Foundation Board Member, Dress for Success – First impressions Volunteer (Helping women prepare for the job interview), Heartfelt Ministry Leader – Older moms supporting younger moms with dinner and bible study, based on Titus 2, The Well Bible Study member, St. Petersburg College’s “Women on the Way” Mentor, Academy Prep of St. Petersburg – Mentor for middle school girls. Etiquette Expert on local news stations, talk shows and newspaper columns.
Platform Issue:
Bringing back the lost art of good manners, civility and charm. Speaking to women’s groups about motherhood, entrepreneurship and etiquette.
I also want to support breast and ovarian cancer studies. My mom, Joyce Austin, is a two-time breast cancer survivor and my sister, Tonita Turner, passed away from ovarian cancer in her late 20’s.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?:
Anywhere that is warm and tropical with beautiful beaches. One of my favorite destinations as a Flight Attendant, was Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I also loved honeymooning in Tahiti. But if I could live anywhere in the world, it would be somewhere in the Caribbean Islands.
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would they be?:
Barack and Michelle Obama, for being trailblazers and courageous. Oprah Winfrey for her determination and perseverance.
Best advice you have ever been given:
Keep God first in all that you do. Trust in the Lord.
Who is your role model and why?:
My Mom, Joyce, for her loving and nurturing spirit and my husband, Victor, for his leadership and business sense.
Something interesting about you:
I danced in the Super Bowl XVIII half time show in Tampa, I lived with a family in Costa Rica for a month to learn Spanish, and I won the pageant title of Miss Elegance while vacationing in London, England.
Three words that describe you best:
The 3 words that describe me best are Friendly, Poised & Blessed.
Current Read:
The Bible, Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.
Favorite TV Show:
The OWN (Oprah Winfrey) Network; shows like For Peete’s Sake, Greenleaf, Super Soul Sunday, Dr. Oz and Welcome to Sweetie Pies! Also, Golden Girls and The King of Queens.
Favorite Food:
Seafood (shellfish- Lobster, shrimp, crab legs), plain Lays potato chips, ice cold Coca-Cola without ice, and Kit Kat candy bar.
Favorite Sport:
Zumba for exercise for me, watching my daughter Taylor play volleyball, and attending NFL football games with my husband Victor.