Watch Her Series: Tamia Coley (NAM Miss South Florida 2024)♡

Welcome to the Watch Her Series! Introducing you to extraordinary women you should be watching…
Today I’m featuring another Miss Sister Queen and the current NAM Miss South Florida!

Thank you Tamia for joining me on the Watch Her Series! Read about Tamia’s self confidence journey and confidence below!

When did you first start feeling confident in yourself, and what helped you get there?

Confidence evolves with each stage of life, and I’ve experienced a significant boost in mine as a young adult. This shift began when I started visualizing my goals and aspirations more clearly. I find it incredibly helpful to write out my goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. I use this to help visualize my goals, track timelines, and stay motivated. I even created a workbook under my GirlZEmpowered initiative, to help others because I love it so much ! This approach has helped me tremendously in turning my aspirations into reality and has greatly enhanced my confidence.

Have you ever had to step outside your comfort zone to boost your self-confidence?

Absolutely, many times! Coming from a military child, I was fortunate to experience life in various places every few years. However, this also meant frequently moving away from family and friends, which can be challenging for a growing child. I have immense respect for military families and their sacrifices. One significant lesson I learned was stepping out of my comfort zone to make new friends, even if it was in the middle of the school year and everyone had already formed established groups. This skill of adapting and connecting has been invaluable as I’ve transitioned into young adulthood, proving essential communication skills for career success, interviewing for college admissions, and even my role with the National American Miss South Florida.

How has being Miss South Florida boosted your confidence?

My journey as Miss South Florida has significantly enhanced my confidence by providing a powerful platform to give back to my community. I deeply enjoy being engaged in my community, whether through volunteering or leading my GirlZempowerd initiative for Gen Z women. As Miss South Florida, I am now able to expand my outreach even further. This role has not only bolstered my self-assurance but also fueled my excitement to make a positive impact and give back through this incredible opportunity.

How do you handle self-doubt when it creeps in? Any tricks or tips you’ve found helpful?

Self-doubt can certainly take hold if we let it. When I find myself grappling with these feelings, I like to take a deep breath and center myself in the present moment. I try to view each challenge as a chance to learn something new about myself, create lasting memories, and connect with others. For instance, if you’re facing a tough chemistry exam or preparing to speak in front of an audience for the first time, take a moment to take a deep breath, practice gratitude, and remind yourself of the hard work that got you to this point. Embrace the experience and live fully in the moment!

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their self-confidence?

YOU are worthy and amazing! Each person is unique, and that individuality is something to celebrate. As you work on building your self-confidence, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, which steals joy. Instead, focus on your own journey. Here are three tips to help you build your self-confidence: Visualize Your Success: If you can dream it, you can achieve it! By imagining your success, you prepare yourself mentally to reach your goals. Visualization helps you align your actions with your aspirations and sets you up to achieve what you’re working towards. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace new experiences and challenges. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to try or that push you slightly beyond your usual boundaries. I can’t even tell you how many times I had to step out of my comfort zone in order to set myself up for success and build my confidence. It helps and I walk away feeling more confident and energized for trying something new! Challenge Negative Thoughts: Aim to be just 1% better each day. I do this everyday! Challenge yourself to improve, even in small ways. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a new classmate or exploring a new hobby, these small efforts contribute to your growth and build your confidence