July Solo Mom (Birthday) Spotlight

Meet your Blogger, Tiera Nicole

Hey girl hey!!! In honor of my birthday month (July 8), I’ve decided to do a little something special for this month’s Solo Mom Spotlight!

SPOTLIGHT ME!!!!

My sole purpose of creating this space is for all of YOU to feel seen and heard.

But TODAY IS MY DAY!😜

So sit down honey cause this finna get gewd!!!

---

Introductory Questions

1. Tell us a little about yourself! What’s your story, and how did you navigate becoming a solo mom?

Well I am now a FABULOUS 43 year old solo mom and I love it here! My little one is Zahir and he’s the light of my entire world! He’s 5 and thinks he’s my dad at times but he’s the sweetest and most considerate child I’ve ever met. In fact, he often shows me how to be more considerate and a woman of my word!

I’ve had a wild ride in this thing called “My Life”. For over ten years I was a full-time influencer, mainly on YouTube and IG. But after the trauma I experienced in my last relationship, I decided to walk away from it all and rediscover what God has called me to do; serve others through my writing.

I’ve had over 50-leven jobs in my life, to include working on a cruise ship, being a flight attendant, the military, and your girl even sold cars! But I walked out on their butts after a week chile!

And while it maybe funny how I would just up and leave a job in the middle of a shift, it’s a testament to how I’ve always been unapologetic about betting on me and my happiness! Doing what my heart lead me to, not necessarily what was popular or even what made the most money.

Now my love life has been just as crazy. I was engaged before, but when that didn’t work out, I found myself just not caring about building anything lasting with anyone. And a year after my breakup, I got pregnant by a man I barely knew. Without going into too much detail (you have to get my book in early 2026 😉), I’ll just say the pregnancy wasn’t planned or agreed upon.

He wanted no parts of any of it and I was left very early on to care for a baby that—truth be told—I initially didn’t want. But God told me, “If you don’t follow through with this, you won’t follow through with anything.” And right then and there, I knew that this baby would not only change my life but save my life.

And that he’s done many many times over!

It hasn’t been easy going at this parenting thing alone. I’ve had many sleepless nights in the emergency room when he was sick, days when I had to choose whether to feed him or clothe him (and relying on my parents for the other), times I’ve cried behind a locked bathroom door while he cried in his crib.

But having the amazing support system I have has truly been my saving grace. My family (and God) truly are the reason I’m able to show up for my son in the way that I do!

2. What does a typical day in your life look like?

A typical day is anything but typical! As a police officer, I work a rotating overnight shift. So every week looks a little different.

But if I’m not working, I’m shuffling Z around to Tae Kwon Do or an indoor playground or some other adventure we partake in!

3. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Chile how in the world did I ever force yall to choose just 3?! 😂😂

Energetic, Transparent, & Passionate

Parenting Journey

4. What’s been the biggest challenge of being a single mom, and how have you overcome it?

Having my son ask why he doesn’t have a dad.

It’s not something I think I’ll ever “overcome”. But I am transparent with him (as is appropriate for his age) and just let him know that all families are different. And I give him examples of how other families may not have mommies or have siblings or may be raised by their grandparents. I then just reinforce to him how he’s lucky enough to not only have TWO awesome grandfathers but TWO grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and other family that love him dearly.

5. What’s one thing about solo motherhood that people don’t talk about enough?

The guilt that comes with feeling that it was your actions in some way shape or form that caused it. That had you not picked that man or whatever the case may be, you wouldn’t be out here on your own.

6. What’s your proudest “mom moment” so far?

His teacher telling me that at five, he’s reading on a third grade level, he’s the “helper” in class, and that his spunk really captivates people!

7. How do you manage parenting while pursuing your own goals and passions?

Honey, by the grace of God cause I haven’t figured out the “how” yet myself lol

Self-Care and Balance

8. How do you prioritize “me time” as a solo mom?

I set intentional “me time” after Z goes to bed. I’m currently dating someone new and I make it known to him as well that that time is non-negotiable for me no matter what! “I will catch you tomorrow babycakes!” Lol

9. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

Coloring in my adult coloring books while watching my true crime shows. Don’t judge me! 😂😂

10. Do you have a go-to self-care ritual that keeps you grounded?

Napping and coloring lol. And vacations at least every three months, even if it’s to the next state.

Inspiration and Advice

11. Who inspires you as a mother, and why?

My mother. Although not perfect, she is the epitome of what unconditional motherly love looks like. She did the best she could as a young mother with what she was given and with what she knew, and if I turn out to be even half of who she was/is, my son will be alright.

12. What advice would you give to other single moms who might be struggling?

Seek God! Seriously! I respect other people’s beliefs but I’m telling you that it’s ONLY been because of God that I’ve gotten through.

13. If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing about motherhood, what would it be?

You are amazing beyond measure. You have what it takes to raise an incredible human. And God chose YOU specifically for this time and this little person. No one could do it like you do it for Zahir.

Image from Substack

Fun and Personal

14. What’s a hobby or activity you love doing that your kids think is “annoying” or “just like a mom”?

Napping! 😂😂😂

15. If you had a full day to yourself, no responsibilities, what would you do?

Nap 😂😂😂

16. What’s your favorite mom hack that makes your life easier?

Organizing and planning. Putting everything on my planner saves my sanity and life cause chiiiillleee!

17. Name one song that’s the soundtrack of your life right now.

“Amen” by Pastor Mike Jr

Looking Forward

18. What are your goals or dreams for the next year?

To release my book (it’s going through cover design and format layout now!) and keep mommy hardcore!

19. How do you teach your children about resilience and self-love?

By setting the example. There won’t be any “do as I say and not as I do” over here. Practicing what I preach. I don’t want him to get it twisted that I glorify being a single mother BUT I do want him to see that through it all, I AM! And so is he because I am.

20. What legacy do you want to leave for your kids?

The legacy of spreading Godly love first to himself and then to the world. The legacy of chasing your heart relentless no matter how much life throws your way. And the legacy of never compromising who you are!

Thank you thank you thank you all so much! Your love and support is something I cherish everyday. This community I’m building literally wouldn’t be possible without you. I just wanted you to see that you are not alone in this solo mom thing!🩷🩷