By Roxanne Ashley | Associate Editor 3RY Magazine
Have you ever had the pleasure of tuning in to the hit tv series “Scandal”? Watching the lead actress played by the phenomenal Kerry Washington solve the problems of the wealthy and distinguished? Well, meet Detroits very own “Olivia Pope” Ms. Tierra Jae! At the still young and vibrant age of 32, she has dominated multiple industries since she was 19 years old! Hailing from the west side of Detroit, and graduating from historical MLK High-school, Tierra saw from firsthand experience how simple mistakes in someone’s youth can lead to adverse affects in their adult life.
Before Tierra Jae was old enough to legally drink in the USA, she began establishing her legacy and empire, heading a transportation company that later sold to a larger entity was one of her first endeavors and insights to the fact that as long as she continued on her path, that there would be no ceilings to her success. Named by her constituents as a serial entrepreneur, she embraced the title as it described her drive and ability to head a plethora of projects. Not only for herself and her own business entities but for her community. Growing up in a place where the tracks are so close together that you can end up on either side is more detrimental to those who have to walk that fine line than people may believe. Being someone who in her youth made a nonviolent mistake, she made it her duty to help those that she knew couldn’t help themselves be educated about their options and have the best shot at pursuing happiness. Specializing in everything from tax services to credit repair. She truly is a “fixer” and a steady beat that progresses the heart of the city of Detroit.
Her current company New Beginnings has the tools to get any individual, brand, or business on a path to financial freedom. Offering credit repair, criminal expungement, and felon friendly resources. The amazing thing about New Beginnings is that everyone can take advantage of their services, however the humility offered to those who are often misjudged by society an opportunity to be treated with the same courtesy and integrity as every other citizen is truly honorable.
Statistics show that 41% of the prison population is nonviolent/nonthreatening offenders. Some of these people who have the hearts to come home and further their lives as productive members of society are often met with hurdles, obstacles and overwhelming discouragement while carrying the weight of a felony on their personal record. Tierra is a success story and has decided to be the change that she wants to see.
3RY had the immense pleasure of having a conversation with this awe-inspiring woman of many industries, to gain more insight into her perspectives and motivation to be a pillar of support those around her.
This interview is a little different for me as you are the first person, I’ve interviewed for 3RY that is my age! So, I may be more conversational as I am so proud to be with one of my peers! I know you are from the westside of Detroit, and you told us you graduated from MLK, but I would really like to know what motivated you to start New Beginnings?
It actually stemmed from my personal journey. When I was young, I made some mistakes that warranted a nonviolent felony. I came to find that because of these mistakes, I always had doors closing in my face. Once I got the information, I needed to grow myself, I was already aware that people where I come from are not educated about expungement or credit repair. So, I made it my job to be the person that I didn’t have when it was me going through it.
That is amazing and so admirable! You’ve adopted the name “Detroit’s Olivia Pope", could you tell us how that came to be?
I have! All my friends, business associates and family seek me out to handle almost anything because they know I’ll get it done; “I need a car, call Tierra! “I’m looking for a house, call Tierra!” “I need help with my business, TIERRA!”
So how does that make you feel knowing that so many people depend on you?
It honestly feels great, I do love helping people and have experienced so much on my path. I’ve owned a clothing store, so I help with fashion consulting, I’ve owned the transportation company we spoke about. I am a certified tax preparer, and credit repair specialist. I help with getting businesses their documents and taking them through the appropriate steps to legitimize themselves. I help with obtaining retail licenses and literally laying the foundation for others to be able to open up with inventory and the whole nine. I really do love seeing people win and succeed.
Wow, so when you look back on this journey, who would you say inspired you to be such a service to the people?
I was a young mom so my 13-year daughter who is currently on her second business! Has always been my motivation. She is watching and I want to always be an example of what she is capable of. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of guidance and had to make my own mistakes and learn as I went along. I don’t think people should have to go through that. People always tell me that me and my daughter are so close, and they admire our relationship. Every hardship or struggle, she has been with me, and because I was a young mom. We did a lot of growing up together. I am so grateful for our bond and encourage her in ways that missed me.
Could you give a word of inspiration to our readers and any aspiring serial entrepreneurs who may be in need of some of that encouragement?
It’s actually something that I live by and our slogan for New Beginnings and that is “You are always one decision away from a new beginning” which just means every choice you make is one where you can choose to be better and do better. Dedication is key to success in every facet, and also commitment. Lastly, organization is key. If your life is a mess, then your business will be a mess. Nobody gave me the blueprint, so I am here to help make it available to my community! Come see us at New Beginnings!
Speaking of your company “New Beginnings” can you tell us what is going on with you all and what people can participate in or look forward to?
Yes! Our “Credit Calendar” will be released at the end of April and is a planner for those establishing, building and maintaining credit. NBCCR wants the community to be aware that the expungement laws will change as of April 11, 2021, and all those who may have been unable to qualify for the first rounds, may be eligible after laws go into effect on 4/11. In the beginning of May New Beginnings Will began bookings for expungement consultations. We will also be hosting a community event for the underserved to receive their Stimulus Payments. We will be announcing the date on our social media pages and website soon, so make sure you follow us on Instagram @n.b.c.c.r on Facebook @NBCCRFirm, and frequently check our website www.nbccr.org for updates!
Interviewing this young woman, with so much passion and drive made me so proud that Detroit produces these types of forward thinking, humble, integral types of matriarchs. A mother, a friend, an encourager, influencer, entrepreneur, public servant, philanthropist and so many other notable titles has set the standard for redeeming yourself in the most inspiring ways. It is my opinion, after having the pleasure to connect with her vibe, her open transparency and humanitarianism. That fictional character Olivia Carolyn Pope wouldn’t be able to fill the real-life shoes of Ms. Tierra Jae, and would be honored to know that she was compared to her.
It takes self reflection and deliberating with ministry of the mirror to use yourself as an example for progression. To create positive force and change. We thank Tierra Jae for her services, we encourage you to follow her brands on social media and take advantage of her services.
There is no “Scandal” here. Only a beautiful story unfolding, and we are excited for the future that Tierra Jae is manifesting with all of those who are watching in mind.
Sirens Media Group
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