When I was 11 years old, I remember watching TV in my parents’ bedroom. I would sit on the foot of the bed eating Cheez-Its, waiting for Sister, Sister episodes to air on the Disney Channel. 

This week, I watched Tia Mowry’s Youtube video titled, “How I Envision My Future,” and let me manifest this here and now: I want to play a role in Tia’s future production company. As a writer, producer, storyteller, contributor, creative, or something, I want to add to the stories that Tia hopes to amplify. Like she says, we need more diversity on all story-telling platforms, and I am here for it. 

For those unaware, Tia Mowry-Hardrict debuted her long and successful career on Sister, Sister, a popular US sit-com that aired on TV in the 90s and early 2000s. It graced the screens of millions of Americans and is now available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. Award-winning and nationally-syndicated, it shaped many young minds with its portrayal of everyday life from the eyes of two growing teenagers. 

To this day, I follow Tia and her sister Tamera Mowry’s careers. I support their work, their visions, their art, their contributions, and I am so thankful for how they share their light in this messy and sometimes ugly world. 

Throughout the years, Tia wrote and published two cookbooks, created a cookware line, co-founded and launched a vitamins and supplements product, and acted in a long list of movies and TV shows. 

Today, she spreads stories, tips, and laughter on her Youtube channel and stars in Family Reunion on Netflix, all while raising a family with her husband and their two young kids. This woman is incredible. 

So to Tia, I write this letter.

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Dear Tia,

I love your infectious laughter. Your energy on screen breathes life into your audience. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. I can sense the joy in your heart and love in your actions. Your stamina and discipline are displayed in every project launched and every art-work created. I want to be like you. 

I was especially inspired by the following episodes on your Youtube channel:

1. How I Got My Body Back after Baby 2: This video is beyond a weight loss journey. It’s a story about resisting a system that demands harmful, superficial, and unrealistic expectations of women postpartum. It’s a fight against the patriarchy telling us how we need to look, when we need to look that way, and what we need to do with our bodies and our lives, all of which – to be clear – is a load of bull. It’s a reclaiming of one’s self, one’s identity, one’s core. And that’s a powerful and moving message. Your realness, your vulnerability, your dedication, and your intentions are so pure, raw, and inspiring.

2. Revealing my DNA Results: Acknowledging the stories of those who led to your existence while honoring your ancestors can be a powerful exercise. The stories we tell ourselves about who we are, how we got here, and who our ancestors were can be an empowering way to write or rewrite one’s narrative.

On the other side of the glitz and glamour, Hollywood reveals its dark side, its harshness, its brutal and unforgiving landscape full of hyenas dressed as lambs. From where I’m sitting, the poison plagues many who dare approach its deceitful fruits – yet you seem untouched. Spared. Unphased by the roughness, you bloom and thrive as beautifully as a strawberry in season. Your longevity in the industry is especially remarkable. You made yourself a different space under the glaring Hollywood lights – one of grace, groundedness, authenticity, and truth. 

All the projects that keep you booked and busy are a testament to your stamina, resilience, and discipline. Your focus, action, and attitude impact me and the world around you. These are all traits that I work to emulate, and I’m grateful to witness your growth and transformation and look to you as inspiration and representation. 

Thank you for the work you do and for the love you shine onto this world. 

Blessings always and thanks for reading!