When it comes to inspiring others to just be themselves, Tia Wyatt certainly knows how to do it! Tia is the face behind and in front of Belly Beats and Booty Buster, an all-inclusive studio welcoming everybody who is keen to give dancing a try. While we can (and should) recognise women every day of the year, March 8 is International Women’s Day - a day of celebrating the achievements of women across the globe. Tia is just one of many amazing women out there in the community who go the extra mile to see others feel good about themselves.
Tia’s dancing journey started in 2003 when she was being taught by Leanne from Mayyada Bazaar. When Leanne decided to close down the dancing side of the business, Tia was offered the opportunity to teach.
“I never imagined my life taking this path but I’m glad it did!” Tia said. “In 2010 I took myself seriously and started classes not only on Bribie Island, but Caboolture and Woodford as well. After many years teaching in halls and churches, we combined our locations and purchased our own property on Lear Jet Drive at Caboolture and built the amazing studio we call home today!”
Belly dancing and Booty Buster dance fitness are now the studio’s two most popular classes, with workshops on offer in hula hoop dance, Salsa and alternative arts. It doesn’t matter whether you have danced before or have any ability at all, everyone is welcomed into the studio to give it a go.
“Our youngest student is aged just six with the eldest 75,” Tia said. “We teach women and kids size 6-26. We focus heavily on offering a space that is judgement free where women can just be themselves without a worry in the world. Our classes suit ALL ages, ALL sizes and ALL abilities and we absolutely do welcome people with two left feet!”
Knowing she can make people feel good about themselves in such a short space of time is a big part of what motivates Tia.
“What I love most about this job is how it makes people feel,” Tia said. “I love that a person can walk in with the world on their shoulders and leave feeling happier than when they arrived. I love watching a plus size woman walk in with no confidence and walk out the opposite.
“I love seeing people with anxiety jump out of their comfort zone and overcome fear. I like that our studio is judgement free and welcomes everybody with open arms.”
While there is no one particular person that Tia looks up to, she does have a fridge full of daily affirmations that she reads over and over and reminds herself of every day. That being said, one of the most beautiful things about Tia is that she views herself exactly the same as everyone she sees come into the studio.
“I see myself the same as every woman who walks into the studio – equal and definitely not better than them,” she said. “I see myself leading a tribe of extremely capable, amazing, fierce women and kids and I hope that I can positively ‘mentor’ or add to each of their lives along the way. I do believe many of them actually listen to my crazy preach, haha!
“My proudest moments are when I see someone jump out of their comfort zone. Someone who is proud of themselves for doing something they never thought they would – whether it be classes, performing or making friends! I feel extremely proud when one of our tribe says ‘I feel beautiful in this’ or ‘I’ve never done anything for myself like this before’.”
As we approach International Women’s Day, what does it all mean to a successful and motivational woman like Tia?
“International Women’s Day means a lot to me in that our business is predominantly women and girls,” Tia said. “This day is about celebrating being a woman and everything about that should be celebrated!
“Women should be lifting each other up, supporting one another and accepting each other exactly as they are. Today, we are thankful for the equal rights that we are privileged to have.
“I hope I influence the women around me in a positive way. I try to fill every class with smiles and laughter. I like to open deep conversations and I like to genuinely ask how my student’s days are going.
“I like to remind them that it’s okay to have boundaries, self-worth and to live with gratitude. I like to see women taking time for themselves, especially mums! I feel I also influence women not to judge each other but to applaud each other instead.”
Her own hardworking mother is a big inspiration for Tia, along with all the other amazing women out there who have taken the leap to become a business owner.
“Small business can be extremely challenging at times and there is no better person to chat about it with than other business owners who just ‘get it’,” she said.
We only have one chance at life and while it’s not always easy to get everything right the first time, you never know unless you give things a go. With that in mind, Tia has a little bit of advice for others out there who might need a little push.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to jump out of your comfort zone and try new things because you really don’t know what you’re missing,” Tia said. “Find the group or activity where you just ‘fit’.”
If you want to find out more about Tia, the studio or how you can join their dance family, jump onto their Facebook page Belly Beats and Booty Buster.
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