David Meltzer
In a cutthroat entertainment industry and fame-driven fashion landscape, Nigerian American teenager Tia Ola is creating her own path by knocking on every door of opportunity that exists. A model, an actress, a student and an aspiring entrepreneur, the young girl is not letting her age define her talent and skill. With hands-on involvement in so much and so effectively, the powerhouse of a performer is set for a bright future.
Contrary to the tell tales and usual line of stories, Tia Ola’s journey to becoming a model and an actor didn’t begin under the bright lights of a studio, nor did she have the privilege of being on the grand stage. Her journey started in the comfort zone of her house, watching a documentary over the weekend. It was the magic of Baby Phat that struck the chord and kindled her imagination, paving the way for her future in the industry. Kimora Lee Simmons—both a designer and a model—was an equally impactful influence,
“I had never seen someone design and model their line,” Tia says. “It made me realize that if I ever wanted to design, I needed to understand modeling, too.”
The emotional depth of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis soon matched that early inspiration. Austin Butler’s honest portrayal of overcoming shyness through acting resonated with her inner world.
“I saw myself in him,” she shares. “It gave me the courage to take that first step and enroll in both acting and modeling classes.”
Tia has embraced her craft with the dedication of a dancer and the inquisitiveness of a scholar. Through her continuous training in modeling and acting, she has refined her technique and transformed her mindset. This dual focus has enhanced her artistic expression and deepened her understanding of the performing arts.
“These classes have changed everything,” she says. “They’ve taught me how to be present, how to adapt—and most importantly, how to grow.”
Universal Fame
From the runways of New York to the catwalks of Milan and London—and with Paris on the horizon—Tia is already making waves in fashion’s most revered capitals. Her debut at New York Fashion Week remains a defining moment.
“The lights, the music, the rhythm of the runway—it was like I stepped into a dream,” she recalls. That dream turned into a win when she took home the top honour at the Plitzs NYFW KIDS Fashion Democracy Show.
“It was surreal,” she says. “The runway used to intimidate me. That moment was proof that confidence and hard work pay off.”
The Powerhouse of All
What separates Tia from many of her peers is her multidimensionality. Beyond the glitz of fashion weeks and editorial shoots, she serves as a film critic with KIDS FIRST!, reviewing films and interviewing industry heavyweights.
“I’ve learned so much just by listening,” she says. “There’s power in asking questions.”
Her modelling approach is equally thoughtful. She tailors her preparation to each job, blending intention with intuition. “Runway is about attitude and rhythm. Commercial work is about energy and connection,” she explains.
Beauty, Brains and Exuberating Confidence
A self-professed academic at heart, Tia’s interests go far beyond fashion. She’s passionate about human biology, coding, and entrepreneurship—and she’s learning how to combine them.
“I love discovering the intersections between my passions,” she says with enthusiasm. “Whether it’s using tech to create fashion-forward designs or blending medicine with storytelling, I want to explore it all.” Her passion for her diverse interests is palpable and inspiring.
One such intersection is her initiative Confident Smiles, which advocates for youth oral health—a deeply personal mission born from her own childhood dental struggles. “No one should feel held back by their smile,” she says with quiet conviction.
Right Mindset
In an industry where comparison is the only language, Tia remains grounded by choice.
“When I’m at a casting, I remind myself that what’s meant for me will never miss me,” she says. “That mindset has helped me move through rejection with grace.”
She notes that her resilience and ability to bounce back from every challenge—wardrobe malfunctions, missed cues, even safety concerns—are testaments to her determination. “Perfection isn’t the goal,” she says. Progress is.” Her journey is a source of inspiration for all those who face obstacles in their path.
The Future is Tia Ola
Looking ahead, Tia envisions a future filled with creative collisions—high-fashion campaigns, meaningful acting roles, and groundbreaking innovations in fields not yet imagined. She’s aiming not only for success in one area but also for a diverse and impactful career.
“I want to show young people that they don’t have to choose one path,” she says. “You can be many things at once. You can be everything—as long as you lead with passion.”
She’s soaking in the journey, one runway, one scene, one breakthrough at a time.
“I know how fortunate I am,” she reflects. “So I make sure I’m fully present in every moment.”
Tia Ola is represented by Sherry Lee publicist and owner of GTK PR Agency, LLC in Los Angeles. You can follow her unfolding story on Instagram: @tia_olatunji.
Credits:
Photographer: Ajia Jackson @jackson_visuals
Creative Director & Stylist: @kimmichellestyling
Hairstylist: @sheerimmersion
Makeup Artist: @blushrehab
