Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia May.
Hi Tia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a disabled veteran, wife, mother, artist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate.
The first forty years of my life were a struggle to survive both mentally & physically, and there were many days I thought of giving up. Through my survival, it became my life’s mission to help others, with a focus on mental health & the veteran community.
Up until this past year, I was building a successful career as an artist, but after 22 years of battling chronic illness, my hands became too painful to continue down that road. At a crossroads, I was completely lost, and my mental health went into a rapid decline.
As a veteran, I thought I could get access to the help I so desperately needed, but found myself crying out in what felt like an empty room. I reached out to the VA and many local mental health facilities, but there just wasn’t help available.
I was hanging by a thread and losing grip, and luckily for me, I was referred to 22zero by a friend. I reached out to them immediately, and they quickly got me set up to do a session with Dr. Pamela Arnell.
The session I did only lasted about an hour, but I believe it saved my life that day. In the days to come, I already felt as though the weight of my past was lighter, and it only continued to lighten over time.
I have grown so much, using the tools I was given to create a version of myself I never imagined I could be. This year, I have transitioned from art to automotive sports and quickly discovered the adrenaline was extremely therapeutic. This brings me to where I am today.
I am the founder of Crazy Car Chik where we are developing an adrenaline program for veterans here in Nashville. I share my story along with automotive content to capture the attention of the community, hoping that we can grow this program into something that helps veterans & first responders across the globe.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have yet to travel on a smooth road, and wonder if life isn’t meant to always be a little bumpy along the way.
I have struggled with homelessness, financial hardship, abusive relationships, loss of loved ones, over two decades of chronic illness, and honestly faced too many struggles to list.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a mental health advocate who uses interviews & automotive content to engage my audience. New to the automotive industry I am always seeking growth and learning, always hoping to inspire and have fun along the way.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I plan to make a positive impact on the mental healthcare system and take my passion for automotive sports across the globe. Building an empire of people looking to make a positive impact on the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazycarchik/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crazycarchik
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd6gg6KzNyFZsg3omaJRwA
Image Credits
Ricky Davis and Ann Harris
