Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiana Scales.
Qiana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the vibrant tapestry of Nashville, Tennessee, I’m proud to represent as a true native — a Southern woman who brings sophistication, a little sass, and a whole lot of soul to everything I do. I’m Qiana Scales: wife, mother, entrepreneur, and the host of The I AM Qiana Scales Podcast — a platform rooted in authenticity, healing, and purpose.
My journey has always been about more than titles. Whether I’m behind the mic or curating fashion in my boutique, The Closet Experience, I show up as a woman committed to truth, transformation, and empowering others to do the same.
The podcast was born from a deep frustration — I was tired of the noise, the negativity, and what I call “trash TV” and gossip blogs. I saw a void in the media for content that truly matters — real people having real conversations about real life. That’s why my mantra is: No gossip, just gems. REAL Talk. REAL People. RELEVANT Conversations.
Every episode is a safe space for honesty — a place where we drop the filters and get into the heart of things that impact us, inspire us, and challenge us to grow. Whether I’m speaking solo or interviewing dynamic guests, the goal is always the same: to spark connection, healing, and elevation.
Beyond the podcast, my boutique isn’t just about clothes — it’s a movement. As “The Retail Therapist,” I’ve created a space where style meets substance. It’s not just about what you wear; it’s about how you feel when you wear it. Empowered. Confident. Unapologetically YOU.
Through every platform, I use my voice, my vision, and my heart to entertain, inspire, and elevate. I believe our most authentic stories are the ones that set others free. And if my journey can be a mirror or a map for someone else finding their way, then I know I’m walking in purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Whew — where do I start? The truth is, when you know you’ve been called to do something, there’s an unshakable fire inside of you… but that doesn’t mean the journey is easy. For me, the biggest challenge has been expanding the I AM Qiana Scales Podcast into the global platform I know it’s meant to be, without the full team or resources that others might have.
Right now, I wear all the hats — host, producer, technical director, camera operator, editor, scheduler…even the lighting crew! And while I’m so proud of what I’ve been able to learn and create with no prior training, the reality is, I need a production team behind me so I can focus on what I do best: curating meaningful conversations and crafting dynamic show topics that pour into people’s lives.
It hasn’t been all smooth, but every pivot has led to purpose.
One of my favorite full-circle moments started years ago in Memphis. I was just attending a pop-up shop hosted by my friend Latonja Smith of Create the Culture Events. Her host had to step away mid-event, and she handed me the mic and said, “Here — you like to talk!” And just like that, I was on. The crowd loved my energy, and from that moment on, I began hosting more pop-up shops, fashion shows, motivational events, and building my voice as a speaker.
Eventually, the podcast vision started burning in my spirit. I reached out to my childhood friend Kevin Johnson of Big Chuuuch Podcast and asked if I could shadow him. He didn’t hesitate, he welcomed me in and showed me the ropes. That guidance was pivotal.
Then came a divine connection with Corey Gray, aka C-Dub, owner of Streetz 99.3. He opened his studio doors to me and taught me how to use the radio equipment so I could air The I AM Qiana Scales Podcast on his station. That moment was such a blessing.
Even when the station went through a shift and I had to pivot again, I didn’t quit. I repositioned.
I made the executive decision to turn The Closet Experience Boutique into my own production studio and began livestreaming episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. That transition birthed my newest segment, Couch Conversations With Q — intimate, powerful dialogue filmed right in the space I created from the ground up.
Every challenge has made me stronger, more innovative, and more resilient. I didn’t have a blueprint, but I had belief. And I’m still walking in that — waiting for the day when my gifts make room for me on a major radio platform or television network. Until then, I’ll keep showing up, mic in hand, purpose in heart, ready to speak life into whoever needs it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a creative, I wear many hats — and each one is tied to my purpose. Whether I’m styling a client in the boutique, speaking behind the mic on my podcast, or diving deep during “Couch Conversations with Q,” I bring the same intention to every space I enter: to uplift, inspire, and empower.
My journey as a creative entrepreneur began in 2009 with the launch of The Closet Experience Boutique. More than a fashion destination, it’s a ministry — a space I lovingly call retail therapy with a purpose. That purpose is why my clients know me as “The Retail Therapist.” Every purchase helps me pour directly back into the community.
One cause close to my heart is supporting Shwab Elementary School, where I help stock their student attendance store and provide school uniforms for children in need. I also proudly supported East High School with aprons for their cooking club. These are just a few of the ways I’ve been able to give back — because when you walk in purpose, blessings overflow.
At my boutique on Clarksville Pike in Nashville, I offer private, confidence-boosting shopping appointments tailored to each woman’s unique style. My goal is to help women activate their inner DIVA — because DIVA is more than a look… it’s a lifestyle:
D.I.V.A. = Driven. Inspired. Victorious. Authentic.
My passion for fashion comes from personal experience. As a former plus-size woman, I remember what it felt like to walk into stores and not feel seen. That’s why I created The Closet Experience — a space where all women are celebrated, supported, and styled with intention.
Although my body has changed, my heart hasn’t. I still hand-curate every item in the boutique with real women in mind — women who want to feel seen, stylish, and strong. Fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all — and confidence shouldn’t be either.
Ready for your transformation? Start here:
👉 Shop the Boutique: www.theclosetexperience.com
What’s in YOUR CLOSET?
👉 Explore More, Listen In, Work With Me: www.iamqianascales.com
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start scared, start unsure, start with what you have, but just START!
Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Don’t wait until you have all the answers or all the resources. I didn’t have a studio, a production team, or even formal training when I launched my podcast. I had a vision, a voice, and the faith to believe that God wouldn’t give me a calling without also giving me the capacity to grow into it.
One mic. One opportunity. One “yes” at a pop-up shop in Memphis was all it took to set this journey in motion. If I had waited for perfection, I would’ve missed my purpose.
Also embrace the process. The behind-the-scenes, the pivoting, the trial-and-error, the moments nobody claps for you; that’s where you build your character, your skillset, and your resilience. Every hat I’ve had to wear host, producer, tech support, to creative director has stretched me in ways I now count as blessings.
Stay in alignment with your “why.” The vision will evolve, but the purpose should stay rooted. When you know your calling, distractions become easier to ignore, and detours become divine redirection.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people out there assigned to your journey, but they can’t support a dream you’re too afraid to share. So speak up, show up, and trust that your gifts will make room for you.
When someone truly wants to see you win, they’ll support you even when you’re not winning yet.
That’s exactly what my best friend Nakita Brown-Thomas has done and continues to do for me. From the moment I first shared my desire to launch a podcast, she’s been right there: creatively assisting behind the scenes, helping me brainstorm, and even stepping into a supportive role at the boutique when needed. Nakita believes in the vision, even on the days when I’ve had to borrow belief. She’s a living reminder that you don’t need an audience to begin… Sometimes, one person cheering you on is enough to keep going.
So here’s your reminder: start where you are. Say yes to the assignment. And trust that God will meet you right there in the middle of your obedience.
You are enough. Your voice matters. And your journey, even with its rough starts and restarts, can still lead to something incredible!
And here’s something I live by “I’m out here being IMPACTFUL, NOT popular.”
The likes and views will come and go. But impact? That lasts long after the algorithm forgets you.
So to anyone just starting out:
Focus on being effective, not just visible. Your purpose has power. Walk in it BOLDLY!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamqianascales.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamqianascales?igsh=bDhyOXBjYXNtaTB3
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/qiana.bradfordscales
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamqianascales
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/34dii7y05NILOVlbUTTVOT?si=wqHTTXPVRIuic022llDvBw
