We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tina Huggins. Check out our conversation below.
Tina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity…hands down.
Whether in my business, home life or friendships without integrity how can I keep the trust of colleagues, family or friends. None of us are perfect, and I have certainly made mistakes. I think it is how I choose to handle the mistake which means being truthful. Owning up to mistakes, keeping my word so my family and friends know that I am reliable.
My prayer is to be a model of integrity to my grandchildren through the actions they see when they are with me. An example: I promised to bake chocolate chip cookies with my grandson. He came to the house ready to make cookies and I discover that I forget to buy the chocolate chips for the cookies!” I apologized…”I’m so sorry, Lovie forgot to buy the chocolate chips, let’s do something else today and will you help me remember to buy the chocolate chips for the next time you are here?”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Children’s Book Author. I wrote my first book two years ago. “The Nodders What! You Don’t Want to Nap?” It was an idea birthed from what my mother did to get 4 children to nap after lunch. Her story was a little different so I decided to make my own storybook for toddlers who did not want to nap!
During Covid, I was bored and decide to try to write a story that would make nap time fun for toddlers. I started on a small note pad….which grew into a sheet of paper. I had a friend who encourage me to write as she worked for a publishing company. The CEO read my story and thought it was a cute idea. She said ” we need to do some editing first and find an illustrator. I had no idea that the sheet of paper with a story would become The Nodders. I was encourage to enter some book award contests as a result, The Nodders receive 8 Children’s Book Awards for Ages 2-4. It was a very exciting time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was in Elementary School, my parents were told that I was slow, and that they did not believe that I would do well in school. My parents had me tested and found me to be dyslexic. Reading was very difficult as I read in an S. I was moved to a private school and had reading remediation all the way thru high school. I felt very “stupid” a word I never use as I just had to learn how to read left to right, left to right!
I never expected to go to college. I was turned down by many…but I was accepted to one! I graduated with honors and became an educator. I became one of Apple Computer’s first 16 national trainers to teach teachers how to use technology. I received my MA in Technology Education when my children were teenagers. I am an advocate and cheerleader for those who struggle in the classroom. We aren’t defined by what others say we can’t do. We do have to do the work!
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Eleven years ago, I had been single for a number of years. I had a number of really bad dates. I was ready to throw in the towel and remain single for the rest of my life. I was going to take down my profile on a popular dating site and for some reason decide to take one more pass over the available men. I was seasoned and knew who to skip over until one profile caught my eye. A widower, a man with many degrees and had a really cute dimple when he smiled. I sent a note through the app and we set up a time to meet for a drink. As we sat across the table, all he wanted was to know who I was, what I had done, where I had been, and all about my three grown children. He sat with this hand on his cheek and just listened. I had never been on a date with anyone who wanted just to listen about my life. He didn’t care about talking about him…I later learned how brilliant he is. He just wanted to know my story…we married about 4 months later. He still is the best listener ever!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
At the end of the day…Jesus will always be with me, whether I fail or succeed. He is my Lord and Savior. I am blessed to know that I will always be with Him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thenodders.com
- Instagram: tinahugginswriter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinahuggins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561321585969
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Appsolutely_Tina
