Meet Tina Kiaosouvath of Phoenix, Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Kiaosouvath

Tina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been away from social media for quite some time. I lost myself completely when I had to start over becoming a single mom. I lost myself and what gave me passion. I felt like I wasn’t a good woman, a failure as a mother, and more importantly a disappointment to my family/friends. I decided to shut the world out and live under a rock.

I was always driven to get where I wanted to be, they say I’m daring and brave. I was always a curious individual who wanted to learn and grow, I knew there was so much out there. I didn’t have a goal or certain title I was seeking while working in the manufacturing industry. I’ve worked in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing with a combination of being involved with research and development. Through the good people I’ve met from mentors to coworkers, I was able to become an engineer without a degree.

When I became a single mother, I decided to completely drop my career. I had no plan, no idea what I was going to do because my workplace didn’t serve me peace anymore.

My family is my backbone through my impulsive decisions. For all they have done for me, I am grateful to have those who love me unconditionally. More than anything, my big sister is my rock. She would always make sure my brother and I were okay. Although she has been through a lot herself, at the end of the day she would always make sure we never got left behind. My brother in law, his family, and my sister has shown me kindness and grace for so many years that I owe it to them to become better and make them proud. Through some mistakes and growth, I’ve found myself again. I’ve accepted it’s okay to start over.

I’m okay just being a regular person, with a regular job. I’m doing what I need to do to be a great mother to my children. I wanted to share my story to others out there, just because you thought “you made it” doesn’t mean you can’t get there again. Rebuilding your life is tough, but we need to remember success looks different to everyone.

I have a big personality, I’m a good person, I’m smart, and I know my time will come to shine again. I want others who are going through the ups and downs in life, that it’s okay to feel the way you feel. Also to remember, you can heal when you find your people. When you find your people, you build each other up together. There isn’t any strategy, or motive behind it. It’s just finding people with different skills and talents that help each other get there, even if that means they get there first.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all… this has by far been the biggest mountain I’m climbing.

My son is on the spectrum of autism, so getting the help for him to grow was challenging. People didn’t understand my son. Doctors would misdiagnosed him. I’ve always got 2nd and even 3rd opinions when it comes to health. I was determine to find the right people and school who understood how my son learns. My son was non-verbal one year ago. He is now talking and making huge milestones. His teachers tell me all the time he is really smart. (I know!!!) Autism can be misunderstood. There is not enough information about it, but I think it’s so crucial for the youth. It is still not talked about as much. I am a huge advocate for my son and I hope to reach others along the way who may need guidance and help too.

Financially, I am not stable. When you become a one income family, all the responsibilities including bills become extremely stressful.

My mental health wasn’t good. I didn’t love myself at all. I didn’t feel beautiful, I lost my bubbly personality, and I gave myself such a hard time. The strength it takes to love yourself again while being a good mother is underestimated.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work at an aerospace company as an assembly & test operator. In parallel I am also a nail technician.

What sets me apart? I am working a regular job while also in hopes to become a business owner. Just because I was an engineer, doesn’t mean I would go back to doing that career. I am actually really happy with what I am doing. I’ve met great people at my aerospace job – they inspire me so much. They are the most real individuals I’ve ever met in a long time. I’ve been able to gain creative/artistic skills as a nail technician. I wish I went into the beauty industry a lot earlier in my life. I love what I’m doing, but primarily my number one job as a mother!

I am proud of being a work in progress. Even though I have a lot of experiences, I am still not where I want to be. I am proud of the person I am and even though I am struggling too, I’ve always tried to help those who may need me too. I am becoming someone my kids can look up to so they can continue my legacy.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve actually had a lot of bad luck. Like honestly the odds are against me. There’s been a lot of set backs to where I have days on giving up.

Life has been challenging. Although I am carrying so much weight on my shoulders, I feel so lucky.

Through it all, I’ve grown so much as a person. I love who I am and I don’t need to change for anyone. I’m humble with my growth and I am becoming the person I need to be to provide my children with a good life. The road doesn’t end here, but I hope to reach others about my journey. I want to keep it real because it seems like the world needs more of it right now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinakiaosouvath?igsh=cWV4YnNkMjh5dGww&utm_source=qr