Fresh Face: Tiana Simmons

In case you haven't already figured it out, The Hive is so much more than a coworking space for femmes. We are a hub for social dialogues, a nook for personal and professional development, a house for ambition and a launchpad for emerging creatives. One of our current pursuits is learning how to host a podcast. At first, the podcast was going to start up after we opened, however, since "plans" seem to have meant nothing to 2020 (RUDE!), apparently the time is NOW. And just when I began dreaming about what this next platform of The Hive could do for local femmes, I received a message from a beautiful soul asking about none other than: podcasting.

Enter Tiana. We met up for martinis, and while I was immediately captivated by her effortless beauty and warm demeanor - her presence and her words brought the light I needed to see clearly that we were supposed to do this together. And so, it has begun.

Now, we are in no way, shape or form, ready to launch our adorable name or provocative (ohhh yeah) episodes, as we are still learning and continuing to practice the art of it all, but we simply cannot wait to open the floor and pass the mic so "her" can be heard. So, without further ado, here is my friend, and The Hive's first podcast host, Tiana:

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Melinda: Introductions, please!

Tiana: My name is Tiana Ashley Simmons. I was told, growing up that the word Tiana translated to “the bloom of a flower,” or “beautiful flower,” in Hawaiian.

My mother’s family has strong roots on Maui, but I consider Coeur d’ Alene to be my hometown. I’ve lived all over the states throughout my travels and I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places, but this town has been home to more versions of me than any other, I suppose. Coeur d’ Alene has my mark on it. My parents met at The Iron Horse. My first kiss was at Sanders Beach. My history, Her Story, is here.

M: What do you love most about our gorgeous lake town, your sweet hometown, Coeur d'Alene?

T: Coeur d’ Alene is a work of art, in its entirety. Anywhere you go, there is something beautiful to witness, whether it’s a vibrant, moody sunrise over mountains that surround you, showing you colors you never knew existed, or all the common, human kindness I so regularly receive from passing strangers that you’d be shocked to find in any big city. It’s impossible to not find something breathtaking here, as long as you’re looking for it.

M: With all this beauty, what would you say is an opportunity for change in this area?

T: I believe, that the one thing this town needs most, is real growth and real perspective from the real people that live here. I think this town, actually I KNOW that Coeur d’ Alene is really, really good at hiding and downplaying events and even people that may give a black eye to this “perfect, safe, little lake town.” A majority of this town is scared of change, scared of different. This town deserves a platform to elevate the voices and experiences of people who can prove that change and acceptance of what may seem uncomfortable and unconventional now, may just be the best thing for the strength of Coeur d’ Alene’s truly diverse community.