Tia Scott

Freelance Writer & Editor

United States

Hi, my name is Tia Scott, a writer, editor, and social media manager whose work is rooted in community, culture, and organic online growth.

My 15-year career has focused on helping people tell their stories through bios, mission statements, and press releases, while also crafting news stories about the businesses and organizations in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Currently, I’m helping businesses grow their social media presence and expand their online reach with simple, effective marketing strategies.

I'm also sharing my thoughts on life, love, and everything in between on my Substack page. Find me there at Tia The Writer.

Portfolio
Flintside
04/06/2023
"Every school I ever went to in Flint is gone"

This article is part of the People-Centered Oversight Series, which aims to elevate the issues most affecting the Flint community. The series was created in partnership with Flint Beat and made possible by support from The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, and funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Flintside
01/18/2023
A look inside Claressa Shields' free boxing class for Flint youth

Editor's note: Statements from Claressa Shields were taken by Flintside contributor Rayford Gray. FLINT, Michigan - Flint native Claressa Shields recently hosted a class for youth boxing lessons inside AT Fitness in Mount Morris, MI. Almost 90 kids and young adults attended the class on Monday, Jan.

Flintside
12/16/2022
Flint native Quion Wheeler releases debut autobiography 'Becoming Me'

FLINT, Michigan - Flint native Quion Wheeler released his debut book, Becoming Me, and held a book signing event for it on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Totem Bookstore (620 W Court St) in Flint. Becoming Me is an autobiographical collection of stories from Wheeler as he recounts moments in his life when he faced challenges that lead to valuable life lessons.

Flintside
04/20/2021
Flint native Pharlon Randle Celebrates 15 Years of Studio on the Go

FLINT, Michigan -- What started out as a simple gig turned into a full-fledged mission for Flint native Pharlon Randle, who is currently celebrating 15 years of his youth-focused music program, Studio on the Go. A one-of-a-kind learning experience, Randle and his team have introduced songwriting, recording, music production, and other processes to thousands of students in Flint and surrounding areas.

Flintside
05/04/2021
Catching up with radio personality Soopa Dave who left his mark on Flint listeners

Editor's Note: The video included in this article is an independent interview conducted by Flintside contributor Tia Scott. See more of her work on her YouTube channel . FLINT, Michigan -- Radio personality David Weaver, better known as Soopa Dave, brought Hip-Hop and humor to Flint's 92.7 WDZZ-FM in the mid-1990s while creating a new standard for local radio.

Model D
12/31/2021
Working towards a prosperous Detroit: Wayne State Office of Economic Development celebrates 10 years

This year, TechTown Detroit honored the 10th anniversary of Wayne State University's Office of Economic Development (OED) during its annual "Toast of the Town" fundraising event. The event, which broadcasted virtually to an audience of 1,000 viewers, also highlighted how OED and TechTown have worked closely together through the years to develop and support businesses across Detroit.

Flintside
05/19/2021
"I'm still a student of Bernard Terry"

By Tia Scott and Xzavier Simon FLINT, Michigan -- Music producer and audio engineer Bernard "BT" Terry Sr., a pillar of Flint's music community, has died at age 69. Known for his precise engineering style, Terry worked on albums from notable Flint music acts such as Ready For The World, The Dayton Family, MC Breed, Jake The Flake, Top Authority, and a slew of others during his 30+ year career.

SoundCloud
08/31/2020
Why I Left My Hometown of Flint, MI: A Self-Love Story❤️ by Tia The Writer

This is the audio version of the article 'Why I Left My Hometown of Flint, MI: A Self-Love Story❤️ by freelancer and blogger Tia The Writer. Link to article: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/p/why-i-left-my-hometown-of-flint-mi Substack Newsletter: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/tia_the_writer/ Twitter: twitter.com/Tia_The_Writer Clippings: www.clippings.me/tiascott Oh!

SoundCloud
09/11/2020
My Mom's Unapologetically Black Wedding & How She Did It Her Way👰🏽 by Tia The Writer

This is the audio version of the article "My Mom's Unapologetically Black Wedding & How She Did It Her Way👰🏽" by freelancer and blogger Tia The Writer. Link to article: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/p/my-moms-unapologetically-black-wedding Substack Newsletter: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/tia_the_writer/ Twitter: twitter.com/Tia_The_Writer Clippings: www.clippings.me/tiascott Oh!

Flintside
05/24/2021
Get to know Buckham Gallery's first Writer in Residence

FLINT, Michigan -- Flint author and poet Shea Cobb is the first writer to participate in Buckham Gallery's newly-formed Writer In Residence program. The Buckham Gallery has been predominantly known as a visual arts exhibition space in Flint but is now looking to tap into the city's rich literary arts community.

Flintside
05/26/2021
The Beats x BBQ Memorial Day Experience hits downtown Flint this weekend

FLINT, Michigan -- This year's Memorial Day weekend in downtown Flint will be full of music, food, and laughs as Brandon Corder presents the Beats x BBQ Memorial Day Experience. The 3-day weekend will feature multiple events, including a networking mixer, brunch, a live comedy show, and a festival-style BBQ in Brush Park followed by an afterparty.

GoodBoy Clothing
11/30/2020
Tierra J. Anthony: Creating Her Own Culture | The GOODS

Q&A | Catching up with YouTube sensation, Tierra J. Anthony Tierra J. Anthony is a wife, mother and content creator who has found success on YouTube by consistently showcasing her many talents and keeping it real with her viewers.

Flintside
11/22/2020
12 years after his passing, MC Breed continues to inspire his hometown

MC Breed is a Flint Hip Hop pioneer, but he's also responsible for creating a lasting Midwest sound. Born Eric Breed, the emcee made his introduction to the world in 1991 with the hit single, "Ain't No Future In Yo Frontin." Sampling the unforgettable high-pitched synth from Ohio Players' "Funky Worm," the single peaked at No.

GoodBoy Clothing
11/16/2020
Alex Dav: Community Over Everything | The GOODS

Q&A | Talking business and community with multi-talented entrepreneur, Alex Dav A man of many skills, Antwaun Alexander Davis, also known as Alex Dav, has been contributing to his community for the past several years, and doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Flintside
01/12/2021
"It continued to nag at me, the belief that I had a story worth telling"

FLINT, Michigan - In November of 2020, Flint-based writer and essayist Bob Campbell released his debut fiction novel, Motown Man. The book touches on love, hope, and humanity as well as ethics, identity, and race relations. Contrary to the book's title, it doesn't take place in Detroit, but in a small industrial Midwest city in the early 1990s, significantly similar to Flint, Michigan.

GoodBoy Clothing
12/18/2020
Cherisse Bradley Goes Virtual for Annual

Like many performing artists in the beginning of 2020, Flint native Cherisse Bradley would have never predicted that she wouldn't be able to hit the stage due to the pandemic. But like the old saying goes, the show must go on.

GoodBoy Clothing
01/18/2021
Jason Waggoner: Connecting the Community with Yellow Chair Diaries | The GOODS

"Welcome to the Yellow Chair Diaries community where the cool kids hang out!" This is how Flint-based singer/songwriter Jason Waggoner starts his weekly show Yellow Chair Diaries on his Facebook Live feed. During the hour-long livestream, he performs for viewers in real-time, playing the guitar and singing familiar tunes as well as his own original music.

GoodBoy Clothing
12/08/2020
TaWanna Anderson: Dare To Do It Scared | The GOODS

Mental health advocate TaWanna Anderson has been doing her part in the mental health field for several years, and in turn, is changing the way we look at mental wellness. The Flint native and mother of two was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2016.

GoodBoy Clothing
12/17/2020
Carl & Alexis of Goodfit Kitchen: Health Is Wealth | The GOODS

Flint, Michigan natives Carl Johnson Jr. and his wife Alexis are making people's lives easier and healthier with Goodfit Kitchen, a meal prep delivery service that promotes health and wellness. The company's name was inspired by the couple's motto of only wanting to align with things that are a good fit.

Flintside
09/29/2021
Introducing the New Editor of Flintside: Tia Scott

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new editor of Flintside and look forward to continuing our mission to tell the stories of Flint residents and organizations who are adding value to their communities.

Flintside
09/07/2021
Flint native pays homage to her hometown with an exclusive nail polish collection

FLINT, Michigan -- Although Ashley Hamilton, founder of Prism Lacquers, resides in Washington, D.C., she keeps her hometown of Flint close to her heart and has dedicated a special collection of nail polishes to commemorate the city. The exclusive "Where The Heart Is" collection features eight colors with names that are synonymous with Flint, including "Flintstone," "810," "Downtown," and "Bedrock."

SoundCloud
08/18/2020
'When Puff Was In That Tub Spilling Mo': An ode to my Grandma Birdie🕊 by Tia The Writer

This is the audio version of the article 'When Puff Was In That Tub Spilling Mo': An ode to my Grandma Birdie🕊by freelancer and blogger Tia The Writer. Link to article: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/p/when-puff-was-in-that-tub-spilling Substack Newsletter: https://tiathewriter.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tia_the_writer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tia_The_Writer Clippings: https://www.clippings.me/tiascott

Flintside
03/23/2021
Flint native Chuniq Inpower is providing a taste of home with 810 Tacos

FLINT, Michigan -- Chuniq Inpower recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of 810 Tacos, an online taco seasoning business she launched at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Although 810 Tacos is a fairly new business, Inpower has been perfecting her original seasoning formula for over 15 years and has received rave reviews from friends and family, and now, from loyal customers all over the country.

Flintside
11/30/2021
Get to know WDZZ's newest voice, Kirby Gwen

FLINT, Michigan - Detroit native Kirby Gwen is the bubbly new on-air personality at Flint's Z92.7 WDZZ-FM and she's using her platform to help bring positive change to the community. Growing up on Detroit's Eastside, Gwen graduated from Specs Howard School of Media Arts and garnered over ten years of experience in broadcasting.

Flintside
05/10/2022
Special event for Beats x Beers burger happens this Friday in downtown Flint

FLINT, Michigan - Back by popular demand, the burger that came from the collaboration between BeatsXBeers® and Halo Burger is back on the menu for a limited time. From now until June 30, the bold burger - with Pepperjack cheese, Boom Boom sauce, fried Halopeños, onion, lettuce, and tomato - can be found at all Halo Burger locations.

Flintside
05/16/2022
Exploring holistic health with Talib Bondon El, owner of Acacia Essentials

FLINT, Michigan - Flint resident Talib Bondon El is the founder of Acacia Essentials, a holistic health company specializing in natural medicinal herbal supplements that provide a wealth of health benefits. Bondon El established the online health store in 2017 and launched Acacia Essentials' website in 2019.

Flintside
05/27/2022
Beats x BBQ returns to downtown Flint for Memorial Day weekend

FLINT, Michigan - The third annual Beats x BBQ event is happening in downtown Flint for Memorial Day weekend, bringing with it 4 days of music, food, and fun. The series of events kicked off on Thursday night (May 26) at The Eberson while the rest of the weekend includes a cocktail social on Friday, brunch on Saturday, and a huge barbecue bash and after-party on Sunday.

Flintside
12/15/2021
Beats x Beers gives Flint a reason to 'Toast' to the new year this weekend

FLINT, Michigan - This weekend brings an opportunity to celebrate and close out the year in style at Beats x Beers' annual 'Toast' event. Held at Blackstone's Smokehouse in downtown Flint, the festivities kick off at 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, and will feature a red carpet rollout and multiple DJ's throughout the night.

Flintside
10/24/2022
The FIA is gearing up to host its first 'Artful Halloween' party this weekend

FLINT, Michigan - The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) is putting an artistic twist on Halloween this year with its first annual 'Artful Halloween' party. Happening on Saturday, October 29 from 8:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m, the FIA will provide an evening filled with music, food, special gallery tours, a haunting hot shop demo, and several spooky surprises.

GoodBoy Clothing
06/24/2021
Kevin Mays: Fulfilling Hoop Dreams with Flint United | The GOODS

Photo credit: Makai Conner Q&A | Talking hoops and opportunity with the owner of Flint United, Kevin Mays Although Flint native Kevin Mays didn't quite have a goal of owning a sports team, his love for the game and his hometown led to him becoming the owner of professional basketball team, Flint United.

GoodBoy Clothing
03/02/2021
Nygee Gant: The Mission Behind The Music | The GOODS

Q&A | Talking passion and purpose with music producer, Nygee Gant Music producer and audio engineer Nygee Gant has been quietly making noise on the local scene and music industry for over 15 years.

GoodBoy Clothing
09/21/2020
Egypt Otis of Comma Bookstore: Representation Matters | The GOODS

This year has been one for the books as COVID-19 brought about unexpected changes and an overwhelming air of uncertainty. While most people wondered how 2020 could get even worse, others chose to find a silver lining. For Egypt Otis of Flint, the pandemic gave her the incentive to follow her dream and open up a bookstore in the heart of her hometown.

Flintside
12/09/2022
MCC's DeAndra Larkin honored with AAWCC's '40 Under 40' Award

FLINT, Michigan - DeAndra Larkin was recently nominated and selected as a '40 Under 40' by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC). Each year, the association recognizes 40 women under the age of 40 from community colleges who are consistently exceeding expectations.

GoodBoy Clothing
04/10/2020
Flint DJ Adapts To Bring Social Entertainment To The Couch | The GOODS

Photo credit: Adam Da Prince Mini Q&A with the host of Flint's virtual Club Quarantine, Anthony "DJ Hype" Carter Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to social activities at the moment, Flint native Anthony "DJ Hype" Carter has been providing nightlife vibes through his DJ sets on Facebook Live for the pas

GoodBoy Clothing
03/30/2020
William E. Ketchum III: Word To The Culture | The GOODS

A lover of music, community and the written word, Michigan native William E. Ketchum III has put pen to paper for years to deliver in-depth interviews and articles, and used his social media platform to dive deep into critical topics that affect the culture.

GoodBoy Clothing
03/11/2020
GoodBoy Clothing Featured on Gary Bredow's Start Up TV Show | The GOODS

In December of 2019, GoodBoy Clothing was the spotlight feature on the national docu-series Start Up, hosted by Detroit host/creator/producer Gary Bredow. Airing exclusively on PBS, the episode features the fashionable clothing brand and its founder Oaklin Mixon as he continuously strives to break boundaries in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.

GoodBoy Clothing
02/06/2020
Theory Hazit: Creative To The Core | The GOODS

Portland-based emcee, music producer, and filmmaker Theory Hazit isn't afraid to wear many different hats as long as the vibe's right. Since 2007, he's been creating from the heart and sharing those creations with loyal fans and newcomers each year.

GoodBoy Clothing
12/13/2019
Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of 2019 with GOOD Vibes | The GOODS

The amount of music that came out this year was nothing short of amazing as it catered to any mood you found yourself in. Whether you had a hot-girl summer or a Fall full of feels, 2019 had a song for every season and every reason.

Medium
03/22/2019
Dude, Where's Your Website?

First things first, if you're an independent music artist, you need a website. Not a dope layout on Instagram first, not a viral tweet on Twitter first, not a flourishing Facebook fan-page first. You need a website!

Medium
01/25/2016
Just Give Me a Clean Drink of Water in Flint 'fore I Diiie

Just Give Me a Clean Drink of Water in Flint 'fore I Diiie The article's name is inspired by Maya Angelou's 1971 book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, and the piece explores my experience with the water crisis happening in my hometown and residence of Flint, MI.

Medium
09/28/2015
First the Fat Boys Break Up: My Battle With Depression While Hip-Hop Holds My Hand

My Battle With Depression While Hip-Hop Holds My Hand Not to get all Brown Sugar on you, but I remember the first time I fell in love with Hip-Hop. It was '96 and at the tender age of 14, I could recite damn-near every lyric Biggie Smalls and Tupac ever spit, although my love for Jay Z, circa "Ain't No N*gga", was beginning to bloom.

The Dope Show
11/22/2015
Remembering MC Breed (June 12, 1971 - November 22, 2008)

Passing away from kidney failure in 2008, Flint native MC Breed was not only responsible for putting his hometown on the map, but was also one of the early pioneers on the Midwest Hip Hop scene who fought to bring attention to the often overlooked region.

Blacren
09/2011
UP NEXT: Danny Brown | Blacren.com

August 15th brought the arrival of Danny Brown's latest album, XXX, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 album, The Hybrid. For those unfamiliar with the Detroit emcee's style, it's like a blend of Ol' Dirty Bastard's free-associative rhyme scheme and Andre 3000′s lyrical poignancy with the added wittiness of a young Eminem.