Tia Walker Takes c. marchuska on the ‘Quest… for “It”‘
Dear eco-fashionista/nisto,
I do apologize for being blinded by HOLIDAY bliss... but I figured it best that I let you all enjoy friends + family over the Thanksgiving break without making them compete for your attention with the weekly c. marchuska Q & A.
But I do have a special treat for you all!
"It" is in the form of a (Norfolk, VA-born) New Yorker whose passion - and passport - have made her a successful blogger. She's written about celebrity and society from Los Angeles to London for the past four years. Her "it" factor stamp has landed her gigs blogging for famed photographer Patrick McMullan, and her own blog's content has been picked up by UPTOWNMagazine.com for exclusive scoops on African American society, celebrity, fashion and culture.
Who is this "it" girl, you ask? What made her quest for all things lifestyle & luxury a sought-after brand?
Well, now that you've forgiven me for last week's Wednesday hiatus, it'll be my pleasure to introduce... Tia Walker.
[Photo courtesy of Ann Watt]
Angel: What is "The Quest for 'It'"?
TIA: "The Quest for 'It'" brand was initially based on my experiences in art, fashion and media. Since its inception, it has been directed to an aspirational lifestyle concept. Originally it spoke of my personal goal of being the influential, trend-setting, party chick that lies deep within most women. The beauty of the brand and its evolution has been that it is all very organic and is no longer in my personal voice but rather done in the 3rd person, which is more universal.
Angel: And how were you able to develop that persona into the voice behind your blog?
TIA: To date, my blog has NEVER received coverage or been written about by any other major news source (i.e. the Times, WSJ, NY Post, etc.), yet it still manages to be a highly-recognized resource for a lot of well-positioned people in New York and in other major cities. We’d certainly love press and recognition from a major news source, but as it never happened, we just keep growing organically and providing quality content with an aspirational lifestyle in mind - It’s ALL about the quest.
Angel: Why did you choose this as your career?
TIA: I never CHOSE being a professional blogger as a career it CHOSE me—I’ve been accidentally lucky with it all. I started in September 2005 and back then there were no bloggers to model yourself after, like there is now. It was more of a need to have something to say, to report, to inspire. This has always been a “journalistic” venture for me.
Angel: You said that not being able to register for Fashion Week in 2005 was one of the primary inspirations for starting your "it" blog. What other obstacles have you encountered that have helped you gain success and stay relevant?
TIA: The only obstacles I've had to overcome is the cropping up of similar blogs that are patterned after my blog's original style or content. That can be annoying, particularly when they "borrow" catch phrases or use wording that is clearly attributable to 'The Quest for 'It'" and my persona as a blogger. Like [recording artist] Pink once said, "Imitation is NOT the sincerest form of flattery." But other than that, I still feel I've never lost my relevancy, because I've never lost the joie de vivre that brought me into this field in the first place - PASSION.
Angel: What has been your favorite event to cover and why?
TIA: Definitely, the 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in 2007. I was wearing a long, navy blue, designer evening dress and reporting on the red carpet as an independent blogger by video. I was standing directly next to A&E, a few spots over from MTV News, and we were the ONLY ones directly on the carpet, besides "Extra" and New York One’s George Whipple. Christie Brinkley, Robert DeNiro, Chaz Palminteri... they all whisked by. It was AMAZING. First time out covering the event - ever - and ALL of the other press were standing behind the rope, clamoring for their interviews.
Angel: You and c. marchuska have had a great relationship over the past few years, and you've graced plenty of red carpet events in her designs. What has been your favorite?
TIA: After wearing so many c. marchuska looks: Sylvia, Lindsey, Chrissie Jean, Leslie, etc., I would have to say the Monika dress. I’ve worn it and been photographed in it in just about EVERY color.
Angel: What other sustainable businesses or products are you a fan of?
TIA: I am more of a fan of big-ticket items that are sustainable like cars - I think everyone should have a Prius.
No seriously, I like to think I start by being conscious and wearing eco-friendly clothing. I‘m also a fan of Earth Friendly brand cleaning products - they make dish liquid, laundry detergent, the works!
Angel: What's next for 'The Quest for "It'"?
TIA: A little of this a little of that. I'm not at liberty to share too much but I can say that we are examining new and exciting ways to make both the "traditional" and the "non-traditional" work for us; people enjoy what they can relate to.
If you're interested in all things Tia has to say about fashion, media and lifestyle, visit her blog, The Quest for "It," and catch up on her posts for UPTOWN Magazine here.
Til then, parting is such sweet sorrow... but another virtual meet-and-greet is right around the corner for next Wednesday. Until then, stay fabulous, stay green 
-Angel