Exploring Life & Business with Tiayla Maholmes of The Creative Collective Agency

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiayla Maholmes.

Hi Tiayla , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Even though I was raised around entrepreneurship, I never really saw it as my path. I always thought I’d go to college, get a good job, and follow the “correct” pathway that’s pushed on us early in education.

I remember being a freshman in college, still adjusting to the disappointment that COVID had taken away my senior year. I wasn’t able to move away and attend a four-year university like I had planned. Instead, I started my studies at Butler Community College, got a job, and began trying to figure out this new phase of life just after high school.

My first job was in retail , pretty standard for a college freshman, but I quickly noticed how unhappy I was becoming. I would stand behind the counter for hours with a million creative tabs open in my mind, but I was confined to one place, in one box. At the same time, I was studying business, just thinking, “This is a good place to start,” since business had always been part of my home life and something I had a natural interest in.

Those business classes really started to shift my thinking, learning about how companies are formed, how they operate, leadership structures, and so on. One day, a regional manager visited our store and accidentally left behind a printout of the quarterly revenue reports. My curiosity kicked in. I started running the numbers and comparing them to my $11/hour wage and my $200/hour sales quota. That moment lit a fire in me.

I asked myself: What can I do? What skills do I have? How much would I need to make to surpass what they’re paying me? That’s where my journey into entrepreneurship really began. I launched a digital marketing agency that allowed me to bring together two things I loved- business and creativity – to support other business owners.

My very first client was my mom. She owns a company that provides mental health services across the nation. She told me if I was serious, she’d be my first investor and allow me to use her company to build my skills and gain real experience.

Throughout that first year of college, I used every class project as an opportunity to work on my agency, refining processes, testing strategies, and applying what I was learning in real time. By the end of my freshman year, I had three full-time clients and was earning double what I made at my retail job. That’s when everything took off — not just in my business, but in my passion for helping other businesses grow and thrive.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Being young, Black, and a woman created barriers from the very beginning. I’ve always been aware of what I represent and how I might be perceived, but I’ve never let that confine me.

From people looking at me sideways when I share ideas, to others assuming this is “just a side gig,” I’ve dealt with doubt and dismissal. But I’ve learned not to focus on what people think about me — I focus on what I do and how I show up. I believe actions speak louder than assumptions. So I set high standards for myself: I come prepared, professional, organized, and experienced. I want it to be crystal clear — I mean business. I’m not here just to make it sound good. I’m here to do the work.

Business owners are trusting me and my creative team to bring their vision to life through photography, videography, content creation, graphic design, and other digital tools. I take that responsibility seriously. This isn’t just about making content, it’s about capturing the essence of someone’s dream, the heart of their business, their community, and their passion. Anyone can take pictures. But it’s something different to truly see a brand and bring it to life digitally.

Another major challenge was time. I was a very involved student — I had internships, I was Vice President of our business professional club and competed at the national level, I participated in pageants with community service duties, and I traveled across Kansas sharing my passion for business. On top of that, I was in a dual-degree program, completing my undergraduate degree while simultaneously earning my MBA. Time was tight, and I had to become an expert at time management and learning my own limits. I had to learn how to perform at a high level across the board- not just for my clients, but also for myself. That personal care mattered the most.

All those struggles shaped me. They built my character, gave me confidence in problem-solving, pushed me to think more innovatively, and reminded me that I’m human. I’ve learned to lean into my strengths and acknowledge my weaknesses — because both are valuable.

And while the road hasn’t been easy, I’ve always had clarity in my vision. Even when I didn’t know exactly what the next step was, I knew how I wanted to show up, what I wanted my business to feel like, and what I stood for. When I step back and look at the big picture, it’s clear — there’s been a natural and steady progression. So no, it hasn’t always been smooth. But it’s been purposeful.

We’ve been impressed with The Creative Collective Agency , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of The Creative Collective Agency, a digital marketing agency built to help businesses, influencers, and organizations grow their presence online through intentional, high-impact content and strategy. The Creative Collective Agency specializes in content creation, branding, social media management, photography, videography, and digital storytelling. Our mission is to not only make your brand look good but to ensure it’s positioned to perform well in today’s digital market.

What truly sets us apart is the balance we bring between creativity and business strategy. With a master’s degree in business, I don’t just love the creative side — I understand the why behind the marketing. I know what’s needed to actually show up better, convert more effectively, and grow sustainably as a business. We approach every client relationship as a partnership. Whether we’re planning a shoot, developing a brand strategy, or managing social media, we build everything with purpose, clarity, and connection in mind.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve stayed true to our mission: helping business owners and leaders show up boldly and beautifully in the digital space. The Creative Collective Agency has worked with a range of brands — from solo entrepreneurs to national service providers — and no matter the scale, the same level of excellence, intentionality, and care is brought to everyone. If you’re building a brand that means something, The Creative Collective Agency wants to help you bring it to life — not just visually, but strategically. That’s the difference we offer.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! One of my favorite tools is HoneyBook. It’s a CRM platform that keeps me organized and helps me feel like I’ve got my head on straight as a business owner. I use it to send invoices, host client portals, build templates, and automate workflows so my clients and I are always on the same page. It eliminates a lot of back-and-forth confusion and makes the client experience smooth and professional. If you’re interested, here’s my link for a free trial and 30% off your subscription: https://share.honeybook.com/tiayla7463859.

Another resource I swear by is the Headspace app. As an entrepreneur, especially a creative one, mental health is so important. Often overlooked. We carry a lot, not just as business owners, but as people. Headspace gives me tools to slow down, reset, and stay mindful in the middle of everything.

I also love rotating in books and podcasts that keep me learning and inspired. Whether it’s business strategy, leadership, or personal growth — I’m always looking for ways to sharpen my edge and keep evolving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecreativecollectiveagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativecollective_agency/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551998882966
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiayla-maholmes-mba-b04473262