My BIOgraphy

I had to write a bio today. It was pretty frustrating at first knowing that I've never completed school or received a degree towards my dreams and aspirations of becoming a writer/director. AND also, dealing with the embarassement of being in my mid thirties & finally beginning to do what I have always dreamnt of doing...O'well fug it. God's timing never makes sense. But, I came to the conclusion in full confidence knowing that the school of life and being hands on is just as rich and rewarding then any degree I could ever receive from any establishment. I decided to share it with you. SO, here it goes...

Tiana Mandrigues was born on February 12th, 1975 in San Jose, CA. An only child, raised by a hard working single mother and help from her grandparents, uncles and aunts, Tiana grew up surrounded with love from her family.

She grew up along side her cousin Travis, whom was like her brother. Both latch key kids, raised by single mothers that had no extra money to put them through extra curricular activities. It was during their summer vacations together, they were forced to become creative and naturally entertain one another with the little they had. From hosting cooking shows to invisible audiences, performing live radio shows and lip synching concerts to being models in fashion shows with makeup and wardrobe straight from grandmas closet, these early years helped her grow into becoming the humorous, entertaining, inventive and creative artist that she is today.

In 1995, she came to a turning point in her life when she heard her father passed away from a sudden heart attack. She never knew her father but would soon come to find closure in her life when she found out that her love for poetry and the ability to express through word came from him. It was after her fathers passing she grew the desire to share her story of loss and the importance of a father through film.

In 2000 she relocated to Los Angeles, CA and took a writing class at USC. She soon lost interest and failed the class when her teacher said trying to find the love from her father was not “Hollywood” enough.

In 2003, Tiana got her first big break working in the entertainment industry through a friend from church working as a personal assistant to actor/celebrity Marlon Wayans. Working for the Wayans Bros. is where she learned professionalism in the business, how to “beast” and to be excellent at her work, even if the responsibilities seemed unimportant. Marlon always stressed to “put your best work out” because your name is attached to it. She is extremely grateful for the learning experience and the opportunity to work with one of the most influential, loving and hard working families in this entertainment industry.

With a strong belief in family and community, Tiana has been actively involved in various outreaches and sees the importance of giving back to people. She has volunteered her time at South Central YMCA, in a youth program called “Peace 4 Kids” as a volunteer to the youth in the film & arts department. She has helped raise money and brings awareness of the rare blood disease called, “Lupus” by being involved with the J Dilla Project and the ALR (Alliance for Lupus Research). Tiana is also a survivor of sexual abuse and is an advocate for children of abuse & domestic violence. She has volunteered her time to the organization, “Day of the Child” and encourages others to become a mentor to a foster child.

In her spare time, she loves learning about great leaders who came from nothing who’ve accomplished great things on earth and made major contributions to humanity. Going to museums, art galleries, reading books, painting, writing poetry and going to the beach helps bring her inspiration as an artist.

Tiana continues to follow her dreams as a writer/director and desires to make her mark in this entertainment industry by bringing a message of love, hope, laughter, healing and provoke change for the better through her work. Her desire is to share the vision in her heart through the lens of a camera so the world can see what she sees.

Being a female and a minority in this entertainment industry, Tiana strives to break all stereo types and desires to become a respectable writer/producer/director with hopes to inspire other future female film makers. She truly believes as women, "We don't have to just be the eye candy in the videos and movies, but we can also make the videos and movies. We can make history".

I don’t have much in the eyes of man, but I have an over abundance of love in my heart and spirit. And with this, I am the wealthiest woman alive. - Tiana Mandrigues