Cleo Women
Tina Wells
Tina Wells is a best-selling author, brand builder, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience helping companies reach and engage youth and multicultural audiences. She is the founder of Essential Media Group, a creative agency she launched at just sixteen years old, and has worked with more than 400 brands including Dell, The Oprah Winfrey Network, Apple, and Target.
Tina is also the author of multiple books including The Elevation Approach, a guide to achieving work-life harmony without burnout. Her mission is to help women live elevated lives through storytelling, strategy, and soul-centered work. Whether she’s advising Fortune 500 companies or mentoring up-and-coming founders, Tina brings thoughtfulness, clarity, and heart to everything she does. We caught up with Tina to talk about her journey from curious teen to creative leader, the power of community, and what’s inspiring her most right now.
You've had such a dynamic career. When did you first realize you had something unique to offer, and how did that turn into a business?
I always say I was an accidental entrepreneur. I’ve been curious about everything for as long as I can remember. As a teenager in the mid-90s, I was reading Seventeen magazine and saw an ad for a newspaper for girls called The New Girl Times. I applied, got the job as a product review editor, and that experience really kickstarted my career. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a journalist. I didn’t even know marketing was a career. But that curiosity led me down a path that eventually turned into a writing and marketing career. That same sense of curiosity still guides me today.
Your book The Elevation Approach offers a refreshing take on balance. What’s one mindset or ritual that helps you stay grounded while going after your goals?
I wrote the book because I needed it myself. I was a young founder and burned out by the time I was 27. The 12 principles of "instant elevation" came from that experience. There are two things I rely on every day. One is having rituals. I travel often, so something as simple as having a hot beverage in the morning helps center me no matter where I am. The other is building a strong support system. I have five younger siblings, amazing friends, and a group of fellow founders I turn to. Having people around you who truly support you is everything.
You’ve helped so many brands connect with younger audiences. What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their passion into something that truly resonates with others?
I’ve worked with over 400 brands, and the one thing that separates the ones that thrive from the ones that don’t is understanding product-market fit. You have to really know your audience. Sometimes, I tell clients to give their customer a name and ask, “Would Susan buy this?” When brands are clear about who they’re speaking to, they make better decisions. You don’t need to reach everyone. Just focus on the right people, and the rest will follow.
What’s making you feel most inspired right now?
Right now, it’s the women I get to work with. I’ve spent years creating and launching brands, but helping female founders bring their visions to life is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. It fills me up in a way that’s hard to put into words.
Tina’s story is a reminder that success starts with curiosity, intention, and community.
Whether she’s writing a book, mentoring founders, or taking a quiet moment with a warm drink, she leads with heart and purpose. Follow Tina on Instagram @tinawells and check out The Elevation Approach wherever books are sold.