Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a podcast from Creative Collective that amplifies the voices and stories of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. In each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique journey, what drives her, and where she’s headed next. Local economies thrive when women’s authentic experiences are shared and celebrated. That’s why this podcast goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real challenges, unexpected pivots, and genuine moments of inspiration that shape the entrepreneurial paths of Creative Collective members. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
In this illuminating episode, we explore how Social Impact Storytelling™ can transform lived experience into strategy—bridging science, justice, and creativity to catalyze change.
Planting Seeds of Story
When Dr. Tariana V. Little reflects on the beginnings of EmVision Productions, she laughs about Craigslist gigs, a three-month experiment, and a partner who insisted on chasing a dream. What started as a side hustle for two poor college students has grown into an award-winning Social Impact Storytelling™ agency that helps visionary organizations communicate both their value and their values.
“We didn’t know where we were going, but we trusted ourselves enough to take chances.”
That trust has since become the foundation of a business rooted in intentional creativity for social change.
Origins in Movement and Inequity
Raised in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood and bused daily to Framingham through the METCO program, Tariana learned early what it meant to navigate inequities across communities. “I lived so many inequities as a small kid—I just didn’t have the language for it yet,” she shared. Those long commutes between neighborhoods, classrooms, and worlds planted a deep awareness that now fuels her commitment to merging science, storytelling, and social justice.
Her background is as complex and powerful as her work: a queer, mixed-race, first-generation college graduate from a Dominican-German immigrant family, with a doctorate in public health from Harvard University. It’s a foundation that shapes every frame of film and every story her agency tells.
Vision Boarding as a Sacred Practice
One of the most intimate insights Tariana shared was her relationship with vision boarding as a lifelong creative and reflective practice. “For me, vision boarding is sacred,” she said. “It’s one of my self-care rituals. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid—I have albums of ideas for the future, who I wanted to be, and who I care about. I love being able to tap into that inner work of painting a picture of the future you want.”
For Tariana, vision boarding isn’t about manifesting; it’s about mindfulness—a grounding ritual that helps her channel clarity, intention, and creativity into everything she builds.
Social Impact Storytelling™ at EmVision
Today, EmVision Productions is more than a creative agency—it’s a mission-driven studio where every project channels storytelling into social change. From amplifying BIPOC-led nonprofits to supporting visionary organizations across sectors, Tariana and her partner Jonas lead a team of creatives who are paid equitably, encouraged to rest, and empowered to bring their full selves into the work.
Impact extends beyond client projects. EmVision funds a scholarship at UMass Boston for activist graduate students, helping first-generation leaders continue their studies and community-change efforts. “For me, it’s easy to be committed,” Tariana said. “I’ve lived this journey. Now I’m in a position to contribute just a little further to other people’s paths.”
Community as Catalyst
Asked what being part of Creative Collective means to her, Tariana’s response was immediate: “When I attend a coffee meetup, I sometimes want to cry. You see like-minded people you can trust, be inspired by, and build something with.”
For our Creative Collective community, her words resonate deeply. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but intentional spaces like these catalyze relationships and ideas that ripple outward. “We only thrive when we work together,” she reminded us.
Lessons We’re Carrying Forward
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Experiment like a scientist. Test ideas with structure and deadlines.
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Honor your roots. Our histories and legacies are assets.
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Vision matters. Tools like vision boards create accountability.
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Redefine investment. Supporting dreams is free; killing them is costly.
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Community is the catalyst. We thrive when we’re supported and seen.
Join the Conversation
We’re curious to hear from our Creative Collective community. How has your lived experience shaped the stories you tell—and the change you’re working toward? What practice helps you envision a sustainable future beyond mere survival? Where could you “support a dream for free” this month, and what might that ripple effect look like? Share your insights with us at creativecollectivema.com.
Connect with Dr. Tariana V. Little
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tvlenses/
Connect with EmVision
- Website: www.em.vision
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/
emvision-productions - Instagram: @emvisionproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
EmVisionProductions/
Credits: This podcast is produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV, your community media center serving the residents and businesses of Peabody and the North Shore area. Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
In this episode, Mikki is joined by Dr. Tariana V. Little, CEO and co-founder of EmVision Productions, an award-winning Social Impact Storytelling™ agency. Tariana opens up about how she weaves science, storytelling, and justice into what she calls intentional creativity for social change. Their conversation explores Tariana’s journey as a proud queer, mixed-race, first-generation college graduate and how her lived experiences shaped her mission to elevate marginalized voices through storytelling. She reflects on pivotal moments—from bus rides as a METCO student to building EmVision alongside her partner Jonas—that taught her resilience, vision, and the power of community.
Key Topics Discussed
- The origin story of EmVision Productions and how a Craigslist experiment proved the business was viable
- How the METCO program and lived inequities informed her passion for justice and representation
- The sacred practice of vision boarding as a tool for clarity, intention, and future-building
- Why honoring her full name, Dr. Tariana Veronica Little, is an act of authenticity and legacy
- Building resilience as a first-gen student and entrepreneur and creating pathways for others through scholarships and community storytelling
- The importance of community, collaboration, and not being a “dream killer” in the creative economy
Memorable Quotes
- “We didn’t know where we were going, but we trusted ourselves enough to take chances.”
- “Nothing becomes real until you put it in front of you or speak it out loud.”
- “Killing dreams is very expensive. Supporting dreams, on the other hand, is free.”
About the Host
Mikki L. Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she helps women amplify their value, voice, and visibility with intention. Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki brings women together, creates spaces for real conversation, and builds meaningful relationships that move their work forward.
About the Guest
Dr. Tariana V. Little is the CEO and co-founder of EmVision Productions, an award-winning media agency. A Harvard-trained public health professional, philanthropist, and board member, she blends science, justice, and creativity to help visionary organizations. A proud queer, mixed-race, first-generation college graduate, Tariana channels her lived experience into every project she leads.
EmVision Productions is an award-winning Social Impact Storytelling™ agency helping visionary organizations to convey their value and values. They are a queer, minority, woman-owned and led small business. In 2025, EmVision was named the Massachusetts Microenterprise of the Year by the Small Business Administration and the Small Business of the Year in Cultural Excellence by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
