Singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Tanya Nolan is set to headline Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready Foundation Gala for the second year in a row, an opportunity she called an “honor and a blessing.” Known for her powerful fusion of R&B, jazz, and gospel, Nolan is using her artistry to uplift, inspire, and give back to communities in need.
“I was grateful they actually requested me to come back,” Nolan said. “It’s an incredible event that supports students and being part of something that gives back to the community is so important to me.”
The She Ready Foundation Gala, happening May 17 in Los Angeles, helps support foster youth and students, a mission that deeply resonates with Nolan. “At the end of the day, it’s about staying connected to purpose and using music as a way to lift others,” she said.
This year’s gala theme is Soul Train, and Nolan said she is ready to bring the energy. “We’re doing a full set,” she said, beaming. “We’re going to do some Chaka Khan, ‘Ring My Bell,’ a little of everything to take people back to the ’70s and ’80s — real feel-good music.”
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But Nolan’s set won’t be limited to covers. She also planned to perform her hit songs like “Pace Yourself” and “Let’s Celebrate,” both of which charted on Billboard’s Adult R&B charts, as well as tracks from her growing gospel catalog, including her debut gospel single “Blessings.”
“It’s about making sure the crowd has a great time, but also feels something real,” Nolan said. “Music is powerful. It connects us in ways nothing else can.”
Balancing her music career with entrepreneurship, Nolan is also the owner of Aww Better Child Care Center, the largest daycare center in Texas. She manages multiple locations, including one in La Marque, TX.
“My childcare centers are very personal to me,” she explained. “They let me give back to my community in a hands-on way, while music allows me to share my soul and message.”
When asked how she juggles both worlds, Nolan credited her team. “I have great people around me — directors like Gail Jackson and others who help manage the day-to-day. I oversee, but I’ve learned to delegate. That makes all the difference,” she said.
Despite her busy schedule, Nolan remained focused on being an independent artist who owns her work. “It’s so important for me to carve my own narrative,” she said firmly. “I believe in independence, artistic freedom, and staying true to my vision.”
Nolan’s drive is fueled by a deep sense of purpose. “I want to encourage other artists, especially Black women, to keep going,” she said. “Don’t give up. People get discouraged because life is hard, but success doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to keep pushing.”
Speaking of resilience, Nolan praised Tiffany Haddish for creating a platform that uplifts others. “Tiffany gives back in so many ways,” Nolan said. “She’s real. She’s funny, talented, but she also cares deeply. That’s what makes this event so special.”
After the gala, Nolan said she has no plans of slowing down. She is diving deeper into acting, voiceover work, and expanding her music. “For me, it’s always what’s next,” she said excitedly. “If I’ve completed a goal, I’m ready to move to the next one. I decide what’s next — that’s freedom.”
Fans can expect more new music soon, and Nolan hinted at upcoming projects that will show even more sides of her artistry. “I want my music to always evolve,” she said. “I don’t want to be boxed in — that’s not who I am.”
As she prepares to take the stage at the She Ready Gala, Nolan’s focus remained clear: “I want to inspire people. Whether it’s through my songs or my work in the community, I just want to make a difference.”
For more on Tanya Nolan’s music and upcoming performances, visit
www.tanyanolanmusic.com or follow her on Instagram at @iamtanyanolan.
