Tia Mowry Opens Up About Finding Bliss at 47: ‘I’m Aligned, at Peace, Chasing the Joy’

From her breakout role on Sister, Sister alongside twin sister Tamera, to fan-favorite films like Seventeen Again and Disney’s Twitches franchise, Tia Mowry has spent more than three decades in the spotlight. But the actress, producer and entrepreneur has never stopped reinventing herself.

Now 47, Mowry is balancing life as a single mom of two while expanding her empire with bestselling cookbooks, a haircare line and new acting projects. Her latest role is in Lifetime’s Single Black Female 3: The Final Chapter, premiering June 27, where she plays Esme Williams, a woman who discovers she may be living with a killer.

“She was pushed but not afraid to stand up for what’s right,” Mowry told Woman’s World as this week’s cover star (get your copy here!). “Everyone can learn from that. I’m excited for people to see me in this role, because she’s a badass character.”

Like her career, Mowry says her personal journey has evolved naturally. “I’ve allowed myself to experience life and not force anything,” she shared. That openness led her to discover a passion for food, starring in Tia Mowry at Home and turning her cookbook The Quick Fix Kitchen into a bestseller.

Here, Tia shares little things that bring her happiness and peace while keeping grounded every day.

WW: What is one small thing that brought you joy today besides your loved ones?

TM: I believe happiness, joy and peace are choices. Life isn’t perfect, but I try not to let my environment define my mood. This morning, I chose gratitude. I’m grateful for my health, grateful to be here and grateful to be well.

WW: What might be something you stressed over years ago but now makes you laugh?

TM: Being accepted. As a teenager and young adult, I focused so much on what people thought of me. That’s not how I live anymore. I’m proud of who I’ve become and who I’m continuing to become. I used to worry about whether I’d still be valued as I got older, but I’ve learned it starts with self. As long as I’m aligned with who I am, I’m living authentically. Of course, I care what my children and loved ones think, but I can look back now and laugh at all that people-pleasing.

WW: As you say, you’ve been acting and singing from an early age. What disciplines did you learn that have helped you as a mother and adult?

TM: Life itself has been my greatest teacher. I’ve learned that change is constant. I used to try to control everything because I was afraid of change, and that created anxiety. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve allowed life to evolve and stopped forcing things. I wasn’t chasing trends or trying to be who society wanted me to be. That’s how I discovered my love of food and eventually a career in the culinary arts.

WW: You’ve written two cookbooks, including The Quick Fix Kitchen. Can you share a few mealtime hacks?

TM: Organization is number one. Put things where you use them and make your kitchen practical. When things are easier, they’re more fun. Another tip is prepping ingredients ahead of time. Garlic, onions, bell peppers, celery and carrots are staples for me. Shop on Sunday, chop everything up and prep for the week. It saves so much time. I also keep herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary and parsley on hand. Set yourself up for success. Then pour a glass of wine—or your favorite mocktail—and put on some music.

WW: Is this how you bring joy and balance into the kitchen?

TM: Organization brings balance. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. The joy comes from the atmosphere—music, a favorite drink and having family or friends around. For me, it’s about creating memories. I’ve been intentional about bonding with my children in the kitchen. My son has been cooking with me since he was 6. These moments create beautiful memories together.

WW: What do you think is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

TM: Okra. I don’t understand why it’s slimy.

WW: You wear many different hats. What’s a talent you don’t have that you wish you did?

TM: Playing an instrument. I’ve always wanted to play piano. It’s such a beautiful instrument, but I’ve never been able to pick it up.

WW: What kind of piano music do you listen to?

TM: Jazz. I also love Ottmar Liebert. He’s a guitarist I’ve been listening to since I was 18.

WW: What might we see you engaging in now that you wouldn’t have 25 years ago?

TM: Neuroscience. I hated reading as a child, but now I’m fascinated by understanding the brain, the conscious and subconscious mind and why we behave the way we do. I’m a psychology graduate from Pepperdine and have even thought about going back for more classes. What sparked my curiosity was my divorce. Learning about neuroscience helped me navigate that heartbreaking experience.

WW: How do you think it helped you through it all?

TM: It helped me understand myself, my pain and how I needed to reprogram certain thought patterns. Emotions are real, but they’re also temporary. They’re like clouds passing by. When you understand the science behind them, they don’t have to take over your life.

WW: I read where you said your sister is a little shy and you’re more extroverted. When was the last time you displayed your extroverted side?

TM: That’s a good question because lately I’ve become a little more introverted. I’m naturally extroverted, but right now I’m more inward and observant.

WW: Protective of yourself.

TM: Yes. I’m more in a place of observation than extending my hand out. I don’t know how long it’ll last, but that’s where I am right now.

WW: Have you ever given a stranger a compliment?

TM: Oh, yes. I love doing that. Recently, I told a guy I loved his curls. I feel like men don’t often get compliments about their hair, so I wanted to tell him.

WW: What was his reaction?

TM: He said, “Oh, thank you.” I think I made his day. Another time, after meditation, I complimented a young barista and told him he was doing a great job. He had tears in his eyes. It led to a conversation where he told me he’d once worked as an extra on Family Reunion. What I loved was how it reminded us both that we’re human. It showed the power of words and connection.

WW: Your current Lifetime project, Single Black Tenant, puts your character into a suspenseful situation. What was your challenge in playing this real-life person?

TM: I’m excited for people to see me as Esme Williams because she’s a badass character. I love working with Lifetime because women are at the center of the story. Esme was pushed, but she wasn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. The biggest challenge was the stunts. I’d never done that kind of action before, but it was a lot of fun.

WW: You’re so into cooking, so what’s on your menu for tonight?

TM: I’m throwing a girls’ night for a friend. We’re watching a movie and ordering Mexican food. I’m making a charcuterie board. I love them because they’re easy, personal and require no cooking. Just fruits, veggies, cheeses, jams, hummus, crackers and a few dips.

WW: I understand you suffered from endometriosis, which made you change your diet. How so?

TM: I had terrible cramps, clotting and heavy periods. The pain was so severe it would force me to leave class in college. After seeing a doctor, I cut out dairy and a lot of processed foods. I followed that lifestyle for a year to help reduce inflammation. I talk more about that journey in my book The Whole New You.

WW: How would you sum up your life today—in a few words?

TM: Aligned, at peace and continuing to chase the joy.