We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Everything in the Universe is subject to change and everything is right on schedule” -Anonymous is one of my favorite quotes. I use it to ground myself when I am feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I take a few breaths and remember that I am safe and all is well.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creativity is one of those infinite things that we have been blessed with. I like to create fluidly and without limits. Currently my favorite things to create are my handmade earrings. I made my first pair during a sewing challenge on Instagram. They were made from a pair of denim jeans that I cut into shorts. I kept the scraps and thought, I can use these to make something else. My specialty is sustainability. I like to create as sustainably as I can.
I started my business due to feeling oppressed at the workplace. I would be at my desk always thinking about fashion and creating. I resigned from my job in the Human Services field and went to work in retail while running my business. I wanted to acquire some knowledge and skills of running a Retail Business. I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices and I’ve had my share of hardships, but I would not trade my journey for anything. I am a firm believer that all of our experiences are necessary. I know that every low place is to prepare me for the high places.
CreaTiff Expressions is literally the pieces of me. CreaTiff is a word play of creativity and my name. Expressions is because I knew from the beginning I did want to limit myself. CreaTiff Expressions was created to inspire and empower. Uplifting and empowering through wearable art. We envision individuals loving and accepting themselves as they are, while creating avenues toward a more fulfilling and sustainable life. When you encounter me and my brand I want you to feel valued. I want you to know you are complete and that you are capable of creating the life you desire for yourself.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In life without the pandemic we would go to my favorite Jamaican Restaurant/happy hour spot Carena’s Jamaican Grille. Pre-pandemic Carena’s was like my Cheers. I would get an order of the Jerk Wings extra crispy as the starter, the Jerk Pork with Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage as my meal, and a Bourbon and Ginger Ale to drink.
We would have to go for a walk on the Capital Trail via the Great Shiplock Park because it is literally one of my happy places. Gentrification has taken away some of its essence, but it is still such a beautiful and calming trail.
On Wednesday, we would go to my favorite Thrift Store, the Love of Jesus Thrift Store, because Wednesday is discount day.
On Friday, we would definitely go back to Carena’s for food and drinks and stay until they closed. Depending on how we were feeling we might go out dancing at 150 North Lounge. My cousin Neak would definitely be with us.
On Saturday maybe I would host a small kickback so she could meet some of my favorite people. We would have some party food like Sausage Dip and Wings.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Pre-K 3 is when I began school. My mom tells me this story of me being about 3 years old and us working on my homework. In the midst she says I stopped and stated “I can’t do this” in which she says she replied “Don’t you ever say that again. You can do it. You can do anything you put your mind to.” While I was too young to remember this encounter, my mom has shared it with me throughout my life. And while I was too young to remember this encounter, her love, support and encouragement has never ceased. She instilled in me from a young age the confidence to be successful. I dedicate this shoutout to my mom. It is without a doubt that I would not be who I am without her love, support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my life. She has instilled in my great values, ethics, and life lessons that I appreciate tremendously.
Website: www.creatiffexpressions.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/creatiffexpressionsllc
Other: tiffany@creatiffexpressions.com
Image Credits
Beautifully Graced Photography