Meet Tiffani Grayes | Student, Content Creator and Intern

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffani Grayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffani, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When there is no struggle, there is no strength.” This is my all-time favorite quote and my life mantra. My struggles during my upbringing have enabled me to grow and develop character. Struggle often forces individuals to push their limits, face adversity, and find ways to overcome obstacles. Through my personal challenges, I have discovered my inner strength, developed new skills, and gained valuable experiences that contribute to y personal growth and character development. Without struggle, I might not have the opportunity to tap into my potential or learn important life lessons. Overcoming difficulties has provided a sense of accomplishment and build confidence, as well as foster the development of problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Ultimately, this statement, to me, emphasizes the idea that strength is not merely an innate quality but something that is forged through perseverance, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in Clayton County, an area in Forest Park, and I stayed with my mother my whole entire life. I attended a private elementary school until my mom decided to enroll me in a public school to get more exposure and be out of my element. I really appreciated that because it helped me get out of my comfort zone. As I got older, I started to grow a liking for social media but never thought of taking it seriously. I was very focused on school, and I still am. I guess it worked out well because I have always had a love for technology. During my freshman year of college, I really started to find my interest in Computer Science, while trying to balance my new stardom of social presence on various platforms. Thankfully, I had a strong support network alongside of me who helped me maneuver opportunities so young.

I started to take initiative toward my goals very early on regarding my passions because I had a fear of being left behind. I attended various tech conferences and seminars, including a Tech Exposure Day with a non-profit called CodeHouse. They exposed me to various opportunities and reminded me that I deserve a space in tech, just like many other counterparts. This non-profit carried me through high school and provided me with my first scholarship. This really motivated me to go to college and major in a STEM-related field. As time went by, I began the admissions process for college and was accepted into over 40+ universities and received over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships. I committed to an institution, decided to transfer, but remained true to myself. I went through a lot of trials and tribulations along the way, but I thought I’d make this story about the positive conditions that God has blessed me with. Today, I am currently a rising entrepreneur who recently established a graphic design business, a Computer Science major at Savannah State University, and a future mogul in the tech and social media industries.

“A path worth taking is never a route that is smooth sailing.” That is a quote stated by my late grandmother who always reminded me to keep my head held high in times of doubt and fear. I grew up with a mother who played both roles and did what she could to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I also was bullied as a child, so social media began to become my creative expression and boosted my self-confidence. Times were tough, especially when certain people in my life died, but I had no choice but to keep it together. I went through times when people would inflict defamation of my character, which were extremely hard not to respond to. However, I thank God for keeping me willing to just continue and strive for more. My upbringing was not the best, but we made things work.

I am currently a student majoring in Computer Science, with a focus in accounting, attending THEE greatest Savannah State University. My current occupation right now is being an intern for a sustainability company and also assisting a non-profit. These two endeavors have helped me get some firsthand insight on what I see myself doing post-graduation. I would definitely say I am known for really taking pride in making content, only because I made a promise to myself to be more consistent. I also would say my notable work can be recognized in the various fellowships, organizations, summits, and internships I have taken on the initiative to pursue. My will and drive for the best work and a spot in the door make me different from the rest. I will not stop until I get an opportunity or pursue something that I have a deep passion for.

Excluding my line of work and my involvement in the community, people see me as a helping hand and a source of motivation. I am actively working on myself but have inspired many women to just get up and start.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend and I would go to all the fine dining restaurants, the Skyview Ferris wheel in Atlanta, a Hawks game, parks, and lounges the whole entire stay.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my mom for instilling love and dedication to my 20 years of life. I would also like to recognize the ample support in my corner from my HBCU, Savannah State University.

Instagram: instagram.com/minajerz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffani-grayes-086784205/