We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Semmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has changed a lot over the course of seven years. Now that I’m a mom and a wife (not to mention a preschool director), there’s just no comparison to how much more complicated things have become! But even so, I think the key to keeping things in balance is simply knowing what you need to do when you need to do it—and being flexible enough to go with the flow when something unexpected comes up.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a mom, wife, and preschool director but recently I stepped into a new role, becoming a children’s book author. I’m most proud of my latest achievement. I launched my first children’s book titled, “What Did We Miss?” in April 2022 and pre-sold 800 copies of my highly anticipated debut title. I launched my book using the Kickstarter platform raising 18K to self-publish it under my own publishing company and imprint, So Much Semmons. As a Black, female entrepreneur I am happy and proud to bring more Black leads to children’s media because representation is so important for every child.
I’m passionate about creating literature that resonates with frustrated parents and their curious children. My first title is a bedtime story that highlights the curiosity of children and the frustration of their parents at bedtime in a fun rhymical way.
I am a proud alumna of Bowie State University with a BS in Child and Adolescent Studies. It was during my time as a student there that I learned about the development of the mind from birth to adolescence—and into adulthood. It was all about perspective: how we perceive things based on where we are in life and how much knowledge we have of the world around us. Later on, after graduating from Southern New Hampshire University with a MA in English and Creative Writing, these two studies would become married with my own experience as a mom and educator: I could clearly see a gap in communication with my children and students in regard to what adults asked of them and why. Like eating their vegetables, potty training, and my current household favorite – bedtime. And very clearly on the other end was frustration, short tempers, and burnout. An idea was born nine years later, and I am extremely proud that this project will be in 800 new homes!
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.
I have to admit that I am more of a homebody, but, If I had a weeklong trip with my friends, we would definitely hit all the spots. I’d obviously sneak to that bathroom to Facetime my husband and kids every chance I get but in-between I’d definitely enjoy the sights and a good meal at every turn.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank my parents, family, colleagues, my professors, and every educational establishment that I’ve attended. I thank my friends, new and old. My mentors, my business partners, and avid supporters of my group, “My Kid Won’t Sleep” on Facebook. Lastly, I thank you, my spouse, my children, and my God for inspiration, motivation, and unconditional support. Without you, I would be way off balance. Thank you for keeping me on track.
Website: www.somuchsemmons.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/somuchsemmons
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanysemmons/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/somuchsemmons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoMuchSemmons
Other: Join me on Facebook in a cozy, fun, and entertaining group called, “My Kid’s Won’t Sleep.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/757135548562835