We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffanya Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffanya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Originally I had a passion to help women like me. I was excited about it, but didn’t know much at all about business. I did however coach women all the time before ever understanding that was a thing. I enjoyed sharing my insight to help others, and I also loved creating opportunities for others to thrive and shine. I grew up in church, but I never had a relationship with God you could say. It wasn’t until I experienced a series of losses in my life, including the murder of my boyfriend at the time, that I truly started seeking God, purpose, and a greater meaning for my life. Life always inspires me. I wrote a book of poems about my life experiences and I guess you can say that book project sparked my entrepreneurial journey. That was the catalyst behind the business. It was always mission driven. The idea was to meet the needs of women navigating life, like me.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wrote a book, Trinity Jones the Queen of the Ghetto, in 2019. I always wrote, but never actually set out to write a book. My favorite movie of all time is John Singleton’s poetic justice. I loved that it was relatable, but also that it showed a woman trying her best to overcome her circumstances, and the pitfalls during that journey. My real life ended up mirroring that film, and I believed it was important to tell those types of stories. Honest ones. Stories bigger than the stereotypical hood tale. My background is social work, and professionally I work within the federal government. I’ve also navigated the welfare system, being a single mothers, struggling to find my place. My journey has not been easy at all. The only way that I’ve been able to press towards where I am today is my faith, a real, honest faith. The lessons that I have learned is knowing who you are is key. In order to know who you are, you have to grow through life, eventually it all works together if you’re intentional and clear. I want the world to know that their story matters, that God is real, that He is always speaking. I want them to know that their life is about more than pain but possibly a bridge to connect and help someone else along the way. I want them to know my business is intentionally creating space to be that place.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooooh I love to entertain! Hey bestie! First let’s go to Berkeley Social Club for brunch! We gotta get the million dollar bacon and french toast! We can go to Louis the Pie Queen, for home style cooking and some bomb pies! Farm house kitchen thai because its fun and I love the colors and ambiance! We can go to napa and check out the wineries and have a spa day. We can also go to the Museum of Oakland to check out some art and history. We can ride out and spend the day in Monterey and we have to go to China beach in San Francisco. We can take a fairy to Angel island, have a picnic in golden gate park, and visit the ice cream museum. I’m sure there’s some live music playing so we can check that out, and we have to look at some local businesses and shop for sure like black girl greenhouse!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! So many shout outs, I hope this isn’t too many! Shout out to my dad, Carroll T Richardson who always told me to write a book, I finally listened dad! My big sister, Talmera Richardson, my biggest cheerleader…she literally is the first one to support anything I’m doing! My mom, she’s the best advisor and always gives me motivational speeches when I’m down and out. My daughter TaLae who keeps me laughing and helps me lighten up and not taking myself too seriously! My local church Phillips Temple CME, and the local church in general for creating space and platforms for me to grow and develop. Pastor Dix and Sister Dix who supported me, prayed for me, and provided the guidance that is needed in life. Rev Livingston (Ma Duece) for being an amazing mentor and friend! Dr. Lee, my professional mentor who took a chance on me, thank you! All my coaches, customers, and supporters!! Thank you!
Website: www.lit-movement.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lit_produces/
Image Credits
Professional photos by Shawna Ollie