Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany ‘J Tiffany’ Jacobs.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
‘J Tiffany’ was created during a pivotal point in my journey. I recall yearning to reconnect with the version of myself that had more faith than fear and lived life purposely chasing her dreams. My surroundings had seemed to morph overnight into daily filled routines and predictability. This is when I truly had to look within and address this level of comfort I had become accustom to. On a superficial level, I had reached educational and professional goals, but on a deeper and more spiritual level, I was unfulfilled.
I decided it was time for me to pursue my initial intentions for coming to Atlanta, which was modeling. The sole reason for leaving the comfort of my loving family and supportive friends in Michigan was to chase my dreams of the runway. I was so inspired by the beautiful women I saw bringing so much attention to the plus size industry. As a new mother, years had gone by since I stepped on a runway or posed for a shoot, but I was ready to return to the industry. Motherhood has blessed me in so many ways. Motherhood also blessed me with a full and curvier figure. There are many women who may struggle with body image or self-acceptance. Confidence is a gift I wanted to give to other women, not only to show them but to inspire them to do the same. Initially, J Tiffany was my alter ego. She was something that belonged to just me and gave me an identity outside of my everyday roles. She was fierce, confident and unstoppable. J Tiffany is no longer an alter ego – she is me, she is my purpose.
Has it been a smooth road?
I honestly believe when you are in alignment with God’s purpose, challenges are not placed in your path to deter you but assist in the building of your character. During the lowest emotional time of my life, God revealed to me the victory in the struggle. Struggles are often times followed by elevation, growth, and awakening. To live a life that avoids struggle or conflict means to live a stagnant life. Although the road has not always been smooth, every bump was purposeful in developing a high level of resiliency and propel me forward. Modeling is a tough industry as you are essentially being judged by your appearance and level of confidence. You either have what they are looking for or you don’t. Learning how to not let rejection determine your worth not only benefits your longevity in the industry but also crosses over into your personal wellbeing. This was a lesson I came to master – not taking things personally. If a brand chooses not to work with you, you are still fierce. This same notion spills over into relationships when someone doesn’t respect who you are, you have the power to choose yourself and be happy.
My advice to young women who are starting their journey of modeling; know who you are and become confident in presenting your authentic self. After that – attending castings, building your portfolio and networking becomes easier to tackle. Modeling has so many different divisions – print, runway, lifestyle, fit and plus size are some of the areas you can begin researching.
For those women interested in motivational speaking, I would advise starting on a smaller scale. My previous advice of knowing who you are – still applies. This will allow you to speak from the heart, which ultimately resonates with your audience. My passion for motivation and empowering started as a mentor and high school cheerleading coach. I complimented my passions by obtaining a BA in an area of Psychology known as Behavioral Science, which gave me additional skills to connect with women and help them on their journey of self-discovery. If you are struggling with finding who you are, seek diligently to find her. Self-reflect, set loving boundaries, read books, seek God and take care of you. There is so much power in knowing yourself. Self-validation means approval and acceptance from others are not needed to feel whole, something many people can relate to struggling with. Know your strengths but also know your areas of development and continuously work to improve them. Embrace the opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone and learn from them.
Lastly, never stop learning. Invest in your craft – take classes, attend workshops and network.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a performer by nature. I grew up dancing as part of my family culture. My love for performing arts was discovered during my upbringing and involvement with my brothers dance studio in Grand Rapids, MI. During these crucial years of development, I honed the presence, expression and skills showcased every time I step on the runway. My runway skills not only opened doors for me to work across the country with several fashion brands that include Ashley Stewart, The LaLa Anthony Collection, Livie Rae Lingerie, and Trusst Brands; it has also presented opportunities that ultimately led to motivational speaking. Through motivational speaking, I am able to connect with young girls and women on issues that impact the quality of our lives. I currently lead a confidence-building workshop with a wellness program called The 30-day Lifestyle Exchange.
As a brand, I am most proud of defeating the odds. I continue to believe and strive – surrounding myself with positivity and love. Making the effort to conquer my dreams while ensuring I am present as a wife and mother of two daughters, thrive in my career as a finance professional and complete an MBA was no way an easy feat, but it actually enhanced my family life as I am now a fulfilled woman who is able to pour even more into her family. I have become aware of my strengths, found my voice and am now living the life I imagined. J Tiffany the wife, mother, professional, and speaker and woman is more than a model. My purpose is to help others do the same and reach their full potential. My goal as a model and speaker is to teach women how to tap into their power. It is inside of all of us we just need to right tools, skills, and environments to release it. Throughout my journey, I have learned that the prerequisites to a high-quality life include self-love, confidence and most importantly – a strong relationship with God. God has also prepared me to use modeling as a platform to reach women and share my testimony. My experiences as a woman would be used to help inspire the next woman to believe in herself, love herself and conquer her fears. My testimony is what sets me apart.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Although I eventually took the traditional “go to college and get a degree” path – This was not the path I was raised to follow. My parents gave me the “follow your dreams” speech instead. They come from a generation where you were able to obtain the American dream though hard work and education wasn’t as necessary. My parents didn’t want my brother and I to fall into societal risks of mountains of student loan debt and working your entire life with little time for what matters most– so they kept me active in areas I expressed interest in – dance, competitive cheerleading and modeling. Today’s generation requires education to be successful, which is why I pursued advanced degrees but I never lost sight of my parents teachings.
My most impressionable experience came through an incredible act of kindness from my older brother. When I was entering high school, I had developed an insecurity about my height. I have always been tall, at this time I was 5’10 in the 8th grade. Most kids are teased about something and mine was my height. My brother recognized this insecurity and proceeded to buy me my first pair of high heels. His instructions for conquering high school bullying: Own it! And that’s exactly what I did. I wore heels almost every day with my head held high, as I towered over the everyone in the hallways. Did this stop the teasing – no. Did it stop me from caring – yes! No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Learning this precious jewel was life-changing for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: modeljtiffany@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.jtiffany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauTIFFulme23
Image Credit:
J. Aundrea Photography, RJonesPhotography
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