Today we’d like to introduce you to Tifany Hill.
Hi Tifany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a retired Army veteran who served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Mrs. Vanessa Thomas, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Women Veteran State Coordinator, learned I had published magazines before and encouraged me to create a Women Veterans Magazine. I presented to the Florida Women Veterans Advisory Council to seek their input and support and was thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from my sisters in arms across different branches.
I was overwhelmed with joy because I finally felt connected to something that can make a real difference for women veterans. This publication is not only my story but the stories of many women who feel unseen and unheard. I want my fellow female veterans to know that Steel & Grace Women Veterans Magazine will always be a platform to share the experiences of all women who served this country.
The magazine also provides an outreach opportunity for the FDVA Women Veterans State Coordinator in a partnership to connect with veterans in Florida and active-duty service members transitioning to veteran status. Even if they are not relocating to Florida, we can direct them to the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs office, Vet Center, or other local veteran resources. Steel & Grace along with Mrs. Vanessa Thomas, Florida Women Veterans State Coordinator, will be going on an outreach tour, starting in Florida, to collaborate with other veteran organizations that support women veterans as another outreach approach. I know how it feels to leave the military feeling lost and a need for guidance through the VA system or help finding housing. I have been through it all and that’s what drives my passion for Steel & Grace to be more boots on the ground.
Steel & Grace represents women veterans, active-duty women in transition, and their families. While Florida is my home base, I’m connecting with many women veterans across the United States. The magazine is more than a publication; it’s a safe space for connection. Attending the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta helped me build networks with other entrepreneurs and led to an opportunity to be cast in the film False Narratives, being produced in Austell, Georgia by TNP Media, which will help share a glimpse of Steel & Grace with a wider audience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were a few bumps along the way, but thanks to the AI market it wasn’t overly stressful or costly to get things done. I knew building a website from scratch would be expensive, but I found an AI tool that helped; meanwhile, convincing advertisers to buy into a new publication without established metrics sometimes felt more burdensome than the project itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
A Walking Brand is the name I was giving a long time ago when I attended an award show because of my uniqueness in fashion and my confidence. Most will say I’m a vibe. I host my personal A Walking Brand event titled Divas Day Experience. It’s a redcarpet movie event catered to women who need a selfcare moment and to socialize with other women of all walks of life. The themed event is centered around supporting female actresses. What sets me apart others is I’m not afraid of going against the grain and trying something that is outside of the box and if it fails, I say “oh well, can it be fixed or do I move on?” I’m also very innovative, creative, and often is referred to as “The plug.” Out of all of the projects I’ve done thus far, I’m so proud to have a diverse group of women who are contributing writers and graphic designer for Steel & Grace Women Veterans Magazine. Most of the beautiful women are veterans, entrepreneurs, veteran spouses, students, and family members of veterans. I am so honored for their service to the country and for the publication.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
To be honest, when I think that I am about to do something that may surprise my friends or family, I am always told that they are not surprised. The only thing that I can think of is my love for country and classical music, but then again, someone would say “I can see that.” Lol
Contact Info:
- Website: Steelandgracemag.com
- Instagram: @steelandgrace
- Facebook: Steelandgracemag
Image Credits
All are my photos except parade photo is courtesy of Women Veterans Unite.
