Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffani-MiShelle Johnson.
Hi Tiffani-MiShelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I would have to write a book to cover it all, haha… But, I’ll start with short recaps of phases:
Phase 1 – Working at Tyler Perry Studios (behind the scenes, off and on) from 2007-2011. Transitioned to a couple TV shows for TVOne and BET (2012-2013). Left the 12-17 hour work days in hopes of opening up time to pursue acting.
Phase 2 – Started working for a property management company for one year until— the Area Director came to visit the apartment community (on a Tuesday) and asked to speak with me privately. I was doing great in the company; recognized as one of the Top Leasers, but she told me she couldn’t rest and wasn’t sure why she kept feeling the urge to tell me to “Chase my dreams.” The option given was: Continue to stay in the same position at the company. Or, leave (that day) with a month’s pay. I knew this was the answer to a sincere prayer I’d prayed at church two days prior. Afraid, not knowing what I’d do after that month— I chose to step out of my comfort zone and walk away, in faith.
Phase 3 – Sitting in my apartment praying; Remembering a message from Bishop Bronner. I believe it was called, “What’s In Your Hands.” What I received from the message was to use what I already have; what I’m naturally good at as a money maker. Then, while continuing to sit in silence, I remembered my dad would say to me (in my teens, after he and my mom divorced), “You’re the only one who helps your daddy clean.” Immediately, I thought: “There’s no money in cleaning,” Needless to say, I ignored the thought and started working for a cleaning company… and there really wasn’t any money in it, lol. Shortly after being there, I was wrongfully fired… Shortly after that, Maids of Eden was birthed. I thought it’d last a few month. As of now, it’s been over 10 years.
Phase 4 – The year of the pandemic. Covid. Five years being in business for myself. Business was still paying all the bills and the flexibility of having my own business allowed me to audition for countless TV shows and films. I was able to take classes, act in indie projects, etc… but, with all the systemic racism going on in the world I was over cleaning. October 2020, I received a call from a (former, 2009) TPS Head Writer. He was about to start working as the Showrunner on this new show coming to BET+ called “The Ms. Pat Show” and he wanted me to join the writing team. I’ve since done five seasons of the three-time Emmy nominated show, while still maintaining my cleaning business, Maids of Eden, auditioning for the show, producing some indie projects, completing my cartoon voiceover reel and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not a smooth road at all. Lots of prayers and many tears… A few (of many) rough moments in between the Phases include:
1. Leaving work for lunch and getting a call that my position (as Audience Coordinator) was gone bc the “higher ups” decided the sitcom didn’t need a studio audience anymore.
2. Not knowing how I was going to pay bills; going to malls, salons, etc spitting poetry for people and selling a paper made book (that I eventually expanded and self-published).
3. Working as a waitress at Pappadeaux. Side note: When I checked my attitude, said I was going to work hard and be faithful in the “little things,” is when the call to work in a TV Writer’s Room for the first time came.
4. Getting over the heartbreak of a broken engagement.
5. Working two PT jobs (waking up at 3 AM) and still not having enough gas money to make it home. Or, I was just too tired for the hour+ drive. Sleeping in my car at the 24/7 Walmart on East-West Connector and showering at the LA Fitness.
6. Barely making minimum wage for a cleaning company. Having no clue where my life was going.
7. Humbling myself and learning to trust God through every phase and in between.
8. Getting out of my own head!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Maids of Eden?
Servicing all of Metro Atlanta, Maids of Eden is a boutique, independent house and commercial cleaning company, founded in 2015. We believe the home is supposed to be your haven; a divine, peaceful and pristine safe place, just like The Garden of Eden. Our cleaners are professionals and take pleasure in contributing to the beauty, cleanliness and atmosphere of your home by committing to serve in excellence every time! The bulk of our clients get cleanings weekly, bi-weekly or monthly and were referred to us by a previous or current client. We offer standard, deep, move-in/out, co-living, construction, custom cleanings and more.
We are proud to offer an above-the-average pay percentage to our cleaners and are always seeking friendly, professional, rockstar cleaners to add to our team of Independent Contractors!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was shy. Really shy (except around my immediate family and Cuzzie). I kind of started getting out of the shyness around puberty (when my hormones starting raging, lol) and when I got into a few fights; one in elementary school and a couple in the neighborhood in high school. I soon learned I had to control my anger (after a guy I fought shot someone in the head)… I got heavy into poetry as an outlet… Eventually got into sports (track, basketball for eight years) and acting eventually won my heart over, so I got into theatre… Now that I’m thinking about it— cleaning probably became an outlet as well. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MaidsofEden.com
- Instagram: @itstiffanimishelle, @maidsofeden
