Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Cadogan.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew I wanted to help people, but my plan was a little different than my journey. If I were to flashback to elementary school, I just knew that I was going to be the 1st Black Woman on the United States Supreme Court. I was even given the nickname “Senator” by my high school social studies teacher. I went as far as taking the LSAT, the law school entrance exam, during my junior year at Georgia Southern University. Although I had a high enough score to get into my law school of choice, my heart was definitely not in it. While at Georgia Southern University, I had the opportunity to plan and execute some of the biggest events on campus. That’s when I recognized my passion.
Despite my childhood dreams, I always had an interest in entertainment. I remember flipping through the pages of the Right On! and Word Up! magazine as a child and spotting someone that looked like me! She was a curvy, brown-skinned woman who was in charge. It was Mona Scott-young, just Mona Scott at the time and she was the President of Violator Management. I guess the music never left me, so I researched as much information about careers in entertainment and I found a publicist on Myspace. To be certain that I was making the right decision, I interned with an entertainment attorney during my senior year while interning with the music publicist. That’s when it became final… I wanted to explore the world of PR!
After graduating, I interned with several publicists and entertainment companies to learn more about the business. Of course, while interning, I was holding down several jobs, I even went into corporate America. When the recession hit, I experienced two lay-offs and decided to take a leap of faith. In 2010, I officially incorporated Sapphire Ink Creative Agency.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to entrepreneurship is never easy and if someone told you it is, check their sources! One of the biggest struggles and realizations as an entrepreneur is to understand that your source of income is reliant on someone else. Unlike working in Corporate America, if a client chooses not to pay their invoice, then you now have to spend more money to hire an attorney, plus figure out how you’re going to make up for that loss. My advice to anyone in business is to remain a student. Even if you feel like you have perfected your craft, times change and so does technology. If you are just starting out, seek a mentor or at least intern with someone in your field.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Through my work, I have been responsible for launching and elevating a few major brands and personalities.
Sapphire Ink Creative Agency, formerly known as Sapphire Ink Public Relations, is a creative agency that focuses on public relations, events, and branding for startups to intermediate brands. Our work has been seen across various platforms, including: The Trumpet Awards, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Bravo TV, BET Hip Hop Awards, and Gentle Treatment. Our clients range from fashion designers to nonprofits and have been featured in media, such as Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, AJC, WSB-TV, and more.
In the spirit of philanthropy, I currently handle communications for a Habitat for Humanity affiliate and oversee a local chapter of Becca’s Closet, a nonprofit that provides free prom dresses to girls in need.
I live by my philosophy to do things on purpose, with purpose.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I would definitely say that my parents and grandparents had a tremendous impact on my entrepreneurial spirit and helped lay the foundation for my success. My parents are both immigrants and seeing how they were able to come from another country and provide for their family truly inspired me. Seeing my dad wake up at the crack of dawn to serve our country in the US Army instilled a value of commitment and honor. Watching my mom take her native language and use it as a way to break barriers and earn the job she deserved, instilled drive and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sapphireinkcreative.com
- Email: tiffany@sapphireinkcreative.com
- Instagram: @sicagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIPRAgency
Image Credit:
Sapphire Ink Creative, Startup Picture Day
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