Today we’d like to introduce you to TIFFANI WILLIAMS.
Hi TIFFANI, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My creative story started at a call center. I was working as a consultant at Verizon. I wasn’t great at the job itself (because honestly, I hated it), but I was a great employee—on time, dependable, team player, all that. I was just caught up in what a lot of us were taught: get a “good job with benefits” and hold on tight. But deep down, I was miserable clocking in every day.
What kept me going was my creativity. I’ve always been crafty, and back then I started designing and handmaking layered invitations for friends and coworkers, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, you name it. That creative spark was what gave me joy. One day, I told myself: “If Verizon ever offers a good buyout package, I’m taking it and going to art school.” And guess what? That buyout came in 2010. I didn’t hesitate. By 2011, I was enrolled in art school pursuing my BFA in Graphic Design, fully supported by the 9/11 GI Bill from my time in the Army. That was a huge leap, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Since then, my path has taken me from crafting invites to building full brand identities, launching my business Hive Promo, and now helping other small businesses and nonprofits build their brands with confidence. I’ve also leaned all the way into AI over the past couple of years, teaching entrepreneurs how to use tech like ChatGPT and Canva to work smarter, not harder. And I’m still that same creative girl, I just traded in the cubicle for purpose and freedom.
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?
Absolutely not. It has not been a smooth road. There’ve been bumps, backtracks, and straight-up detours along the way.
Starting over in my 30s was already a leap. I left a stable paycheck to go to art school using my GI Bill, and while I was finally doing something I loved, it was still a grind. I was a veteran, a mom, and older than most of my classmates. I had to fight through imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the pressure to “prove” myself over and over again.
And then came entrepreneurship. Whew… Running a business is beautiful, but it’s also humbling. There were times I didn’t know where the next check was coming from. I’ve undercharged, overworked, and stretched myself thin trying to do it all. It took time and a lot of lessons to learn how to price my worth, set boundaries, and show up confidently in rooms where I once felt invisible.
One of the biggest pivots came during COVID. Like many creatives, I lost clients and projects overnight. But instead of shutting down, I leaned into what I could do—teach. I started hosting virtual classes on Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I ended up teaching thousands of crafters and small business owners how to use design to show up online and keep their businesses going. That season really showed me that teaching is part of my purpose.
Now, my work has expanded to include AI education, branding strategy, and empowering other entrepreneurs, especially women and veterans, to use tech and design tools to work smarter and grow their businesses. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been mine. And I’ve learned how to turn every setback into a setup for the next chapter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I help people look legit and feel confident in their brand. I’m a graphic designer, educator, and AI consultant, and I run Hive Promo—a branding studio that helps small businesses and nonprofits show up with bold, professional branding that reflects who they really are.
I specialize in three things:
Branding – logos, brand identity, and content that connects
Promo Items – swag that turns heads and tells your story
Design Education – teaching folks how to use Canva, ChatGPT, and other tools to market smarter
I got into teaching during COVID and ended up helping thousands of entrepreneurs and creatives learn how to design and promote their businesses with confidence. That pivot changed everything for me.
I’m also deeply involved in the veteran community. I serve as the volunteer Brand Manager for Georgia Military Women and Chair of the Veteran Entrepreneur Group with the Atlanta Black Chambers—two roles that allow me to use my skills to empower others and give back.
What sets me apart is how I show up. I don’t just design, I teach, guide, and cheer folks on. I bring real strategy, real talk, and that “you got this” energy to everything I do. For me, it’s all about branding with heart and hustle.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely. I’m always using tools that help me work smarter and stay creative. As an Adobe girl, I never thought Canva would become my go-to—but now it’s the first thing I open. Whether I’m designing for a client, creating quick promo content, or teaching a workshop, it’s the tool that makes it easy for me and the folks I teach to show up consistently and professionally. I also use ChatGPT almost daily for brainstorming,
My Google Workspace, especially Gmail and Google Calendar, is key to keeping my schedule and business organized. Between client meetings, events, and daily tasks, that calendar keeps everything on track.
While I’m not a big podcast person, I stay inspired by following a few powerhouse women on Facebook who are out here building boldly and sharing the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship. Their stories keep me focused and encouraged.
And honestly, nothing beats quiet time with God and a good journal. That’s how I check in with myself, reflect, and keep my peace while managing life, work, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hivepromo.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanimcqueen/
