We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Henderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose has been a gradual and evolving journey, one that has been molded and nurtured over the course of my lifetime. I believe each of us carries an innate purpose. For some, it may be a natural aptitude for leadership, while for others it’s athleticism, linguistic prowess, or the art of communication. Although these talents come naturally, they undoubtedly require nurturing through time, dedication, and hard work. Drawing from personal experiences, utilizing available resources, and dedicating effort, our purpose takes form and becomes tangible.
The Japanese concept of “Ikigai” resonates with me in this context. It symbolizes the intersection of what you love to do, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at. My purpose was not uncovered through a Venn diagram exercise but rather emerged organically through self-discovery and realization of what the world needed and my passion for building a community.
Growing up, I often felt like an anomaly. As a child and even into adulthood, all I wanted to do was fit in. Yet, wherever I ventured, I stood out, not sharing the looks or experiences of those around me. This feeling persisted from school classrooms to professional spaces.
During my early 20s, I found a home where I felt a deep sense of belonging—among a diverse, multifaceted group of individuals who resonated with my own intricacies. As lonely as it felt, feeling like a triangle trying to fit into a circle, it led me to become more empathetic. My experiences encouraged me to reach out to the people in my community, learn their stories, and connect with them on a deeper level. Through the stories I heard and my own experiences of feeling adrift, thousands of miles away from any family, I realized the importance of building your own community. At our essence, we crave genuine human connection and are meant to be a part of a community.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges small businesses face, overshadowed by these major brands. Having also experienced the unparalleled value they offer, my purpose became clear: to advocate for these small businesses.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the Founder and CEO of Rocally, a web-based search engine dedicated exclusively to uplifting and spotlighting small businesses.
Growing up without feeling truly connected to a community made the joy of finally finding one all the more profound. We all, perhaps consciously or otherwise, yearn for that sense of belonging, hoping that a new city or country will offer it. Drawing from my personal journey, the initial months or even years in a new place involve understanding its rhythm, its unique culture, and its offerings. Quickly and efficiently, we familiarize ourselves with top-rated restaurants, schools, and grocery stores that cater to our preferences. However, when it comes to services like finding a trustworthy pet/baby/house sitter or a skilled plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist, many default to big, familiar names—those that can afford prominent advertising. But does prominence guarantee quality or cost-effectiveness?
Rocally was created to provide small businesses with a dedicated platform, free from the blinding glare of big brand advertising, enabling them to shine in their authentic light and level the playing field in a market often dominated by the brands with deeper pockets. Designed with precision, Rocally ensures that these businesses are not just visible, but prominently showcased; we prioritize their ranking so that they almost invariably appear on the first page of any local search within their community, based on ZIP CODE.
While we’ve initially launched Rocally in select counties in Idaho and California, I am excited to share that we are on track for a comprehensive national launch by year’s end. As Rocally continues to thrive and expand its footprint in the United States, we have also set our sights on an international presence, beginning with a few provinces in Canada in the near future.
Every search on Rocally is a step towards empowering a small business, breathing life into dreams, and building a community of trust and reliability.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Tenacity: Never give up and never stop trying. In the pursuit of your dreams or goals, there will undeniably be moments when you hit a dead end, lose motivation, or temporarily lose sight of your aspirations. Sometimes, it may even seem insurmountable given the resources at your disposal. However, it’s crucial to keep moving forward. Utilize what’s available to you, pivot often, and don’t be afraid to deviate from the so-called ‘expected’ or ‘conventional’ paths. It’s often the unconventional choices that lead to extraordinary outcomes. Dare to pave your own path!
Introspection: Over the years, the key to achieving my goals and navigating life’s inevitable challenges has been consistent self-reflection. Periodically, I pause to evaluate where I stand: discerning what’s working and what’s not. This allows me to explore ways to refine my approach, making my journey towards my goals both enjoyable and efficient. When motivation wanes, distractions accumulate, and my dreams seem sidelined, I often find myself in these moments of ‘self-inspection.’ During such times, pushing forward feels immensely challenging. Yet, it’s crucial to lean on trusted mentors, friends, and family. Prioritize self-care and allow yourself breaks. It’s in these moments that inspiration often strikes, reigniting the energy and drive to persevere.
Patience: The adages “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “patience is a virtue” resonate with many, and for good reason. From my perspective, particularly as someone not naturally inclined to patience, those who embody it exude a unique tranquility. They blend hard work with an understanding that good things take time. Embracing the journey, with its required effort and dedication, becomes an experience to be savored. It’s a “work hard, play hard” approach, cherishing the process whether or not immediate success is evident.
The allure of instant success is universally compelling, often amplified when media spotlights such narratives. Yet, beneath these so-called “overnight” triumphs lie myriad trials and tribulations. Each success story is paved with its own unique challenges and growth experiences, both leading up to the celebrated moment and in maintaining that success thereafter. In our current age, where information is at our fingertips and instant gratification is the norm, cultivating patience becomes even more challenging, yet remains paramount.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki inspired me to begin my journey towards the creation of Rocally. This book illuminates the importance of noticing gaps in our society and being proactive in addressing them. As we navigate our daily lives, we often take the world around us at face value, rarely pausing to ponder or reflect. Yet, when we evaluate a business or product with a discerning eye, we start to think, “This could be improved by doing _____,” or “I wish it operated like this.” Personally, I recognized a pressing need for bolstered support and advocacy for small businesses, highlighting their pivotal role at the forefront and enlightening society about their profound impact on community well-being. This book isn’t just about changing your perspective – it’s a call to action, a challenge to be at the forefront of positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rocally.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocallyusa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocallyusa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocallyusa/
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rocallyusa
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