Meet Tiffany Johnson

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany 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.

I believe my purpose has evolved over time and with experience. Each time I think I’ve figured it all out, life reveals yet another layer and repaves my path forward.

In my 20’s, my purpose was centered around my career and ability to succeed as a professional. I chased this idea for many years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I realized my purpose had nothing to do with “professional success”. My success was more of a symptom of living out my purpose, rather than something that defined it. With all of this free time to reflect and just be, I was able to spend time with my loved ones and dig back into my creativity. I started painting again after over a decade of neglecting my practice. I experimented with different crafts and hobbies. Whether it was making earrings, drawing or creating a piece of artwork, I remembered how much I loved to birth beautiful things that never existed in this world for others to enjoy. This snapshot in time put a lens over what purpose has meant for my life. It’s truly multidimensional.

Today, my purpose is rooted in living my life authentically, exploring nature, growing my business, creating artwork and things for people to enjoy, loving and supporting my husband, family and friends and professionally, surrounding myself with creatives. Each of these elements contributes to my greater purpose and provides a sense of balance in my life.

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’ve been an artist for over 25 years, always finding joy in creating. During the pandemic, I explored different styles of abstract art and delved into making polymer clay earrings. Eventually, I found a way to merge the two, turning my artwork into wearable pieces. Artwork can often be out of reach for many, so I wanted to make smaller, more accessible pieces that people could wear and enjoy beyond their homes.

In December of 2022, I launched my brand, Dani and Mae. Currently, I sell handmade polymer clay earrings through my Etsy shop, DaniandMaeHandmade. I also participate as a vendor in local First Friday art events in Kansas City, Missouri, where my artwork and earrings can be purchased.

Though Dani and Mae is still in its early stages, I have plans to expand into home décor, clothing, and accessories. My goal is to offer as many ways as possible for people to enjoy my art. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead and hope my journey inspires others to follow their passions.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The most impactful lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that we all have transferable skills. You don’t need to be perfect or know everything to start taking action. I used my experience as a creative recruiter to research and learn about being a small business owner, jewelry maker, and artist, creating a checklist to help me reach my goals. Free resources like YouTube, social media, and the internet were invaluable in this process.

Another key lesson is believing in myself. It might sound cliché, but once I moved past imposter syndrome and self-doubt, opportunities began to unfold. The first time my artwork and earrings were displayed publicly was at a Starbucks in the heart of the Kansas City arts district in 2023. The event went so well that I returned for a second exhibition in April and May of 2024. I didn’t foresee this happening, but I trusted my abilities would lead me somewhere.

Finally, I’d say to use any momentum you gain to keep pushing forward. The Starbucks opportunity led to the launch of my brand, Dani and Mae, and becoming a vendor at Mission Taco Joint (KC Crossroads District) for First Fridays. I’m now involved in the local artist community, preparing to apply to galleries and display more work at coffee shops. Witnessing the domino effect in action is incredible.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

It would be really exciting to collaborate with fashion designers, seamstresses or furniture makers. I could totally see my artwork used as a dress or skirt pattern, decorative pillows, curtains or even worked into a cool accent chair.

I also would love to partner with realtors or home staging companies as my artwork could be the perfect splash of color for homes on the market and give prospective homebuyers the option to purchase for their new home.

If that describes you, you like my work and you’re interested in a collar, please reach out via email or DM me on my Instagram (linked below).

Contact Info:

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