Meet Tiffany Kerr

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Kerr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I am a believer that it isn’t just one experience that gives us confidence. Life gives us many situations that can build a more positive perspective of oneself. Confidence is a trust and love that I developed for myself when I had to move from California to New Jersey to start a family with my husband nearly twenty years ago. I thought I was confident before then, but after making one of the biggest decisions of my life, especially a decision I thought I would never have to make, I found out how much I had to trust myself and every decision afterwards that I had to make for myself and family. As a new wife and mother, it was scary being in a state with no family. I did have uncertain times. In the beginning I was depressed and homesick. I loved my husband, but at times, I did regret moving so far away. My mental health took a toll until my family told me to start living the life I want to live. Our daughter was born shortly after my move and then I knew unconditional love. By changing my mindset and focusing on my family, I gave myself the freedom and permission to be the woman I always wanted to be. I challenged myself by changing careers to be more available for my children, I met new people, I joined organizations, I volunteered in my community, I decorated our home, I entertained guests and hosted parties, I went back to school, and learned to explore the life around me. I knew that if I didn’t try new things, I would never know how to do them, how it felt, or gain experience for my future. Confidence was the ability to say “yes” to things I wanted for me. Loving the life I was creating, physically and mentally, and telling myself that it is okay to change the narrative, to better myself, enjoy nice things, and try new experiences. In addition to me valuing myself and worth, the consistent love that I receive from my immediate and distant family has been how I have been able to sustain my self-esteem. I was taught to always execute and continue to be the best version of myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the self-published author of “Chic Situations; Create, Embrace & Enjoy Life’s Chic Situations.” Inspired by my relocation and a trip to Paris, France, in four parts, I discuss in detail chic ways of living with real life scenarios. With examples of ‘oh so chic’ tips and ‘not so chic’ tips related to home, health, etiquette and style for everyday women, I wrote a book I wasn’t able to find for myself anywhere. Sharing inspirational quotes to encourage readers to enhance their style of living, I remind everyone that being chic and creating chic situations for ourselves and the people we love is doable and attainable with a little effort and attention to how we present our best selves, starting with etiquette.

With my book, “Chic Situations” as a foundation, I became a Certified Etiquette Instructor. I completed the Adult Finishing School at the New York School of Etiquette and mastered all etiquette topics with the SWANN School of Protocol. I love instructing private and group lessons for kids, teens and adults in addition to hosting College Preparatory Workshops, Afternoon Tea Lessons, Holiday Etiquette and Fashion Luncheons with Neiman Marcus and Women’s Empowerment and Mental Health Awareness events in collaboration with Kate Spade New York and other local community engagement organizations.

When I did decide to change careers, I transitioned from law school to education. I have been a Special Education Teacher for the past eleven years. From elementary school to high school, I have been blessed to teach students to their learning capabilities. Because I enjoyed teaching so much, it was natural for me to share what I wrote in my book to various audiences emphasizing the importance of self-growth, confidence, living well, and positive presentation. Every time I teach it is exciting because I feel that I am encouraging and making a difference with each student.

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?

Patience, optimism and hard work are skills that I will always cherish. My journey did not occur overnight. I was patient with myself, I did not give up on myself, I always thought and planned out how I wanted the outcomes to go, and if it didn’t work out the way I planned, I tried again. I write everything down, I give myself a timeline and think about all the positives and why that idea would be so good! Yes, I cheer for myself! And then, I put in the work. Make the time to put in the time. Most things you will have to do by yourself and figure out. I wrote my book on a self-creative platform with no experience, but I was patient with myself enough to design the entire book from cover to cover.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Believing in myself. Planning and executing chic events that align with my brand and working with etiquette clients by providing high quality relatable content and standards. I have made it my mission to always give and be my best in everything I do. I have known this to feel uncomfortable at first for many reasons, but when I focus on the bigger picture and trust in my ability, I feel empowered and excited for experiences that allow me to step further into my boldness. We only need validation from ourselves. Once we realize that we have the capability to create our own lives, as I say in my book, “We are not our situation, so let’s make it chic,” we can continue to live confidently and walk along this bold journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chicsituations.com
• Instagram: @chic.situations
• Facebook: @Chic Situations

Image Credits

Additional Photos: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th photo credit to Noir Photography Studios.