Meet Tiffany Mercer-Robbins

 

We recently connected with Tiffany Mercer-Robbins and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has been a recurring experience throughout my career, especially as a Black creative. Early on, I learned the importance of advocating for myself and staying true to my vision, even when my presence wasn’t expected or always welcomed. It took time, but I realized that my unique perspective wasn’t a limitation but a strength. My experiences, culture, and the challenges I’ve faced provide insight into creating authentic, culture-centric work that resonates with underrepresented audiences.

I’ve also learned that success in these spaces requires self-confidence and community. It’s easy to feel isolated, so I’ve prioritized connecting with other creatives and entrepreneurs who share similar experiences.

By consistently showing up, advocating for diverse representation, and creating opportunities for others like me, I’ve turned those moments of isolation into opportunities for growth and impact. I hold my head high knowing that my presence in these rooms is important and necessary.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As the Founder and CEO of radiantHUE®, I help purpose-led brands build authentic marketing that speaks to diverse audiences. My agency specializes in brand strategy, design, and activations, allowing businesses to connect deeply with their communities through meaningful storytelling, bold aesthetics, and culturally relevant campaigns.

What excites me most about the work we do is our ability to take a blank canvas and transform it into something powerful that celebrates diversity and resonates with people genuinely. I think what makes radiantHUE® special is our commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices—whether it’s a new brand identity or a brand activation, we create experiences that uplift and inspire.

I’m especially excited about our upcoming event during DesignPhiladelphia, a 12-day festival celebrating design in all its forms. radiantHUE® is hosting “Branding for the Culture: Mindful Creative for Diverse Audiences” on October 12th. The event will feature brand activations, a performance by Chocolate Ballerina Company, a panel discussion with creatives, Nekwan Luke of AIGA Philadelphia; Dennis Maurice Dumpson of #InvestBLK, and more. It’s an opportunity to showcase what the agency is all about and is a platform to have important conversations about creating culturally relevant brands and the challenges Black and Brown designers face.

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?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are taking criticism, being authentic, and understanding how running a business works.

1. Taking Criticism:
When you’re in a creative field, criticism is inevitable. Early on, I learned that feedback wasn’t a personal attack but an opportunity for growth. The key is learning to separate yourself from the work and focus on improving the product. Whether from a client or colleague, constructive criticism can sharpen your skills and push your creativity further. My advice to those starting is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Surround yourself with people who will give you honest, helpful feedback, and learn how to filter out noise that doesn’t serve your growth.

2. Being Authentic:
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is staying true to myself and my values. Authenticity is what sets you apart and resonates with people. Your story, culture, and unique perspective are all assets, not liabilities. For those early in their journey, I’d say: Don’t be afraid to show up as your full self. Your authenticity is what attracts the right clients, collaborators, and opportunities.

3. Understanding How Running a Business Works:
Creativity is at the heart of what I do, but none of that would matter if I didn’t understand how to run a business effectively. Knowing how to handle contracts, manage client expectations, and stay on top of finances has been crucial in scaling radiantHUE®. My advice is to invest time in learning the business side of your craft—whether that’s through workshops, mentors, or even trial and error. It’s not enough to be a talented creative; you need to know how to operate a successful business to grow and sustain your work.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Overcoming imposter syndrome and truly stepping into my confidence as a business owner and creative is the biggest area of growth. For a long time, even after landing big clients and working on impactful projects, I would question whether I was good enough or deserved to be in the spaces I was in. It wasn’t until this past year that I made a conscious effort to do the inner work, digging into the “why” behind my fears and learning to embrace my successes without doubt. This shift in mindset has allowed me to show up more confidently, not only for my clients but also for myself. It’s been liberating and has made me more effective as an entrepreneur and creative.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Go-Getter Conference Photos – AJAHLEXIPRODUCTIONS

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?

We think this is an essential question because so often there is a disconnect between

Highlighter Series
Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is