We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity comes from a mix of things. Growing up, my family was all about giving back, thanks to our religious background. But as I got older and started making my own way, I found my real reasons for being generous right here in our community. Living, working, and raising a family in the same community has deepened my sense of responsibility towards it. I’ve come to realize that the well-being of our community rests on the shoulders of its members, including mine. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible support and solidarity within our village during times of need, and it’s this reciprocal spirit that fuels my desire to give back.
I used to think it was all about sacrificing myself for others, but I’ve learned that taking care of myself first is just as important. I couldn’t be as effective if I wasn’t balanced. The older I get, the more I realize I’ve got some wisdom to share. So, why not be generous with that?
In the end, it’s all about the needs of our community. We’re all in this together, and we agree on more things than we think we do. And that’s what makes it feel like home.
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?
I wear a few different hats, but they all revolve around one central theme: community. I’m the founder of Stretch Long Island, based out of Bayport, New York. This year, I expanded my ventures by acquiring an intimate event space called The Winston, where I help couples celebrate weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and host corporate events and branding photoshoots for businesses. This Summer, we’re doubling the size of this business to enhance the experience for our clients.
My involvement in the community runs deep, having served as Vice President of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Patchogue Young Professionals. These roles have allowed me to forge connections with fellow small business owners and professionals, fostering a network of support and collaboration.
Looking ahead, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to innovate and collaborate. Whether it’s organizing events centered on holistic wellness or keeping up with mocktail trends, there’s always something exciting in the pipeline.
Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact—both within the walls of my businesses and beyond. It’s a mission I’m deeply passionate about, and one that drives me every day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: community, collaboration, and kindness. Community has been the cornerstone of my success. When traditional avenues failed, it was the support of my community that propelled me forward. I’ve learned to trust in the power of my neighbors and our shared experiences.
Collaboration has also been instrumental in my journey. By working hand in hand with diverse and talented people we can get results in innovative solutions and mutually beneficial outcomes. Collaboration is about elevating the entire community.
In a world often driven by competition and self-interest, practicing kindness can be a radical act. It fosters goodwill, builds trust, and creates a better community for everyone to enjoy.
It’s also essential to play the long game. Success rarely comes overnight, but by staying true to your values and commitments, you’ll lay the groundwork for future achievements. Trust in the process, and have faith that the hard work you put in, will pay off.
If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple: cultivate these qualities with intention and consistency. Nurture your community, both personally and professionally. Seek out opportunities for collaboration and embrace the strengths of those around you. And above all, approach every interaction with kindness and empathy.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth and improvement has been in effectively balancing and integrating my roles as a business owner and a mother. This period marked several milestones, including the one-year anniversary of Stretch Long Island and the acquisition of The Winston, both of which presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
Navigating the expansion of my businesses required a heightened level of planning, access to resources, and patience. I found myself drawing upon my 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry to guide my decisions and drive success in my new venture with The Winston. This experience not only allowed me to achieve remarkable growth numbers but also provided valuable insights into effective leadership and business management.
But my most profound growth occurred in my personal life as a mother. Spending more time at home with my children than I had in years provided me with an opportunity to strengthen our relationships and create lasting memories together. By involving them in my work, I was able to instill in them the values of hard work, dedication, and community building.
This period of growth was not without its challenges, but it taught me the importance of prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and finding harmony between my professional and personal responsibilities. By embracing this holistic approach to life and business, I’ve experienced profound personal and professional growth, deepened my connections within my community, and cultivated a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle overall.
Contact Info:
- Website: winstonlongisland.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stretchwithmom
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stretchwithmom/
Image Credits
Cruz Gowins
