Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara McGriff
Hi Tiara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a little girl, I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. I started sketching my own fashion illustrations at 9 and accumulated over 300 designs by my high school years. Back then, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer- headlining my luxury clothing collection and hosting fashion shows with models rocking my latest designs. My mom kept my siblings and me looking nice and put together growing up. We dressed up for church and other special occasions, so for me, getting dressed always came easily. However, I developed my sense of style later on. At the age of 17 years old, I became pregnant with my oldest son and gave birth a few months before graduating from high school. I completed some college courses after and mainly worked to provide for both of us. Fast forward to now- I am a single mother of two wonderful boys; I graduated with honors and received my certificate of completion from the Personal Style Program at Ashworth College in February 2020. My love for fashion and my role as a single mother sparked my passion for teaching other single moms how to create a suitable balance of motherhood through practical style solutions, holistic self-care, and overall presentation for their professional and social success. I am working on starting my own Style Coaching Brand, Tiara’s Custom Imagery and I expect it to launch this year.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
As an individual, when you know your passion and purpose in life but, do not know where to start or how to navigate the challenges that come with the journey can be big obstacles for anyone and that’s what I had been faced with. As a single mom, my struggles were having a lack of support, limited finances and putting all of my energy into taking care of the responsibilities around me while still having to prioritize self-care. It has been overwhelming at times and a true balancing act but, I’ve learned that you get better at juggling over time and with figuring life out. There are a few people, who I will never forget, that God placed in my path to help me on the way. Their positive impact in my life, and my faith in God keeps me fueled for the journey. I am forever grateful. My journey is a testament to the resilience and determination that single moms possess, and I hope it inspires others in similar situations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Style Coach who loves to empower single moms. I teach them practical style solutions and holistic selfcare routines that they can implement quickly and easily everyday while getting dressed. Single moms are a diverse group of women who have unique style stories so, working with them I will be able to approach their needs in a more strategic and creative way. Learning more about them, helps me to take on who they are and convey it to the world in a way that reflects their true style identity and lifestyle. The most beautiful thing about personal style, that some people may not have realized, is that it evolves with you over time. Three words that best describe my personal style are- sophisticated, versatile and eclectic. What sets me apart from others is that I’m more than a personal stylist, I don’t just curate outfits; I’m an artist, a creative and I teach style strategies. I am most proud of evolving as a mother and woman, who has neither given up on myself nor my dreams. My unique approach to style coaching, blending practicality with creativity, is what makes my work stand out.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Bible, it helps me to do my best in life. I have highlights of my favorite scriptures that I always can meditate on and refer back to. My faith in God has been a guiding light in my journey, providing me with strength and resilience. I believe that sharing this aspect of my life can also inspire and connect with others who draw strength from their faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiarascustomimagery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiarascustomimagery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tiarascustomimagery
Image Credits
Zebra, black & white image photographed by Shakira Abdul-Rashid
