Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Mercer-Robbins.

Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey started at 15 when I landed a job at an architecture firm—not the typical first job for a teenager. I grew up in a single-parent household and saw my mother work incredibly hard to provide. When the firm’s owner gave me an opportunity, I took it. But my story truly began even earlier. At 12, I was accepted into the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence’s College for Teens Program, a summer residency, where I lived on a college campus and received a career education. That experience gave me a head start in professionalism and shaped my drive. While many of my peers were picking up fast-food or retail jobs, I was already exploring career paths beyond the norm.

Initially, I pursued biology in college, with the dream of becoming an OB/GYN because often times, you hear people talking about doctors and lawyers making the big bucks. But once I saw the years of schooling required, I had a moment of clarity—this wasn’t my path. Writing had always come naturally to me, my high school counselor even suggested I consider a creative field. That nudge and my interests led me to pivot from biology to English, and then to journalism.

During my journalism studies, I was introduced to design courses, which deepened my love for visual storytelling. I became obsessed with self-learning Adobe programs, refining my skills beyond what the classroom required. But after graduating, reality hit—I struggled to break into the industry. No matter how many applications I submitted, I kept getting told I was underqualified or that my skills aligned but they “chose another candidate.”

I turned to freelancing while pursuing my Master’s in Strategic Communication at La Salle University. That’s when it clicked—I didn’t just want a job. I wanted to build something of my own. The turning point came when I worked on rebranding a hair salon. I designed the brand identity, but also added tidbits to redesigning the inside of the salon, with heavy emphasis on marketing strategies for what is displayed on the storefront. That hands-on experience with experiential marketing planted the seed for what would eventually become radiantHUE.

The Birth of radiantHUE
After submitting over 100 job applications and continuously being overlooked, I realized something deeper was at play. The marketing, comms, and creative industries had a certain “look”, and I didn’t fit the mold. So instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s table, I built my own. That’s how radiantHUE was born—a creative agency dedicated to amplifying Black and Brown voices through culturally relevant branding, marketing, and experiential design.

Major Milestones
One of the most surreal full-circle moments in my career was working on a project alongside companies I had once applied to—only this time, I wasn’t an employee, I was an independent business owner. We were all subcontractors on a larger initiative, and instead of working under them, I was representing my agency. That moment solidified that I didn’t need their validation to succeed—I had built something strong enough to stand on its own. Winning an award for my marketing expertise was another defining moment, proving that my skills and impact speak for themselves.

Where I Am Now
In October 2024, although operations began in 2017, I officially launched radiantHUE as a full-scale agency, making it clear that I’m not just freelancing—I’m building a legacy. I’m creating a lane for overlooked creatives and establishing a community where culture and creativity collide. Moving forward, I’m even bolder in applying for contracts and expanding programs that create safe spaces for my fellow creatives. I’m not just here to participate—I’m here to lead!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is anything in life ever smooth? Even the toughest foundations have cracks in them!

Imposter syndrome was something I battled for years. It made me feel like I had to prove myself and work twice as hard so I didn’t fail clients. But breaking that mindset wasn’t just about confidence—it was about faith. I had to trust that God didn’t give me these gifts for no reason. He placed me in rooms I once prayed for, and when I finally let go of self-doubt and leaned into His plan, I realized that I am that designer, experiential strategist, and marketing girlie—I can do it all, not by my strength alone, but through Him.

Homelessness was another challenge that shaped me. Sleeping on a family member’s couch will humble you quickly. It’s a life event I don’t talk about often, but it fuels my work ethic. One of my clients once said, “One thing I know about Tiffany is that you’re not going to outwork her. She’s going to get the job done.” That statement is the essence of who I am—I refuse to let circumstances define me.

We’ve been impressed with radiantHUE®, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
radiantHUE® is more than an agency—it’s where culture meets creativity. We specialize in experiential marketing, brand strategy, and creative activations that amplify culture in ways that feel authentic and intentional.

We’ve had the honor of working with brands like Visit Philadelphia, The Roots Picnic, District Architecture Center, PHILADELPHIA250, Fox & Roach, and more, crafting activations that connect with audiences on a deeper level. Whether it’s designing immersive brand experiences, launching culturally relevant campaigns, or producing events that leave lasting impressions, radiantHUE brings ideas to life in ways that matter.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
People see the work I create, but they may not realize that affirmations and talking to God are a huge part of how I move through life. One of my favorite quotes is by Joanne Clancy: ‘Be the kind of woman who, when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, Oh no! She’s up.’ That’s exactly how I approach each day—with purpose, drive, and the belief that I’m meant to create a life that reflects my highest calling.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.radianthue.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theculturedceo
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/theculturedceo
• Other: www.threads.net/@theculturedceo

Image Credits
radiantHUE Launch Party: Jajhira Photography radiantHUE Brand Photos: Shakira Hunt Creative