We recently connected with Tiffany Michelle and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

There are actually two answers to this question. In first grade, my first time seeing a play was because the 5th graders put on a holiday show every year. As I watched them perform, it clicked that acting was a career and possible. I knew I wanted to perform for others and that when I got old, I would teach people how to do it. My younger self laid the road map for what I wanted, and it’s taken me far too long to listen. Yet, I’m here. So, leaving behind my career in teaching happened because I started listening to the wants of that younger self.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Two years ago, I signed up for my first improv class. It gave me the freedom to be anything I wanted to be on stage without having to worry about a pre-written script. As I gained more confidence, I left teaching started applying for acting and modeling roles. My first paid gig was a print shoot and during that lunch break, I landed a lead role in River Beauty with Director Robbie Lopez. I enjoy acting whether that be in sketch comedy, film, television, commercial, or puppetry. Besides that, I’m a creative ball of energy who has written and directed a few sketches. I strive to be a professional working actress, that is more than enough. Especially since that can be difficult since 90% of actors are out of work at any given time. I am proud of all the roles that I have been chosen to portray. I’m also just thankful to be an artist.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve been reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and I had to unlearn my thoughts about procrastination. It isn’t rooted in laziness but in fear. It can be either fear of failure or fear of success, or sometimes both. There was a point where I would wait till the very last minute to submit an audition. I’ve learned to ask myself what I’m afraid of. Write it down, say it out loud, anything. Naming and recognizing why I am procrastinating on something even if it’s as silly as being cold helps. Naming that fear makes you better equipped to dismantle it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is learning. I am proud of the work that I’ve created but I delight in the idea that this is just the beginning. I’m only going to get better. Watching myself on the big screen is like looking into a time capsule of the actress that I used to be. I can enjoy my past self with knowledge that I’ve grown, and it shows me what I need to work on next.

Contact Info:

• Website: tiffanyashell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyashell/
• Facebook: facebook.com/tiffanyashell
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14130295/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_q_tiffany%2520michelle

Image Credits
Jenny Wheat Photography , Steven G Photography