We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Nelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

My very first dollar earned as a creative was by accident. I made a tumbler for practice and posted as a “I’m so proud of me” moment and someone wanted to purchase it.

Tiffany , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Tiffany Nelson. I am an Adult Nurse Practitioner by day and a creative every hour in between for TJ Kreates. I make custom made apparel and keepsakes as well as natural based products such as bath salts, soaps and deodorants. I originally began making custom items as a means to cope with the loss of my uncle, Perry. His death was very sudden and unexpected and occurred shortly after the death of my great grandmother. My uncle was very important and I found myself spiraling. I used crafting as a calming mechanism.

I think I am set apart from others especially with my natural products because I practice clinically from a holistic approach and I use those same principles when I create products. I am most proud my ability to create items that people love and appreciate. I am not in the business of rushing and each item is crafted or created as if it was my own. Furthermore, I am proud to be setting an example for my children in hopes that I motivate them to follow their dreams.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to bring a person’s vision to life! Anything can be a canvas to express what someone is feeling and I love that the most!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives struggle to understand the risk that creatives take on their journey. Creatives take a great deal of risks from investments into their business to finding their target audience. There are a great deal of creatives who have sacrificed their employment to pursue their dream of working in their own business fulltime. I like to think of the risks I have taken as a beautiful love song to myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tjkreates
• Other: Email: [email protected]