The Journey to Becoming a Mompreneur
Tiffiny, what inspired you to start TiffLaNails?
“Creating more time for my children was my inspiration. I worked many years in the corporate industry in sales management, spending long hours away from home, especially during the holidays. I eventually realized how much quality time I was neglecting with my children. That realization led me to resign from my corporate job in 2015. Shortly after resigning, I came up with the idea to pick up the skills I had learned back in grade school during a cosmetology trade elective, where I learned the basics of manicures and acrylic nails. I figured, why not make something of that skill?”
Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a mompreneur and how you managed after losing your husband?
“The journey hasn’t been easy, and I’m still working to reach the overall goal. It all started very small—a toolbox with a few nail polishes. Slowly, I created a small nail space at home, investing little by little in supplies. I started practicing on friends and family for free to perfect the skill. Over time, this grew into me becoming a travel nail tech, still only servicing family and friends. At that point, I realized I had the ability to make TiffLaNails a real business, but I had yet to obtain a professional license to do so. In late 2019, my late husband found a cosmetology school for me, and that’s when things started to take off. Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. He was my biggest supporter, and when he passed, it felt like my world had collapsed. But I knew I had to keep going for my children, and for him.”
Alyson: “Your story is such a testament to the power of persistence and the ability to turn a passion into a career. It’s incredible how you’ve built something meaningful from a skill you picked up so many years ago, even in the face of such a heartbreaking loss.”
Building the Business
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
“Building a clientele and gaining the support of my peers were among the biggest challenges. I started with very little—just a toolbox with a few nail polishes—and gradually built a small nail space at home. It was tough, especially since I didn’t have a professional license at the start, but I was determined to make it work.”
How has your business evolved since you first started?
“Well, it started with an old toolbox and zero dollars, and now I have an official nail studio with over 1,000 nail polishes to choose from, bringing in a monthly salary of $500. Considering the challenges, I think that’s growth. The business has grown not just in profits, but in what it stands for. TiffLaNails is strong, and I hope that every woman who comes in leaves feeling strong and empowered.”
Alyson: “The evolution of TiffLaNails is truly inspiring. From such humble beginnings to a thriving business, your journey shows what can be achieved with dedication, even when faced with the toughest challenges.”
Balancing Business and Motherhood
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat, but Tiffiny has found ways to manage both.
How do you balance running a business and being a mom?
How do you balance running a business and being a mom, especially after such a significant loss?
“Ninety percent of all my work is done from the comfort of my laptop and phone at home, which makes being a mom much easier. Having my own business allows me to create my own working hours. I’m also big on planning—whether it’s bulk grocery shopping or planning meals for each day. As a widowed mom, I’m always looking for quick, easy dinners so I’m not spending too much time in the kitchen each evening. It’s been tough without my husband, but my kids keep me going. They’re my reason for everything.”
Alyson: “It’s great to see how you’ve managed to create a work-life balance that allows you to be there for your children while running your business, even during such difficult times.”
Staying Motivated and Overcoming Challenges
Tiffiny, her daughter, and her loving late husband.
What keeps you motivated and inspired in your entrepreneurial journey?
“A passion to win and the desire to be the leading example for my family’s generation keeps me going. I want to show them that we can thrive and become successful business owners, no matter the past history or trauma. I want to be the example for my children that even with setbacks in life, God is still here, and with faith and perseverance, we shall overcome.”
How do you handle setbacks and failures in your business, especially after losing your husband?
“Mindset is everything. If you can practice positive thinking in the midst of every setback, training your mind to see each challenge as a setup for something greater, you’ll get through it. Losing my husband was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but I knew I couldn’t let that be the end of my story. My family and my faith have been my anchors during the toughest times.”
Alyson: “Your resilience is truly remarkable, Tiffiny. It’s clear that your strength and faith have carried you through unimaginable challenges, and that’s something that will inspire many of our readers.”
The Future of TiffLaNails
Tiffiny’s vision for the future is as ambitious as it is inspiring.
What are your short-term and long-term goals for TiffLaNails?
“Short-term, I’m focused on building more clientele so I can eventually earn enough to support my home without needing an additional job. Long-term, I dream of having a stand-alone nail salon where I can provide opportunities for upcoming nail artists to thrive and eventually create their own businesses.”
Alyson: “That’s a wonderful vision, Tiffiny. The idea of not just building your own business, but also empowering others to start theirs, is so aligned with what we celebrate at EvolvingMompreneur.com.”
The Legacy of a Mompreneur
Tiffiny’s vision for her legacy is deeply rooted in her desire to inspire others.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a mompreneur?
“I want to be the beacon of light that shows others that you can come from poverty, a domestic abusive home, be a high school dropout, battle depression, anxiety, and traumatic loss, and still work through it all to become a successful entrepreneur. I hope that my story inspires not only my family but anyone who feels limited in their ability to carry out their dreams.”
Alyson: “That’s such a powerful legacy, Tiffiny. Your story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it’s going to resonate with so many people.”
Mompreneur Closing Thoughts
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Tiffiny’s journey. She is a shining example of resilience, passion, and the power of believing in yourself, no matter the odds. At EvolvingMompreneur.com, we’re honored to share stories like Tiffiny’s that remind us all that with determination and faith, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our dreams.
If you’d like to learn more about Tiffiny Williams and TiffLaNails, be sure to follow her on social media at @TiffLaNails and @TiffLaQueen. Her journey is one you won’t want to miss.
