Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Hines.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young girl growing up in Washington, DC, I was always active and into sports whether it was running track, playing basketball or football, or making music with my cousin Leon. From a young age, Leon and I would record music in his room. He was a big Tupac fan, so we listened to Tupac and recorded our own songs. We did this on and off for years.
I made my first CD in my bedroom on a big, old desktop computer. As I went through hardships in my life, my music began to turn into storytelling. That storytelling led me to creating my own album covers, then into photography, and from photography into making my own beats. From making beats, I started designing my Myspace page, which led me into graphic design. I became independent in everything I did, and people began to love my work.
I started meeting up with people around my city for photoshoots and music collaborations. Later, I met gifted people on Myspace and began doing work for them as well. At a young age, I created a group called Kids on the Stoop, where I organized photoshoots and creative projects for the group. We modeled, took pictures, and worked on different creative ideas together for a while.
From there, I got my first job as a graphic designer at Touch of Heaven. My mentor at the time, Nadia Washington, had me working for Urban Families House of Hope. After that, I went on to work for Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation, where I did a lot of my major work creating websites for DDOT, banners for Congress Heights Day, and working on the Capitol newsletter for Congress Heights. I also worked as a front desk administrator in Columbia Heights, handling the community newsletter and working directly with community members.
Around the age of 19, I started Gifted One LLC. Through that business, I did photoshoots, flyers, and video shoots for small businesses throughout Washington, DC. During this time, I also became an EMT. I chose that path to help my grandmother, who was dealing with health issues, and to have a stable career to fund what I was building. I found myself juggling life—going from EMT work to designing to music.
What I didn’t realize then was how becoming an EMT would teach me how to truly care for people and lead with compassion. I went through many trials and tribulations that ultimately led me into ministry. From taking care of my mother, to becoming a youth leader, to working on my business, working at the radio station, and more. I was doing many things but eventually, it all fell apart. I had talent and titles, but I lacked proper direction. I didn’t yet know how to manage attitudes, handle confrontation, or navigate constant challenges.
So, I sat down for a while and allowed God to work on my heart and mind. He shifted me in the right direction not just to be talented or do a job, but to truly help people, pour out love, navigate systems, and lead in a way that builds people up rather than set them up to fail.
Through that process, I wrote a book, released an album that speaks on my journey, and spoke at many different places. Now, as I slowly step back into business, leadership, and ministry, I put ministry first because giving my time back to God, honoring Him, and doing right by my family is what matters most.
I’ve learned a lot and failed a lot, but one thing I never did was quit. I became better in the areas where I lacked. Now I’m back doing the work, focused on becoming a better human being in the work not just showing up to do a job. Sometimes we get caught up in talent, but the ultimate goal in life is remembering who you are in the process, so you can serve better no matter what you do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. It’s been a trying but worth it kind of road. I wouldn’t trade it, and I don’t regret the process, even though I wish I didn’t have to learn so many things through experience alone. Still, those experiences have made me wiser. I’m still growing and learning, and I’m grateful for every lesson.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a speaker, artist, author, and leader. I specialize in graphic design and videography, and I’m known for everything I do from speaking and design to videography and music. What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up on any of it, no matter how others felt or what they thought I should be doing. I know the dreams and visions I carry, and I stand firmly by them.
What sets me apart is that I am rooted in Jesus Christ, and I don’t simply do whatever brings in money. I value morals and standards. I can’t and won’t promote or speak on things that don’t align with my values.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I strongly believe in taking risks, but I don’t call it risk-taking I call it alignment. I’ve taken risks my entire life and have been judged for them, but sometimes you have to be seen as “crazy” to achieve what others think is unbelievable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bygiftedone.com
- Instagram: @tiffanyhinesofficial
- Facebook: Tiffany Hines Music
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-hines-564099196/
- Youtube: officialtiffanyhines
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/album/2DZH6PRJDyhUEckITAM3Jm?si=TgwZi-7OTH2qjdOqw99tWA
- Other: https://thines.bandcamp.com
