Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenise Stirrup-Smith.
Trenise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well my story started when I was just a young girl being groomed by my great aunt, whom was an educated women, Marva Y. Bannerman, she taught me about style, fashion, sophistication and that is where I saw elegance. She used to buy the fashion magazines and I found myself loving everything about them. I knew that is where I wanted to be in fashion. I think I have always had an eye for it. But you know most of our parents or guardians are not going for you being a fashion designer as a career. But then she was called back to our Father in Heaven and those dreams shifted. They were still there but no one around to encourage me and believe in me. So I just did things like going to college for something I did not want to be and not finishing, just roaming the earth with sadness, seeming happy. Then there is this beautiful name “Tippy Red”, that’s my mom’s nickname, I have always liked that name and thought it would be a great brand name. She is where I first saw style and sophistication, but I did not grow up with her so that is where my great aunt came in. I cannot leave out my grandmother Johnnie Mae and my grand aunt Clara Mae, they wore those fabulous hats and bags to match, they wore gloves to church, they had handkerchiefs. Style was different back then. My mom’s nickname, is cute, catchy, different and I wanted to use it as a tribute to her.
So fast forward to 2019 when she passed away, I had always been doing little things in regards to it manifesting but not much, the light was still slightly on. So when she passed and I had been gravely ill, I was in a coma for ten days or so and was in the hospital for a month. I had to learn how to walk, see, etc. I was on dialysis, my bowels had stopped, and I had a cyst that was 23cm x 13.65cm, I was told it was the size of a baby. Which has left me with full-blown neuropathy in my feet and legs from the knees down, so I have to walk with a cane. That was in 2013, trying to re-coup and gain my strength. So one day, I had been listening to Prophetess Mattie Nottage and she said to pick up that dream this time it will be Great or something like that. So I picked it up in faith and just began making things happen and making decisions for my dream to become a reality. I did not want any help or to involve anyone because this was my dream and not someone else’s. I did not even want to involve my sister because I did not want her opinion etc. I want my vision to be manifested. And here I am today with a manifested brand selling luxury, handmade, leather handbags, scarfs, dresses, t-shirts all from London, England. Tippy Red & Co.
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 has not been smooth. Just believing in myself and quieting those demons that speak to you telling you all the negative things. Waiting for sales, people you thought would support you do not. It is like a bittersweet thing happening, focusing on the SWEET portion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My profession throughout my life has been Executive Administrative Assistant for many large companies, like Emory University, Towers of Key Biscayne and an Administrative Assistant with Jackson Memorial Foundation. All of these companies played a role in me knowing that yes, I want to have my own brand.
What sets me apart is the colors and design patterns they are different, simple but yet fresh, not seen at this time.
I specialized in managing an office in all of its facets. My mother also prepared me for having my own brand and business, she was very openminded and a risk taker, she had her own business when were growing up. Also, I a very detailed oriented and I have been told that those people are either geniuses or wealthy, I’ll take the latter, lol.
I have done it, manifested my dream, now on to becoming a worldwide phenomenon!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it, basically, it won’t happen unless you just do it! Not taking this from anyone but it is a true slogan! Take that risk, step out on Faith!
Contact Info:
- Email: tippyredco@gmail.com
- Website: https://tippy-red-co.myshopify.com/
- Instagram:@TippyRedCo
- Facebook: @Tippy Red Co
Image Credits
The model is my niece Daiziah Walker