Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Norman.
Tiffany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up a fashion kid… I modeled, but also sang and danced, which gave me a love for creativity in all facets. While getting my fashion degree at Miami International University of Art & Design (where I later taught), I started dabbling in production and quickly found my new calling, making things happen. My love for the behind-the-scenes action only grew as I seized any opportunity to experience and grow. That grind led me from admiring the industry’s elites from afar to having some of them become my most influential mentors. Having worked in the production trenches on behalf some the most major brands, there is always an awe of the final show that comes together. I realized that I not only wanted to, but had the ability to have a piece of my own fashion magic. So, I took that vision to my honorary home, Miami, as part of Swim Week. Four seasons later, DIVE Swim Week is still growing with its own unique interpretation within the scene.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think anyone goes into this thinking it’s going to be an easy road (hopefully not, anyway!). However, the challenges I encountered weren’t the ones initially expected. Many people suggested my idea was too ambitious and it made me scratch my head. How could something be overly ambitious if it was merely something I was doing for others for some many years now… it would just be mine now. It’s also hard being the new kid in a show such as Miami Swim Week, but my team and I just kept our heads down and forged our own lane. Sure, we weren’t able to open our first season with all the bells and whistles we wanted, nor were we the second or third season. We did though put on clean, high-caliber shows and presentations that turned heads, and we’ve been gradually expanding each year.
Every program, project, initiative or full-on venture starts as a wish in the mind’s eye… women, in particular, are gifted visionaries, but we should be comfortable in making that shift, “growing some boobs” per say, to make it happen. Turn those wishes into tactics and action items. I also stress the importance of support – the world was created with and is big enough to support a vast range of talent – we can all work, learn from, and excel together. Last season, we brought on three college women as interns. It didn’t matter the title, everyone in the team had a say. And for it, we learned so much from each other and bonded as fashion family within just a few weeks.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with DIVE Swim Week – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a producer, which basically means that whatever my client requests, I make it happen. I’ve done everything from fashion events, runways, presentations, film shoots… hell, I’ve even sourced, transported and installed an industrial sewing machine for Beyonce’s On the Run Tour. I’ve become known as “The Connector” and doing the impossible. Sometimes the goal can be a little lofty, but I’m always able to furnish a version that everyone is happy with.
In an industry that is associated with exclusivity, DIVE has brought an inclusivity element to high fashion. At the end of the day, it’s all about the people who love and follow fashion. We’re less posh and more street, but we’re a cool one at that! A majority of our events are open to the community and all seek to merge fashion with all forms of expression. We encompass an industry family that is “next scene” in designers, technology, music, art, educators, producers, and other supporting professions.
Who have you been inspired by?
Creatively, my Mom. She loved art, flowers, performing arts and, most of all, fashion. I was by her side as when called Macy’s mall center court fashion shows and pulled looks; the moment I consider the beginning of my training. I was also by my Mom’s side as we worked on table layouts, invitations, and sun catchers (if you recall, the kind that you bake and then stick on a window). She was the go-to in the family and social circuit for one-stop-shop fabulousness.
Confidence-wise, Mrs. O’Neil, my fifth-grade teacher. We had a very special connection. Although looking back, all of her students probably think they had that special relationship with her, that’s just the energy and attention she gave. Mrs. O’Neil was the first person I can recall that told me my long, sometimes chubby, sometimes beanpole stature was graceful. She also recognized my tenacity (sometimes turned stubbornness) and told me,” Accept the help that anybody can give you.”
Professionally, every woman alive!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.diveswimweek.com
- Email: info@diveswimweek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diveswimweek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DIVESWIMWEEK
Image Credit:
James Allen, Rene Rudolf, Jason Koerner, Rodrigo Verela, Fabiano Silva
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