It had been about a year since
the last time I saw Tiffani. I remember
it distinctly because we went to a Texas Ranger game with a couple of other
friends. She was just as she always was,
vibrant, cool, with a fresh pair of Jordan’s on all the while cracking
jokes. We related because we both have a
particular taste in music and much of our conversations revolved around
that. It’s because of her that I started
listening to “Urban Flora” by Alina Baraz which is one of my favorite albums
from last year. We connected through a
mutual friend because ironically at the time I was relaunching In Transit and I needed someone to help me
write for the relaunch so that I sounded at least like my public school education wasn't wasted. When she writes she goes by “Janz Lionne” and she managed to do that successfully for
me. Fast forward to this lovely day as I’m
waiting for her at The Wild Detectives.
I’m really looking forward to seeing her but admittedly I’m a bit anxious as
well. A lot can happen in a year. I see her approaching as her sister guides
her with one arm and in her other hand is a white cane. She moves a little slower and she has lost
weight but her demeanor is the same as it ever was, “What’s up man!” she
says. We hug and my anxiousness
dissipates. Stylish as always in a
grey beanie and Tom Ford shades, we begin to talk like we’re back at that
Rangers game and we laugh. Then she
shares her story, “I’m 28 and I’m finding
out the older I get the more introverted I might be. I love God, I love my
family and I’m not one who’s meant to have a mediocre life” she says. She’s spirited when she speaks. You would have never known that she’s been
battling juvenile diabetes since she was 4 and that she was just recently told
that she will never regain her vision. A lot can happen in
a year but not enough to slow her down. She’s
still living her life and working full time providing digital content for TD
Jakes ministries. So its from here we begin to catch up...
IT: What led you to do what it is
you do now or how did you get started?
TR:
As a child I
really didn’t know how to express myself.
I was diagnosed with diabetes at a really young age which was a drastic
lifestyle change for me. My parents put
me in a program that focused on visual and performing arts. So the things that I gravitated toward were
painting and writing. That carried on
throughout school. I didn’t enjoy school
much but anything dealing with writing or literature I excelled at. My teachers would say I write beyond my years
and really I just write because I like words.
I would say I really learned how to write when I was about 12 or 13
because I could stay home by myself. I
would watch and record rap music videos because I loved the lyrics. I would write the lyrics down and then try to
create my own.
What is your opinion of the art
scene here in Dallas?
I think it’s
really “boutique style”. There are so
many of these small groups of creatives and I just think to myself if they
would just merge how impactful that would be.
I love to connect with other creatives but we just don’t do it enough.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
What were your early influences
artistically?
Artistically
Nikki Giovanni was my first influence and then Napoleon Hill.
What has been your experience being
a female artist positive or negative?
I’ve always
felt this intrinsic responsibility to younger generations, especially when I went
to Africa. I had the opportunity to sit
at the table in Parliament which is historically unheard of for women. Afterwards many of the women came to me
asking me who I was and what I did and so on.
And they told me I have to spread the word and be an example for all
women. So I’ve always felt obligated to
represent that positively.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
What inspires you?
My
family. There are other things too but
it’s my family mostly. Especially with
all that’s happened this year. Having
their support at all times and all hours is amazing. I feel responsible to make their lives
comfortable with my gift.
How has all the major changes with
you health in the last year effected your writing?
When we look at art there is always the underlying question of what it
is. Losing my vision automatically
changed all of that. Things that are
beautiful aren't necessarily beautiful in the traditional sense. Now I feel
beauty. Like if someone comes in and I feel their energy and it's beautiful
then I feel that. It's a feeling now more so than what I see. Having that
feeling and being able to go deeper with people and in my connections. That
resonates now more in my writing and people connect with that.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
What gives you the most joy in doing
what you do?
Meeting
strangers. Just having someone come up
to me and say “man you’re dope!” Having
those random conversations with someone who saw me speak or enjoys my work is a
good feeling. Connecting with random
souls who give off good energy based on something I wrote or created is an
awesome feeling.
What is it in your opinion that you
bring to the table artistically that is unique to you?
My
vunerability. I believe there is beauty in
being vunerable and letting people see your scars
Ok, so what’s next?
I’m
revamping my site where its more personal.
When I first went blind I still wanted to do everything on my own but I
learned that a lot of the technology for the visually impaired is severely
antiquated. So I started my own company
called “Visiotech” and we’re developing an app for the visually impaired to
help them type on their own and navigate on their own. Basically to help them use their technology
independently.
You can
check out some of Tiffani’s writing right here
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
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