Meet Tiffany James | Writer/Encouragement Coach, Storyteller, and Author of new book “Living in the Land of I Am-Your Life Story Reveals Your Purpose.”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, how does your business help the community?
Before Encouraging Touch was a business it was a way of life. I believe that encouragement changes everything. It is oxygen to the soul. I live and breathe encouragement, but never imagined that I could make a living being myself and doing what I love. Yet, I continued to witness how critical encouragement is to every human being and human experience.

Through my poetry, books, speaking, and encouragement coaching I not only saw lives being transformed but I started to see hope renewed, especially during Covid-19. My business inspires individuals, no matter what stage of life their in, to move pass what was and embrace what can be. Moreover, I teach that success is not defined by how many figures one makes, but by the courage it takes to stay true to yourself while pursuing your purpose. My business is about transforming lives one person at a time, helping individuals to gain the courage they might not otherwise possess.

The beauty of encouragement is that it is contagious and it is a gift that keeps on giving. By cultivating a culture that people can become the best version of themselves, I’ve seen families restored, businesses birthed, confidence restored, and communities united during times of adversity–this is the power of encouragement! This is the foundation of my business.

What should our readers know about your business?
There are many components to my business, yet each falls under the umbrella of encouragement: I am a writer, storyteller, author, and encouragement coach. It is not what I do but who I am. This is what I am most proud of, I have stayed true to myself while building my business. I have not compromised my integrity or purpose in order to gain success. I believe that success is about serving others with the gift God has given you. However, this is not easy when in today’s society success is defined by image and popularity. So I’ve had to surround myself with successful people that have the same values as me to remind me that my purpose trumps everything and if I stay true to that purpose I can’t do anything but succeed.

Lessons :
I’ve learned that you are not for everyone but you are for someone.
When you stay true to yourself, your gifts will open doors of opportunity for you.
It is important to get outside of your comfort zone and make connections with people who do not look or think like you in order to grow.
You can not be afraid to take risks.
You have to believe and value yourself. I learned that I can’t allow things outside of me to define me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Napa for the week. We will stay at the Meritage Hotel, we will have lunch at the hotel. We will dine at Napkins Grill and Bar, they make the best margaritas. We will go to the Vintage Sweet Shoppe for chocolate and wine pairing. We will also visit the Blue Note to enjoy some live jazz.

After Napa we will hike at Point Reyes in San Francisco and afterwards go to eat an early dinner at Thanh Long restaurant, which serves the best garlic crab in the bay.

We will end the week with a visit to Spavia in Pleasant Hill to treat ourselves to facial and massage.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is hard! I have been blessed to have my family and friends support me. I guess I can start there, I want to thank and acknowledge my family and friends who have encouraged me to never give up. My husband has been my rock, he has never tried to change me and he continues to allow me to be who God created me to be no questions asked. I would also like to give a huge shout out to an organization called the Hivery. I was introduced to the Hivery by a beautiful woman name Tammi Relyea in the beginning of the pandemic. Like many others, my business was affected, but the Hivery challenged me to see myself and my business through a different lens. I learned to not only value what I bring to the table but to take my business to the next level. Moreover, I gained a true community of sisterhood.

Website: www.encouragingtouch.com

Instagram: ncouragetouch

Facebook: Tiffany.james.IAm

Youtube: Tiffany James