Ep 4: Shine On Sierra Leone with Tiffany Persons
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Shine On Sierra Leone with Tiffany Persons
Episode 04: Show Notes
Life's unexpected twists and turns can take us to places we might never have imagined and our guest today, Tiffany Persons is such a wonderful example of riding this wave to a true calling. Her story exemplifies the idea of making a change in the world that starts with the self and this episode is all about her amazing journey to her current place as a powerful woman and change-maker. She talks to us about the nature of liberation and how it all starts on an individual level; the freedom we want for others ultimately is tied to our own!
Tiffany was born in Detroit and has since spread her wings, moving to Los Angeles and subsequently working in Sierra Leone! She has traversed different industries but found her passion in helping those less fortunate than herself, building schools and investing in local businesses in her newly adopted home! Along the way, Tiffany worked as a casting director, assisted big names in the film industry and set out to make impactful documentaries. The common thread in her work has roots in her early life: she always dreamed of helping those around her from a place of love and generosity. It was only while on life's path that she discovered the ways to do this that best suited her talents.
In our conversation, we cover most of Tiffany's life story, focussing on definitive moments that materialized for her. Her path is one of inspiration and courage, the courage to dive into your dreams without asking all the questions first! The organization that Tiffany founded, Shine On Sierra Leone remains a testament to sheer willpower and what happens when you really care. For all of this and a whole lot more, be sure to listen in with us today!
Key Points From This Episode:
Tiffany's favorite thing growing up; playing dress-up and performing.
The roots of Tiffany's name and how the trip to New York connected to this.
Difficulties that Tiffany had growing up and not feeling black enough.
Tiffany's early idea of becoming a nurse and helping people through care and love.
Aspirations to become a documentary filmmaker and how this improved her grades.
Moving to LA, pursuing a career in the film industry and Tiffany's pregnancy.
The role of family in support of Tiffany's dreams and goals.
Reading The Celestine Prophecy and the huge impact it made on Tiffany's being!
The relationship between Sierra Leone and expensive diamonds in music videos.
Diving head-first into the project of a documentary on diamonds from Africa.
Meeting up with Kanye West and his mother to talk about the documentary.
Arriving in Senegal and then Sierra Leone and beginning the journey.
The school that inspired the founding of Shine On Sierra Leone.
Using the money that was raised to put a new roof on the school.
The remnants of the war in Sierra Leone; destruction and attempts to rebuild.
A shifting mindset after a feeling of misalignment and spiritual reassessment.
The guts to carry on when doubts arose; the indescribable pull of a dream.
Teaching the kitchen staff of a hotel about how to time tasks and keep track.
Tiffany's destiny, journey and heritage and the interconnectedness of it all!
Advice from Tiffany to someone from a similar background as her.
How to get involved with Tiffany's projects and connect with her.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: