Age is nothing but a number when it comes to businesswoman, Tiffany-Amber Moses, who started her own company at the tender age of 18.
Tiffany-Amber started modelling at the mere age of 5. Since then, she has flourished into a media personality that has regularly represented South Africa in various pageantries.
Modelling isn’t the only thing that Tiffany gets up to. She is also a proud ambassador for the “Out of Africa Children’s Foundation,” assisting to better the lives of young, vulnerable children facing life-threatening illnesses.
But when it comes to helping people in need, it doesn’t stop there for Tiffany-Amber, who at, 23, now owns her own successful modelling school, which just celebrated its 4th birthday.
Here’s what Tiffany-Amber had to say about finding success at such a young age.
What do you enjoy most about the modelling and pageantry industry?
I love pageants because it is not about looking beautiful and wearing a pretty dress but also about helping people. When you win a title, it gives you a platform to get involved with various charities and you are able to use your title as a voice to stand up against topics that are dear to your heart! The modelling and pageantry industry has also completely transformed me into a more confident young lady who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and, I believe that it can also do the same for many other ladies
Describe a typical day in the life of a modelling coach and businesswoman?
I wake up in the morning and have my breakfast and then I go to gym, complete a bit of admin and then my modelling classes will start! From August I will be completing my final two modules of my Psychology studies so I will be a lot busier!
You started your business at the age of 18 – how do you get people to take you seriously in a corporate world that’s so competitive?
It definitely is difficult for people to take you seriously when you are young. But it helps when you have confidence in yourself and have a passion for what you do! Then, ultimately it shines through in what you present to the world.
Do you believe modelling coaches have specialized skills?
I definitely think that to be a modelling coach you need to be able to do everything that you are training other people to do. You need to have the necessary interview skills and ramp skills, and also experience in the pageant industry in order to share that with others. It’s not something that you can suck from your thumb! For example, you need to be able to walk in heels, because how can you teach someone else to do it if you can’t even do it yourself? I see this every day! Often coaches can’t notice when their students are doing something wrong because they do the same thing!
You not only run a full-time modelling academy but also run a charity project, called Alms by Tiffany-Amber. How do the two go hand in hand and why is this project so important to you as a businesswoman?
If I have a charity event coming up I will involve my students who will then contribute with donations. It is important to me because I have been taught from a young age the importance of giving back and helping others wherever I can
How do you deal with negative criticism in the workspace, and personally?
I try to not take it personally and also try to control my reaction! I also like to first check who the criticism comes from and try not to dwell on it.
What motto or words do you live by in the workspace?
“Do it with passion or not at all!”
What are some of the challenges faced in the beauty and modelling industry?
Some challenges that a lot of models and pageant queens face is learning not to compare themselves with others! And also a lot of individuals who are not in the pageant industry have a negative view on pageantry based on shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras”, so a lot of people do not take pageant queens seriously.
What important lesson have you learnt from being in business from such a young age?
If you want something you need to go out and get it yourself! Don’t worry about the opinions of others.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?
Just DO it! Get started! Never think your ideas are invalid! If you wait to do something because you think it’s insignificant, someone else might do it before you and make a huge success out of it. Regret always comes too late.
What is one myth or theory you’d like to debunk when it comes to the modelling industry and why?
That pageant girls are “dumb”! Most famous beauty queens have degrees in medicine, are lawyers or dentists, or successful business owners. Many are super smart and shouldn’t be thought of as less just because they love walking on stage In a pretty dress because it’s so much more than that. Also a lot of people think that little girls wear thick makeup and veneers etc because of shows like Toddlers and Tiaras, but at most pageants you are only allowed to wear AGE APPROPRIATE makeup from the age of 13.
What is your number one self-confidence tip for your learners?
Speak to yourself like you would to someone you love. Positive words of affirmation Can go a long way.
“I want to be remembered for the difference that I made in the lives of others. That is very important to me: not what the modelling industry does for me but what I can do for it. I am very humbled and feel privileged that I get to enrich so many lives and transform young ladies on a daily basis. Most of my students come to me as super shy individuals who are afraid to speak, and with a very low sense of self confidence or even self-worth. Through the process of coaching them and instilling them with confidence they lack, they transform into completely different people!” she ends off.
With a mindset like Tiffany-Amber’s, the sky is definitely the limit for this talented individual!
Follow her journey:
https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyambermoses/
https://www.instagram.com/almsbytiffanyamber/
Pictures: Supplied