Hey Style Seekers!

When I began taping videos on my blackberry in 2010, I wasn’t sure what the heck I was doing, but what I was completely sure of was that I had this deep desire to help women, all over the world, to see themselves as beautiful and confident.  YouTube was really starting to take off and become the “go to” spot on the web for those seeking info and tips on a variety of topics.  I had a successful TV career and loved working front of the camera, but I always had writers tell me what to say, directors telling me what to do and lighting/camera/sound people to make it all happen and look good.  I believe I mentioned this before, but the first light set up we had in the closet was a nightstand lamp with a white sheet hanging in front of it as a diffuser. I’m giggling to myself when I think back at Aaron and I trying to create a set with absolutely no equipment. After lots and lots and LOTS of trial +  error, I figured out how to write a decent sounding segment and produce an effective webisode from start to finish. I brushed up on the changing industry and took some courses with THE hosting and branding expert, Marki Costello. Plus, being the nerd that I am, I taught myself how to edit on iMovie and now Final Cut Pro. I’m surprised I still have a full head of hair! I wanted to pull it all out many times. But when you have the will, you find the way…and giterdone. 

Why am I sharing this?  

I’m very excited that my YouTube Channel reached 10,000 subscribers this week! When I created my YouTube account, I didn’t know anything about subscribers or how to brand yourself or how to build this platform. Hello, my name was Tiffany “Clueless” Hendra! In 2002, I stepped away from my career in Hollywood to focus on my Spiritual journey and to figure out the real assignment God had for me. Whoa- again, I was clueless and had no idea the rollercoaster of a journey I was about to embark on!

As my vision to help women became more clear and in focus, I went back to my first love- fashion- and started working at a woman’s boutique as a buyer and image consultant. Then, I began studying skincare after a devastating bout with hormonal acne and became a skincare consultant. During this time, I also began instructing a teen girls self-development class. But, the core of my dream was to work in front of the camera again on a show that reached the masses. Today, with tears in my eyes and gratitude to God, I celebrate you all and the 10K people on YouTube who have joined my mission. 

If you have a dream or nudge in your gut to do something…

DO NOT IGNORE IT!

DO NOT WAIT TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT!

Start taking baby steps today and stop caring what others may think. Hey- I actually put crappy videos on the world wide web for all to see. Call me naive and cray cray-crazy! My first blog looked like a first grader did it. Even putting yourself and your thoughts out there on a blog is daunting. But, a bit of crazy combined with guts, purpose and passion– can lead to fulfilling and exciting things. Now, I never dreamed women would be hiring me to help them create their video content and build their YouTube Channels. Thank God my passion or my crazy overpowered my naivety and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. Remember, it’s ok to start simple. Just put your idea to paper and write a mission statement. Here’s mine from 2005:  

Today, young women have more opportunity than ever, but at the same time, more obstacles to face. I have a responsibility to educate, inspire, and empower women through my testimony and life experiences.  It is my mission to be a guide to women, especially young women, who may not have the parental or social guidance they so desperately need.  Tiffany Hendra, 02.03.05

{The old notebooks that birthed SOS}

Did I ever feel like giving up? Of course!  

Did I doubt myself? Heck yes!

But, I kept praying, believing and hoping. Even if it feels like all you have is a tattered thread of hope at times, keep hanging on to that thread. That thread can change everything. 

Thank you all for joining me on this journey.

Love, Tiff