Hi, I'm Tiffany!

I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design and Product Development from Missouri State University in December 2021. I love modeling, designing clothes (obviously), taking care of my many plant friends, and traveling. I am working as an intern this summer at the National Tiger Sanctuary, focused on social media content and product development, as well as continuing my full-time position at Nova Center of the Ozarks as a Direct Support Professional.

I was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. I am the first in my family to go to college out of high school, and will be the first to obtain a Bachelor's Degree come December 2021. I received many offers from colleges, and I truly did not know what I wanted to study. I was set on leaving Springfield.

​I began my college career at the University of Missouri Columbia (Mizzou), studying bioengineering. I find science and math interesting and have a talent for it. I also thought I would enjoy the medical field. I had no idea what jobs were out there, and I was torn in many directions.

​After a year at Mizzou, I realized how unhappy I had become, and how much more confused I had started to feel about my future. I decided to move back home and put some effort into looking into potential careers.

​Despite working full time, I have had to get loans to put myself through school, so I have been careful to save money where I can. I began working full time at one job and part time at a second, and took a year off of school to research and really figure out what I wanted. This is when I stumbled upon the Fashion Merchandising and Design program at Missouri State University. The rest is history.

​I remember learning how to hand sew when I was close to five years old. I made dresses and outfits for my dolls, and even had a Hello Kitty sewing machine. I remember making a quilt with my grandma, but at some point, the hobby faded into a memory. This program just made so much sense, and I wish I had discovered it sooner. I began classes in 2016 and had so much motivation from within. I truly love this program and it has changed my outlook on life.

​My college career was challenging, as I worked full-time (even maintaining two jobs - one of which was overnight shifts). I have a lot of drive and a strong work ethic, and I was the recipient of the "Outstanding Senior Fashion Design Award 2021" from the College of Business this past May. I am so excited for what the future holds. Thank you for being here with me.