Meet Tiffany Tate | Creative Director, ETAT Productions

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

Hi Tiffany, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There is something to be said about falling down but not staying down. It is so important to keep going and persevere. If you have a dream or a goal don’t let obstacles discourage you. At the same time, it is also important to know when to pivot. When you are met with challenge after challenge, it’s not so much giving up, as it is rethinking your process. Maybe there is another calling for you, or maybe you just need to take a different approach. Growth is not linear. There are peaks and valleys, and while our trials shape us, if you are faced with nothing but valleys, it’s time to reassess. I set out in this world to be a lawyer and life took me a different route. Now, I am in video production and have my own company. Now, I am doing something I can’t imagine not doing.

What should our readers know about your business?
ETAT Productions is a DC, MD, VA (DMV) based (but not limited to) media production company that really meets the needs of the client. We specialize in a variety of productions for small businesses, corporations, and organizations; providing media services for corporate trainings, meetings/conferences/events, consulting, business branding and so much more. What sets us apart is we really take to heart capturing the client’s vision. Images have the power to be informative, make a statement, and solicit emotion. From concept to creation, we take all this into consideration when interpreting our clients’ vision, visually. We also understand being a startup how difficult and expensive it can be to get up and running. We also offer affordable pricing for branding small businesses. The quality of your imagery can make a huge difference, and we want small businesses to have the same opportunities as the larger companies we work with.

ETAT was started five years ago, and with little to no capital, and no income coming in. I faced a lot of ups and downs getting off the ground and had to get a job to compensate. The new challenge was balancing a 9-5 and working on my company. It was not easy and sleep was rarely on the menu. I take as many projects as I can myself, and then hire freelancers for the larger projects. I still maintain that balance but, I am much more intentional about making sure I take time for me. I look forward to bringing on staff and giving opportunities for folks that need experience and work.

Most of my success is credited to a supportive group of friends. I market on social media and get clients that way, but a lot of my business comes from word of mouth. I am lucky to have the tribe I have. I want the world to know that ETAT Productions truly cares about the vision of each and every client, and we will always make sure we reach back to give other small businesses access to quality media services.

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.
My bestie would be exhausted by the end of the week. We would definitely hit up a few of the museums like the African American History and Culture and Natural History Museums and probably the National Art Gallery. We would eat all the food at some of my favorite places like Dirty Habit or Scarlet Oak. Being from LA originally, I always need a taco in my life, so I would have to take my bestie to Taqueria Habañero in College Park. We would catch a concert because there is always one to catch, and maybe take a day trip over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and spend the day in one of the small towns like St. Michaels. I love to be near water, that has to be included. Lastly, we would spend at least one evening at Casa de Tiffany, because if I do nothing else for my guests, I cook for them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have two phenomenal women I want shoutout. My mentor Eugenia Harvey and my mother. Eugenia inspired me professionally in ways, that I can’t describe. When you see someone that looks like you doing one of the things you love most, you know it’s possible. She took the time to share her wisdom with me and put me in spaces that gave me invaluable experiences. Her guidance empowered me to know that I could be successful working for myself.

There are a million words I can say about my mother and they wouldn’t be enough. She was my biggest cheerleader, and loved me more than I loved myself. Her love and support is mostly responsible for why I even dare to dream. Having someone in your corner that loves you unconditionally and in spite of yourself, can give you the authority to walk boldly. I am, because she was.

Website: www.etatproductions.com

Instagram: @etatproductions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etatproductions

Image Credits
ETAT Productions