Tiffany Ann Ryland

(SISS)  Hi Tiffany where are you from and where are you currently spending your time?  (Tiffany Ann)  I am originally from Houston, but I spend my time between Houston and Atlanta.  (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle?  (Tiffany Ann)  I lost my mother to cancer in May 2017. The best advice I can give someone going through something similar is to cherish the moments that you have with your loved one (don’t rush their time constantly thinking about the day they will leave this earth) when the day comes for them to let go, be patient in the mourning stage…but don’t stay there…everyday just try to do a little bit more. And, It’s ok to cry…I still cry OFTEN!  (SISS)  Entrepreneur, Former Atlanta Hawks cheerleader, www.tiffanyannryland.blog  #SISS Tell us more, who is @TiffannRyland and what are you most proud of?  (Tiffany Ann)  Tiffann Ryland I am a former Atlanta Hawks Cheerleader and current Commercial real estate consultant/trailblazer. I am one of the youngest African American women in commercial real on the transactional side. I help individuals, corporations and government entities buy, sell, and lease commercial property. I also educate minorities and millennials on how to get involved, how to invest and how to create generational wealth! I am the founder of Chain Cancer Caregivers foundation and I love giving back to those faced with cancer. I am a huge supporter of women empowerment and an advocate for women making it to the C-Suite and being a beast in their entrepreneurial efforts. I am most proud of joining my father's firm and literally working my way to being the number one African American Female in Commercial Real Estate.  (SISS)  One year from now what do you hope to have accomplished (business or personal)?  (Tiffany Ann)  In a year I hope to have my book completed (a guide on how women can be both beautiful and BEAST in their careers), I hope to land a few speaking engagements in which I can encourage women to go for executive seats in their corporation, Start their company, be in that male dominated industry and CLAIM THEIR SEAT AT THE TABLE! I hope to obtain my CCIM designation –And lastly I KNOW a year from now I will have closed multiple million dollar deals giving me the ability to train other women, millennials and minorities on how, they too can get involved in the commercial real estate conversation.  (SISS)  How dedicated are you to fitness?  What is your fitness goal?  On your body, what is your favorite body part and what is your least favorite?  (Tiffany Ann)  I am extremely dedicated to maintaining my fitness. My goal is simple, be healthy and stay healthy. My favorite part on my body is my stomach mainly because it’s the easiest thing for me to tone. My least favorite has to be my butt it refuses to grow lol!  (SISS)  What makes you the happiest? What is fun for you?  (Tiffany Ann)  Beaches, Fresh squeezed lemonade, cute kittens/puppies and my family make my day any time! (I’m pretty simple). I love traveling to different beaches and brainstorming on how I can improve myself and motivate/inspire others along the way.  (SISS)  What were your best/worst subjects in school?  (Tiffany Ann)  My best subjects in College were Accounting, Business and Marketing my worst subjects were Economic Development of Emerging nations at Spelman and Religion (smh)  (SISS)  How do you deal with disappointment? How do you Keep Going?  (Tiffany Ann)  My faith gets me through so much! And when I’m not strong enough my core keeps me going. I have praying friends and family who keep me grounded and lifted in the darkest of times. Even when things don’t go as planned I give myself a moment to be upset, take the lesson and move on.  (SISS) What is your superpower?  (Tiffany Ann)  I am the stray animal whisperer. I am always attracting strays and rescuing them from harsh environments.  (SISS)  What is your weakness and what do you do to overcome it?  (Tiffany Ann)  I am often trying to please everyone. I’m currently working to not focus so much on what people like and more on how I can help others just by sharing the good, bad and the ugly (tastefully).  (SISS)  Can you tell us four things people might not know about you?  (Tiffany Ann)  Tiffann is a combination of my middle name, My mother's middle name and my grandmothers first name.  I am a lover of big cats! (White tigers, black panthers, Lions, cheetahs, etc).  I am the youngest of 3 by 14 and 15 years.  I love country music and live jazz.  (SISS)  Can you tell us where else can our readers follow your daily inspiration?  (Tiffany Ann)  @TiffannRyland is the best place to find me!  (SISS)  What’s your favorite quote?  (Tiffany Ann)  "If God be for us, who can be against us"  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about?  (Tiffany Ann)  I am passionate about bridging the disparity gap in commercial real estate. I want to continue educating minorities and millennials on investing in something that can create generational wealth. Lastly I’m passionate about encouraging more women to get involved and promoted to C-Level positions and CLAIMING THEIR SEAT AT THE TABLE—it’s our time!  (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life and why?  (Tiffany Ann)  My parents have been huge influences and supporters in my life. My father built the #1 Minority owned commercial Real Estate Firm in the State of Texas from $32.00 on the kitchen table with a rolodex.  He was able to escape the drug and crime ridden streets that he grew up around and made a decision to be better than what he had been exposed to for so long. My mother was one of the strongest women I have ever seen! Up until the day she passed she hardly ever complained and she was pushing herself to walk and talk. My mother was the only African American child out of 5 other siblings, and growing up and with all of the adversity she faced she still managed to be the most amazing, loving, caring, giving woman I have ever known.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self?  (Tiffany Ann)  Five years ago I was living in Atlanta, Ga working for Georgia Pacific. Enjoy mommy (we were always really close, but I never expected to have to live without her), Keep saving money, Network more, dream bigger…nothing is impossible!---and get your real estate license, start practicing NOW!  (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you?  (Tiffany Ann)  I wish I could, however, my days vary drastically. The things that are consistent Monday- Friday I am generally up between 5:30am and 6:15am for work outs. I speak to the higher power of my understanding and my mother. I’m out the door for work around 9:30am, work stops around 10/11pm. My days are filled with networking, business development opportunities, meetings with strategic partners, prospects and clients, traveling (for work), field work, pulling reports, analyzing documents, drafting LOI’s or marketing.  (SISS)  What is your favorite book and/or the latest one you’ve read?  (Tiffany Ann)  "When all you ever wanted isn’t enough" by Harold Kushner  (SISS)  What would be a good theme song for your life?  (Tiffany Ann)  Smile -Kirk Franklin (more like favorite song---My mother loved this song)  (SISS)  When do you feel the sexiest?  (Tiffany Ann)  Walking out of high power meetings in my suit after talking with C-level executives about doing business with them.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow?  (Tiffany Ann)  My favorite right now is Courtney Brand… @greeneyesgoldsoul truly a humble spirit, hardworking, down to earth, HONEST and inspirational.  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?  (Tiffany Ann)  With age I have redefined what “Sexy’ is. It's no longer just about physical attributes. Under my definition of sexy I include smart, patient, loving, honest, caring, giving, and humble. When I think of “Smart is so sexy” I think of the opportunities that being smart brings to the table. The ability to build a better life and give to those in need, the ability to be an inspiration and motivate, the ability to be a positive change in your community and lastly the ability to use intelligence as a guiding force to your desired level of success. There is nothing more sexy than someone who has a certain amount of control over their life.  (SISS)  Thank you so much Tiffany, you are awesome, a true trailblazer. Thank you for being you!