Just a few weeks ago my homie Eric (Hey E) put me on to an application called Periscope. I love tech, however I am not an “early adopter”, meaning I don’t have to be the first to buy the latest tech product or use the latest app. In the case of Periscope, there was something different – something attractive about this app. Periscope is like twitter, but instead of words – there are live video broadcasts. You are able to share the experiences of what is being broadcasted live, raw and uncut! I downloaded Periscope in the midst of the controversy to bring down the confederate flag, about 150 miles from Charleston. I knew instantly that Periscope was a big deal!
Each day, I notice more and more celebrities joining Damon John, MC Lyte and Hot 97’s Ebro. To be honest, they are not that impressive. However, I came across a Periscope user who has seemed to master this application using only motivation, inspiration, wit, and a cute toddler (her son). Her name is Tiphani Montgomery, she’s originally from Rochester, NY but now she’s a CAROLINA GIRL, and here are 10 reasons why you need to follow her on Periscope NOW!
1) She is a #1 Essence Magazine bestselling Author. As a bestselling author, Tiphani is able to provide insight to other authors and aspiring authors on what it takes to write and market a book.
2) Tiphani overcame many obstacles. Tiphani was a teen mom and most of us know the types of judgments and scorn that comes with that label. Tiphani isn’t afraid to tell her story of how she overcame her obstacles of teenage pregnancy and anger management to become an entrepreneur and author.
3) She used her trials and successes to give back. Tiphani runs a nonprofit organization that was birthed from her book and her obstacles. Her organization is Knocked Up, Now What. Her program mentors young girls who become pregnant as teens. Awesome!
4) She keeps in real. One of the funniest stories I read about Tiphani was that when she wrote her first book, she targeted the neighborhood “dope boys” to buy her book because – they had money. It doesn’t get much “realer” than that! On her Periscope, Tiphani continues to keep it real, honest, and cut and dry.
5) This is listed as #5 but it’s really #1. It’s obvious that Tiphani puts God first. Tiphani recently started discussing her morning affirmations. Her Periscope followers seem to love this. One of my favorite that she shared this week:
God, Let your will be done this day
Today is a day of completion
I thank you God for this Perfect Day
Miracles shall follow miracles
And Wonders shall never cease
6) How awesome would it be, if you have written a book or are looking to write a book, to have a mentor who is also a bestselling author. Tiphani provides mentorship, classes and sessions for authors. This could make a huge difference for those of you struggling with marketing and writing your stories.
7) Tiphani is not only and author, she is a brand. She provides advice on writing a book, but she also provides real, raw advice on entrepreneurship. On her July 30th broadcast, Tiphani talked about people putting themselves in a box when they have a business. She advised that this is not always a good thing because many of us have abilities and talents to do more than one thing. She advised that we should think of ourselves as a brand. Most of the Periscopers had never thought of branding in that way. #jewels
8) She likes Jeezy! Any friend of Jeezy is a friend of mine.
9) Right now, Tiphani seems to be the only person on Periscope that has anything with substance. If you need that extra motivation, some wise words, some encouragement, or a good laugh. You can get it on Tiphani’s periscope. I watched Hot 97’s Ebro on yesterday and all he did was talk about haters and stick his middle finger up during his Beats broadcast. Tiphani is all about positivity, and in these days and times, we need this.
10) Tiphani has two children. Her youngest child always seems to know when to show up at the right moments. I believe her son is around four or five, but on yesterday’s broadcast he started blasting music from his toy car during her broadcast. The way that she handles him is awesome ( you have to see it to appreciate it). But most importantly, the funny interruption from her son is an important lesson for all of us. So often we make excuses for why we cannot do something. We may claim we are busy with the kids, or we work too many hours at work to work on our business, or we are too tired. Tiphani seems to make it all work – books, mentoring services, non-profit; and she does it all with a busy toddler at home. #noexcuses
Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion
