exuberance Archives - Embrace Southern States

Getting to know a person who comes across as both genuine and genial is exciting. Getting to know a strong and sensible woman is even more exciting. Tiffany Underwood is one person I sincerely enjoyed spending time with recently. Here are some of the highlights of our talk.

How do you earn a living?

I am a part-time merchandiser for American Greetings. I clean and restock the card and gift displays in several retail locations. Sometimes I get to help people find the perfect card they are seeking. The job is enjoyable and is the way I survive and get to eat. But there is so much more that defines who I am.

Would you care to elaborate?

I am a wife to a wonderful man who is a 911 operator. I am a mother to an awesome daughter who is a math whiz in the seventh grade. I have tons of hobbies and one very strong passion.

Could you please explain your passion to the readers?

Theatre and acting has always been my passion, my fun, my creativity. What I bring into a role is the creative expression of both having fun and telling the hard stories. I have a good technique for memorizing lines. It thrills me to give a voice to the stories of strong women. I have done theatre and short films. Some female actors I love are Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, and Helen Mirren. In my acting and in my real life, I am always authentic.

And what about those hobbies?

I like to cook. I make a fettuccine sauce from scratch that is delicious. While I’m not a crafty person as such, I do really appreciate beautiful pottery and ceramics. I love to read, listen to music, walk through a peaceful cemetery, and spend time at the beach. Oh, and I love photography, especially taking pictures at sunset.

Could you share thoughts about Tallahassee and travel?

I was born and raised in Tallahassee. It is full of history and nature galore. It has canopy roads and friendly people. It is where I took a ride on a hot air balloon on my 16^th birthday. Also, it is close to other fascinating Florida places like Wakulla Springs and St. Marks. As far as travel, I’ve been to Texas and Hawaii. An anniversary cruise to St. Thomas was fun and unforgettable. A place I wish to visit one day is Ireland.

What makes you an exuberant person?

I am comfortable in my own skin. I am able to live in the moment. I am loyal, imaginative, and I respect the beliefs of others. My life is like the canopy roads, mostly great with occasional thorns and bumps.

Do you have a message for the world?

Yes, live your life for you without the worry of what other people think. Live by your own code.

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Dang y’all! Tiffany Underwood is likeable and adorable. Her body of work has included everything from the delightful comedy Calendar Girls to the short drama Viola. She has a healthy zest for life and a happy way of being her best self.

You are invited to leave your comment. Tiffany and I are both eager to hear from you.

A leader who thrives on innovation and opportunity.

This very versatile and energetic lady has served tirelessly for the past two years as Executive Director of INIE (Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence). Somehow, she still finds the time for family, friends, and an amazing array of hobbies. She speaks with clarity and conviction about how we should confront challenges and do the required work in order to make the world what we want.

Felina Martin Exec. Dir. of INIE in Tallahassee, FL

Felina, please explain your work at INIE.

I work with charitable organizations to help them succeed in helping others. Through education, advocacy, direct communication, and lots of virtual meetings, I sometimes save them from closing their doors. It is so rewarding and inspiring to connect innovators with each other and to watch them succeed.

What do you like the most about Tallahassee?

The natural beauty here is so evident at every turn. It is in parks, trails, trees, and landscapes. There is a wonderful Southern charm among the locals and the college students add another great dimension to the environment.

Take the opportunity to travel when it is safe again.

What are some of your thoughts on travel?

Two of the best places I’ve been were the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. A place that I really hope to visit in the future is Egypt. I would encourage people to take the opportunity to travel (after the pandemic) when it is safe again.

What is the most fun thing you have done lately?

I’ve been taking flying lessons and recently flew a plane around the St. Augustine area for forty-five minutes. The young flying instructor really helped make it so much fun.

Can you share a little about your passions and hobbies?

The most relaxing things for me are meditation, yoga, or a great comedy show that makes me just fall out laughing. I’m eclectic regarding art and creativity; I write poetry, sew, draw, and create with polymer clay. I can also appreciate the artistry of a pretty pizza or a beautiful plating of vanilla bean ice cream.

What makes you an exuberant person?

Opportunity! Taking the opportunity to create new things. Or the opportunity to really listen as my son shares his dreams with me. Or the opportunity to respect myself and renew my energy with a long drive and some fresh air.

Do you have a message for the world?

Yes! Live your life to the fullest. That is your opportunity to leave your mark and make a difference.

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Dang y’all, don’t you just want to give her a big hug? Felina is certainly a captivating conversationalist. I hope y’all were inspired enough to look for new opportunities to be innovative. Please be kind by sharing your thoughts with me.

Meet Tiffany Underwood: Authentic Creative Expression

Meet Felina Martin