Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Griffin Niko.
Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the small country town of Dennis, Tx on a working ranch. My parents were both hippies and my childhood looked different than most. I knew how to ride a horse before I could ride a bike. I graduated from Brock high school in a very small class of twenty-four students, and went on to graduate from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Right after college I worked at Radio Shack Corporate in Store Design and then fortuitously came upon the opportunity to work for Local Life Magazine. I worked for the company for a few years before being presented with the opportunity to buy the magazine in 2011. It has been a blessing ever since! I have held many jobs over my lifetime, but being the owner of Local Life Magazine and Marketing Group has been my favorite professional title thus far, though my most beloved title of all is still “Mamma.” I have two girls, one of whom recently left to attend college at my alma-mater, which felt like a really cool full-circle moment. Because of the opportunities and flexibility this magazine has given me, I feel I have been able to be the mom I always wanted to be. Everyone that works for me knows that they can be a mom first and a Local Life employee second. Family has always been of utmost importance to me.
I have always joked that Local Life is my third kid, but there is some truth to that. Local Life is 13 years old now, and those 13 years have brought significant growth for both of us. I purchased the magazine in 2011 and from that point, I have worked hard to make it informative, attractive, and community oriented. I’ve been told by many people that Local Life does not go directly into the recycle bin but rather becomes a staple in many homes due to the valued information, connections, and sense of community that the magazine holds.
Of course, we can’t forget about the sales side of the business. I have made some great friendships over my 13 years of meeting and talking with different business owners. Being a people person, forging those connections is one of the best parts of my job. I have the opportunity to learn about so many businesses and the people behind them, and then I get to help them grow it. You really can’t beat that. Of the many businesses I’ve had the opportunity to visit, it is almost always apparent to me which will be successful. Running a business is not for the faint of heart, and one thing I love to do is help others learn how to become successful. All of my experiences with fellow business owners helps me grow as a businesswoman myself.
Local Life Magazine has grown to Local Life Magazine and Marketing Group. We are so much more than a print magazine now. We can do direct mail, email marketing, event planning, and social media management. My team and I work hard to stay up to date with all the cutting-edge marketing trends. I know what works for this area and I am proud to call myself an expert when it comes to marketing a small business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I come from a very small family. I am an only child and was very close to my mom. She was killed in a car accident in 2013 and my life completely changed in an instant. It was the first time I ever had to deal with trauma. Then, five years later, my husband of 16 years met someone else and decided that he wanted a divorce. I can’t imagine that situation ever being easy, but living in a town where everyone knows you made it really hard at times. There were days that my phone would start ringing at 8:30 in the morning informing me of some of the decisions he was making. To call it painful would feel like a terrible understatement, but I had two girls who needed me. So, I stood myself back up, and moved into a new house with my two teen girls, two dogs, and a cat. With my whole life changing, I knew I had to offer more than just the magazine to ensure as smooth of a financial transition for my girls as possible, and Local Life would need to evolve to make that happen. I am still actively growing the company and figuring out how to build my own marketing empire in the hopes of leaving a legacy for my daughters like my mom left for me. Since then, I have met a wonderful man who never hesitated to step up to the plate and make my family his. We were recently married, and Local Life continues to see great growth and success. I’m excited to see that continue! Though there have been many bumps along this journey, I’m thankful for where I am now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Local Life Magazine and Marketing Group?
Local Life is so much more than just a magazine! Local Life Magazine began in 2009 and has been the trusted Burleson, Joshua, and Crowley publication for well over a decade. Through the magazine we are able to offer local solutions to those right here within our own community. While the magazine itself averages nearly 31,000 printed copies a month, we realized a long time ago that a well-rounded marketing approach is the key to business growth and success, and print couldn’t be your only marketing option. In addition to the magazine and advertising opportunities, we offer full-service social media management, website design and management, consulting, search engine optimization services, and print and design services.
When you choose Local Life, you are choosing a marketing group that knows this area. We live here, work here, and play here, and are excited to bring that knowledge and our creativity to work for your business, both locally and beyond. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with each client and will work diligently to help you grow your business. Simply put, if you aren’t successful, neither are we! Our personable team is committed to staying creative and flexible to meet each client’s unique needs as they arise. Across our platforms we currently reach nearly 107,000 readers each month. We also host multiple large community events each year, and we would love to see you at our next one!
Although our resources, reach and team have grown, we pride ourselves on maintaining the focus and personal touch that often comes from a small business. We are consistently developing our skills in order to bring a diverse marketing approach to your business and remain committed to maintaining your trust! We would love to partner with you and put our diverse resources to work for your business!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Jesus has been a huge part of it. Anything is possible with Jesus on your side, and He has often given me the strength to push on when circumstances just felt like too much. My Mom left me an incredible legacy, and she taught me from an early age that your success doesn’t have to be dependent on anybody else. The legacy she left me has inspired me to work hard and leave a legacy for my own daughters one day. My husband never fails to show up for our family, and I’m thankful for his consistency and patience. My friends, both professional and the ones I call family, have listened to me and always offered encouragement along the way, through my celebrations and my devastation. Also, the ladies that have worked beside me in my small office, you can’t help but become friends in such close quarters, even if it is just for that season of life. They have all made an impact, and I hope to always work toward doing the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.locallifetx.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/locallifetx
Image Credits
Deana Adamson
Chic-Pea Photography
