Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Phillips Maxwell.
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?
What’s good! I’m Tiff, a creative powerhouse from Camden, New Jersey. Growing up in a family full of bold personalities and big energy, I was always surrounded by people who made everyday life feel like an event. The women in my life always knew how to set the tone—whether it was curating a space, dressing for the moment, or making sure everyone felt seen and celebrated. They created full experiences, not just memories. That’s where I first learned the power of storytelling and attention to detail—skills that now fuel my work as a brand strategist. My dad and brother brought the grit, teaching me how to move with confidence and hold my own. That mix of heart and edge? That’s me all day.
As the youngest of three, I was always putting on a show for my family. I’d raid my mom’s closet, throw together a fit, and match my vibe to whatever song was playing—turning the living room into a full-blown stage. My dad was always blasting music—Prince, Aaliyah, Busta Rhymes, Mýa, Missy Elliott—you name it—and he never went anywhere without his camcorder, catching all those moments. Those early performances set the tone for everything that came after.
By the time I was four, I was already glued to music videos, studying how the artists carried themselves with so much confidence and presence. Growing up in the early 2000s was everything—the music, the fashion, even the cartoons and snacks had that distinct edge. I started cheerleading at PYAA in Pennsauken, NJ when I was just four years old. I was technically too young to join, but my passion earned me a spot. By eight, I was enrolled in my first dance class at Dance Sensations in Pennsauken, New Jersey, training in everything from Ballet to Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, and African dance. I was always the one organizing dance routines during recess like my life depended on it—choreography has always been my thing.
It’s never just been about performing for me—it’s about creating. I’ve always loved being the one to choreograph, to be the visionary. Thanks to my family and friends who believed in my creative ideas, I was able to pack out talent shows, church performances, and family functions. I grew a lot during intensives, and DCNS really taught me how to carry myself professionally and push through adversity—if you know, you know.
While at Pennsauken High School, I joined my first hip hop dance crew, In Da Clutch, and got a real taste of the professional dance world. I was also Color Guard captain, doing everything performance-related with the mindset to shut it down every time I stepped out.
I ended up going to Ramapo College to study Theatre Arts, and that’s where I met my now-husband. College was a turning point—I knew my heart was all in on dance. I’d catch late-night bus rides to NYC, sneaking in classes whenever I could. Eventually, I earned a full scholarship to Broadway Dance Center’s Pro Semester Program through The Pulsedance convention. After convincing my parents, I took a semester off to train full-time in New York—hopping on a 5:30 AM NJ Transit train, grinding all day, and returning home around 10 PM, sometimes later. That hustle was real, and it shaped who I am today.
After that, I became Head of Performing Arts at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden, NJ, where I founded the LCDT competition dance team. I absolutely loved mentoring the students and empowering them to discover their full potential—not just as dancers, but as individuals. Watching them grow in confidence and skill was incredibly rewarding. I also taught at studios all over the tri-state area and eventually returned to training in Philly with Academy of Phresh, where I really started to hone in on my personal style and push myself to grow into a force to be reckoned with. I deepened my hip hop foundation and really worked on my freestyle.
After the pandemic, my husband and I moved to LA for a fresh start. We brought our Frenchie, Smoke, along with us, and he’s been a constant source of love and emotional support through everything. Even though we’re miles away from Camden, my family and I are still tight—we’re always FaceTiming, checking in, and keeping each other grounded.
That’s also when I dove into the world of advertising and brand strategy, landing a role at BET Networks. While working my 9-to-5, I kept dance alive in the evenings, showcasing my choreography at events like Jete and Choreographers Carnival. Collaborating with talented creatives from all over the world has been a huge highlight of my career.
At the core of everything I do, my favorite thing is delivering creativity—whether through dance, branding, or media. I co-founded Field of Hue Productions, a company that creates bold, original content in social media, music videos, photography, event recaps, and podcasts. I’m also signed to Go 2 Talent Agency as a dancer and choreographer, and I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with exclusive communities like Soho House, Creative Futures Collective, and Grammy U, which have helped push me to take my craft to the next level and turn my passion into my livelihood.
Right now, I’m serving as the Global Marketing Lead for the hit Broadway musical & Juliet, and this is just the beginning. It’s been a journey balancing dance and my corporate career—I’ve had to make tough decisions and sacrifices along the way. But I’m finally getting it right, giving 100% to both sides, and it feels like I’ve found my rhythm.
As I continue to grow, I’m focused on becoming a creative force in this industry—not just for me, but for all the young Black women coming up after me. I want them to know they don’t have to pick one path or fit into anyone’s box. If you stay true to who you are, trust your process, and stay aligned with your purpose, everything will fall into place. I know for sure that God had this life written for me before I even stepped into it, and I’m blessed to be living it every day. I’ve been planting seeds for a long time, and I can’t wait to see the garden of blessings that’s about to bloom.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road. There are times when I would feel out of place due to my attention being split between Dance and Marketing/Brand Strategy.
It’s a constant juggle between stability and taking a chance. The idea of touring is nice, but what do you do when you are also working a job that you wouldn’t want to turn your back on. I don’t feel like I’m missing out, I just feel like it is crucial that I follow my own path as opposed to others’.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a creative swiss army knife. My background reaches a lot of different parts of creativity. I’m a choreographer who enjoys fashion, story telling and brand strategy. I’m the one you want in the room with you. I’m also invested in the outcome of my friends and community’s projects. It’s not just about me, its about walking away with something dope.
I’m most proud of my understanding of the business side of entertainment. It definitely helps as I map out my career goals.
I like to be different. I’m not easily influenced by trends.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
YouTube-One Church LA,
Fav podcast- Forever Open Radio
Books- The War of Art, Turning Pro
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffsmercy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-phillips-maxwell-6b60b2219/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TiffsMercy/featured
