Its Been 1 year for Ts1st LLC

 "AKA Ts1st Shop.com"

 

 A Wild Ride, Lessons Learned

& What’s Next:

 

Damn. A whole year. I can’t even believe it’s been that long since I started Ts1st LLC. If you would’ve told me back in 2024 what this past year was gonna be like, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Let’s be real—this last year? A straight-up shyt show. Nothing went how I planned. Life side-swiped the hell out of me, and by December, I was done. I was ready to pack it all up and call it quits. If it wasn’t for the support I got on TikTok, I don’t think we would’ve even made it through Christmas. That’s the real truth.

Struggles, Setbacks & Finding My People

Over this last year, a lot of people got to know me, and let’s just say—not everyone liked what they saw. My political stance? Yeah, it rubbed some folks the wrong way. Standing for human rights is one thing, but being an activist? Speaking out? That came with some real consequences. It wasn’t always good for business. But you know what? I found my people. The ones who get me, who stand with me, who believe in what I’m building. And that? That made all the difference.

At the start, I was stuck in an identity crisis. Should I separate my beliefs from my business? Should I hide my struggles with depression? I didn’t know. But this year forced me to face those questions head-on. And some of the answers? Hard pill to swallow.

The Pressure of “Looking the Part”

Social media makes you feel like you gotta act a certain way, look a certain way, be a certain way just to make it. Like, what the fuck does that even mean? I just wanted to be me. I wanted to connect with real, everyday people—not sell some fake, polished version of myself. And yet, I kept worrying that if I didn’t fit the mold, I’d ruin my name, ruin my business. But I started figuring things out. And even though I’m still learning, I’ve come so far.

The Reality of Small Business & Survival

Let’s talk numbers, because that’s real life.

📌 Last year, I made $2K in sales. This year, I’m hoping to hit $4K.
📌 We live off retirement, SSI, disability, and food assistance.
📌 Every time I make money, they cut more of my income.

It’s a never-ending cycle that makes it feel like we’ll never get ahead. But last year? This business and the friendships I made literally kept us alive. Y’all have no idea how much that meant.

I don’t just want to make enough to barely survive—I want to make enough to actually enjoy life. Because for the last two years, we’ve been stuck in this house, grinding nonstop, never able to do anything. I’m constantly working, marketing, making content, advertising, and I swear some weeks I don’t even know what day it is. But I keep telling myself—one day, this will all pay off.

Starting Fresh & Building Something Bigger

When I started, I had a bigger following. But because I talk about politics, human rights, and activism, I lost an account and a big chunk of my audience. So now? I’m starting over.

And honestly? I’m cool with that.

Because I took that as a sign to revamp everything—the website, the vibe, the entire brand. And now? I finally feel like I know exactly what I’m doing. My hopes and dreams are still alive, even if they don’t look how I thought they would.

Because at the end of the day—this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

Taking a Stand & Creating Something Real

Activism comes with sacrifice. That’s just facts. But I want to make sure that I’m on the right side of history.

Racism, bigotry? They’re real. And too many companies are too scared to say it. Too many brands don’t want to take a stand. But I do. I don’t just want to sell superficial stuff. I want to create statement pieces. I want my platforms to mean something.

And I do the best I can—financially, emotionally, spiritually. I trust that God’s got me. I trust that everything happening right now is happening for a reason.

To My Ts1st Family—Thank You

If you made it this far, thank you. For being here, for getting to know me, for rocking with me even when things got messy. If you ever want to reach out, hit up the contact form at the bottom of the site.

And to my Ts1st family—get ready. Big changes are coming this year. If all goes right, you’ll be following me on this crazy journey for another year and beyond.

Let’s keep pushing forward. 💜

— Tiffiny