Upon meeting Tiffani Thiessen one not only sees her beautiful exterior in her poise and attire, she exposes a true inner beauty as well. Talking with Tiffani is a pleasure. She smiles with grace speaking about her wonderful family and life and talking about the importance of helping women not as fortunate as her have a chance at a new life through the Dress for Success organization.
Thiessen speaks with me about fashion, work, and most important, home and her family.
The stunning ageless beauty may be well known for her roles in “Saved by the Bell,” the fan fave “90210” and “White Collar,” but she is so much more than just another actress.
Carol Ruth Weber: How have you stayed grounded since gaining fame as a child actor.
Tiffani Thiessen: My family is extremely important in keeping me grounded. I was raised by parents who are still married. They are wonderful role models for my own amazing years long marriage to a normal man who comes from a similar background and for how to be a mother to my beautiful children who are my number one priority and passion.
CRW: Have you continued friendships with your past cast mates.
TT: I have kept wonderful lasting friendships with Jason Priestley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Elizabeth Berkley.
CRW: Since Elizabeth Berkley has performed on “Dancing with the Stars,” have you thought about the possibility of doing the show.
TT: I have been asked a number of times to participate in the show, but that although it looks like a lot of fun it is not for me at this point in my life.
CRW: Did you enjoy working on the show "White Collar.”
TT: It is the nicest job I have had. I loved shooting in New York which gave me the chance to enjoy living a bi-coastal lifestyle.
CRW: How do you see continuing with your career while also giving your attention to your family.
TT: Home and family is the top priority for me. It is important to have bonding time with my children. As a realist I will see to it that my own career will be balanced in order to allow my children to grow in a stable school and home life, following in the footsteps of my own upbringing.
CRW: Being a mom and starting your career as a child actor can you tell me what recommendations you have for kids heading into adulthood whether in the arts or another field.
TT: It is important to go for what you are passionate about. Getting a college education should surround one's passions in order to go on to a fulfilling career and life.
CRW: What are the things about life that fear you most.
TT: That my children are safe and grow to be happy and respected.
CRW: Since we are here at New York Fashion Week, I have to ask you what your favorite attire, accessories and home decor items are.
Beautifully attired in a lovely soft ruffled white blouse tucked into simple shorts with boot shoes, Tiffani proves that she has her own style and knows how to wear it.
TT: My favorite fashion go-to is a blazer. A blazer looks good with everything, whether it be dressing in jeans or a dressier outfit. Heels are definitely my favorite accessory. As someone who has been a bi-coastal home owner, my favorite home decor items are the framed photos of my family and friends that I can easily display wherever home may be.
CRW: How did you become involved with the Dress for Success project.
TT: As a mom I rely on coffee to get going so it was perfect to partner with Eight O'Clock Coffee's Red Bag Collection in 2013 as a way to raise much needed funds for Dress for Success. The organization is vital for making women feel empowered.
As stated on the Dress for Success website,
“Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
“Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to almost 150 cities in 20 countries and has helped more than 925,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.”
Tiffani is an amazing woman and role model. Since her teen idol status days Tiffani Thiessen has grown in her career and as a wonderful example to follow for girls and women who look to ever improve on their own lives. Following this actress, wife and mom’s advice, one should strive to be their best and to live life to its fullest. Never be afraid to dance!