Meet Tan Tigress

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tan Tigress.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved to be entertained, I taught myself to read at a young age and books were my window into so many worlds that I would never have experienced as a half Black, half white chubby girl growing up in the suburbs of New York City. I am part of what has been coined “The Loving Generation”; mixed-race children born after ‘Loving Vs. Virginia’ the landmark case that legalized interracial marriage nationwide in 1967. Growing up in a predominately white suburb gave me access to what is considered “good” schools and a “safe” neighborhood. It also exposed me to America’s unique brand of racism essentially from the day I was born. Comedian Trevor Noah has a book entitled “Born A Crime” which refers his parents illegally procreating in South Africa during apartheid. I wasn’t born a crime, but zebras (as we were sometimes referred to) were not the norm. My grandparents never approved of my white mother marrying my father. My tan skin and curly hair stood out in a sea of white kids. As got older, I was constantly asked: “What are you?” I have many painful memories from my childhood (like most people in the entertainment industry, but I think the racism and inequities I experienced and witnessed as a child, teenager, and young woman impacted the work I do today. I’m still an entertainer, I love to make people laugh but I also try to help people understand worlds that they are not a part of… I love to tell stories and allow others to tell their stories, in their own voice. My podcast Off Color and my film project All Mixed Up: Our Changing Racial Identities focus on race & identity and social justice, My latest project is my first feature-length documentary entitled Running With My Girls and it follows the journey of five women of color running for local office in Denver, Colorado.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest challenge in pursuing my dreams has been balancing being a wife and a mother. I am often out at odd hours filming and recording and networking. This can be stressful for the entire family, including the dog.

Tan Tigress Productions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Tan Tigress Productions currently produces the podcast Off Color in various forms and we are currently working on the documentary Running With My Girls. We are known for real talk about race, systemic racism and bringing people together face to face for authentic conversations and community.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I was a theater major in college, and one semester the play was Nunsense Jamboree, there was a song in that show that had a line that went something like this: “Every day of the week is a Saturday when you’re doing what you choose.”

For me, success is waking up and being excited to do the work I was meant to do and make a living that can support my family. When my husband doesn’t need to work anymore and I can be the breadwinner with my art, well, I would consider that success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tantigress.com
• Email: tantigress@gmail.com

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