Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Galvin.
Tiffany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Tiffany Renea Galvin and I was born and raised on the Northside of Houston, TX. I am an entrepreneur as well as a Harris County Sheriff Officer. My parents both had professions in law enforcement. My mom is a retired Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Officer. My dad is a Veteran and retired from the United States Air force. I learned at an early age the importance of overcoming struggles and also working hard for the things you want in life. My parents taught me independence directly and indirectly. Although, at times I felt more like a mother, I am the proud big sister of my brothers Domonique and Rodney. Now I hope I can say this but I started driving at the age of 12. Trust me I didn’t complain, I was excited to help out. I had rules of course, and I would drive straight down Tidwell Road from Antoine to Jensen to my grandmother’s house.
There were times that my grandmother didn’t have a lot of food but she always made a way. We had cheese toast and sandwich days but we also had greens and cornbread days. We would go there in the morning and after school, and that’s where we would eat “supper” as my grandma would say, and stay until my mom got off work. I attended Betsy Ross Elementary until the 5th grade, then Key Middle School, where I played basketball in the 7th and 8th grade. I was also in the Honor Society for a year. After I graduated from Key, I went to Kashmere High School where I also played varsity basketball from 9th to 12th grade. Although basketball scholarships were presented to me, after high school it was straight to the workforce.
Growing up, I loved dressing nice and staying up to date on the latest fashion. I loved Jordan shoes too. I enjoyed taking pictures back then, and still do today. As life would have it, my goals of pursuing business in fashion had to be placed on hold. I worked at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for four years. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, police officer, and a basketball player. Basketball was ruled out of course, but being an entrepreneur and police officer were still attainable. While working full time, I managed a club with three other people plus sold clothes and purses out of my trunk. After a while, my focus became my law enforcement career. I got blessed with the opportunity to work for my current job at Harris County Sheriff’s Office since July 2008. Being my own boss still was on my list and I always was thinking of ways to get there.
Has it been a smooth road?
During the time when I really wanted to focus on establishing my clothing line, I encountered many obstacles. My past personal relationships also contribute to my LOVESVSPAIN brand. It took being involved with men and women and wanting to take my own life for me to realize my own worth. I treat people how I want to be treated. I really feel like my purpose is to show whomever I’m with how it feels to be loved and treated. I felt like I always endured the most pain, whether it was a relationship with a male or female. It seemed like no matter the type of heart I have or the type of love I gave out, it resulted in getting my heart broken. I accepted pain from people because I saw a side of them that they didn’t or couldn’t see, and wanted to nurture that. Going through the ups and downs of having different types of relationships caused me to shut down. But it also helped me to realize that love is a wonderful thing and should be equally shared.
While working at TDCJ I gained a lot of weight which impacted my self-esteem to a certain degree. Although this was discouraging, I still dressed well but no longer enjoyed taking pictures. I have always been able to put an outfit together like the pros, and this big girl rocked it!! This was the case for women’s and men’s clothing. Not to toot my own horn, but I dressed better than most men. I chose to get help with my weight loss and had weight loss surgery. I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a cop and attended the police academy in 2013 graduating the following year of 2014. Having weight loss surgery helped me to feel more comfortable with myself in my clothes. Along the way I learned I had a congenital heart condition at the age of 32.
I was humbled because I was an active child, an athlete in school, and went through the Criminal Justice Academy and Basic Peace Officer Academy, successfully making it through both without health issues. I could have passed out and never been able to wake back up again. In the midst of all that, I lost some really close people in my life including my favorite aunt who I called Nanna, and also my little four year old cousin. Then my dad had a motorcycle accident, but he made it through. So, life slowed down tremendously for me and I procrastinated for a long time before starting my business.
LoveVsPain – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
LOVEVSPAIN came from me being who I am. I launched my brand in 2019. My clothing can be enjoyed whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a fashionable night out. Although I wanted to design my own clothing and shoes, and have my own store, I had trouble coming up with a name for my brand until I got hit hard after loving someone. I started my leisure wear clothing line as a means of self-expression. Having my own clothing line gives me a chance to show my style in different ways. I can create outfits and matching shoes and give encouraging words to help others look and feel great. I can style women and men’s attire; I just need to know the person’s style.
LOVEVSPAIN and my job as a HCSO connects in many ways. With both I get to connect with all kinds of people. I get to represent the idea of how you present yourself on the outside can impact your path. I’m known for dressing nice, being kind, and helping others. Kids are my world; I don’t have any of my own but I love kids. The thing I am proud of is seeing people wearing outfits I styled, and/or seeing others wear my brand. I consider myself a different breed from others in many different ways. I’m quiet, kind hearted, giving, forgiving, gentle and passionate.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10years I see my brand Love vs Pain well known, not just in Houston, Texas. I’m pushing for my brand to be known city wide. Five years from now I plan to own a clothing store and will use my platform to teach people the importance of self-love.
Contact Info:
- Website: LoveVsPain.com
- Email: lovevspain2019@gmail.com
- Instagram: LVPCLOTHINGKYW
- Facebook: LovevsPain
- Twitter: LVPCLOTHING
Image Credit:
Tiffany Galvin
Larisha Ford
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