Ep 007: From Physics to Photography: Tiffany Michelle on Finding Your Calling and Building a Creative Business
What does it look like to leave a stable career in science and follow a creative calling?
In this episode of Consciously in Business, I sit down with photographer Tiffany Michelle to explore her journey from studying physics and astronomy to building a thriving photography business rooted in visual storytelling, creativity, and intuition.
Tiffany’s path was anything but linear.
After majoring in physics with a minor in astronomy, she worked with images from the Hubble Space Telescope and pursued a traditional science career path. But beneath the surface, there was always a creative thread — filmmaking as a child, theater in high school, visual composition, editing, and storytelling.
Eventually, that creative pull became too strong to ignore.
In this conversation, we explore:
The courage it takes to pivot careers
Moving from a “practical” profession into a creative business
How childhood interests often hold clues to your life’s work
The emotional toll of feeling lost in your 20s and 30s
Applying to hundreds of jobs and facing rejection
Building resilience as an entrepreneur
How spirituality and inner healing shape creative expression
The power of community over competition in the photography industry
Why visual storytelling is more than taking pictures — it’s alchemy
Tiffany shares how her background in science shaped her artistic eye, how Instagram and social media unexpectedly opened doors, and why she believes creativity is something we “tune into” — like an antenna.
We also talk about:
✨ The intersection of spirituality and entrepreneurship
✨ Trusting your intuition in business
✨ Following a calling even when it doesn’t make sense on paper
✨ Building a creative business from the ground up
✨ The long, unseen grind behind “overnight success”
If you’ve ever felt lost in your career…
If you’ve questioned whether you’re allowed to pivot…
If you’ve wondered whether your creative gifts are practical enough…
This episode will remind you that your path is not wasted — every experience builds toward something.
Your calling may not be obvious at first. But the clues are always there.
And sometimes, the detours are the training ground.
To learn more about Tiffany:
Bio: “Hi, I’m Tiffany — the visual storyteller behind tifferently. Before photography, I worked with the Hubble Space Telescope and spent years in marketing and large-scale creative productions. That blend of art and science continues to shape how I see and photograph the world.
I bring structure and intention to every shoot, while leaving room for spontaneity and connection. I guide when needed, and step back when the moment speaks for itself. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable and seen is always the goal.”
Social Handles: @tifferently
Website: https://tifferently.co/
Go Deeper with Starre
https://www.instagram.com/starretearney/
https://www.instagram.com/consciously_in_business/
www.starretearney.com