When life threw her an unexpected storm, Tiffany West-Harvey chose to rebuild, not retreat. A retired Navy commander, senior government leader, author, and entrepreneur, Tiffany transformed her journey of heartbreak into one of healing and empowerment. Today, she dedicates her life to teaching kids the value of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and resilience through her program Becoming a Young CEO. Her story embodies strength, faith, and the power of purpose — a story we are proud to share with our 5M+ Humans of Fuzia community.
Q: What inspired you to begin your journey as a writer and entrepreneur?
Tiffany: My journey started during a very painful time in 2020, right after an unexpected divorce while raising my two-year-old son in the middle of COVID. Journaling and writing became my healing outlet, and from there, I wrote my first devotional entry for Joy 365 and later my own book, Healing But Not Broken. What began as healing for myself became a way to inspire others — showing them that no matter what storm you go through, you can overcome it with faith, support, and resilience.
Q: How did Becoming a Young CEO come to life?
Tiffany: As I was learning about e-commerce for myself, I realized that resources for beginners were too complex and catered only to adults. I wanted something fun, simple, and engaging — even for kids. That’s when I decided to turn my notes and lessons into a book: Becoming a Young CEO: A Fun and Easy Guide to Dropshipping. It walks kids through the process of starting an online business while teaching them basics like taxes, savings, and financial responsibility.
Q: What impact has your program had so far?
Tiffany: It’s been incredible to see the excitement in kids when they realize they can create something of their own. Beyond the book, I go into schools to hold mentorship sessions where I teach kids how to manage money, write checks, understand savings, and even explore AI and design. In November, we’re hosting our first Becoming a Young CEO Kid Fair in Maryland — giving children a real platform to pitch their ideas and feel like true CEOs. It’s all about giving them tools, confidence, and the belief that they can succeed.
Q: You’ve been in leadership roles all your life. What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Tiffany: Women bring empathy, emotional intelligence, and perspective that are essential in business. I’ve served as a Navy commander and a senior government leader, often being the only woman — or only African-American woman — in the room. Those experiences taught me that women leaders are not only necessary but transformative. Leadership is about more than authority — it’s about listening, learning, and caring for your people. Women naturally lead with both strength and compassion, and that balance is powerful.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Tiffany: Trust your gut. Your intuition is powerful, and it will lead you where you need to go. Mistakes and failures aren’t setbacks — they’re stepping stones to success. Every challenge you face is preparing you for something greater.
Q: Finally, what does success mean to you?
Tiffany: Success, to me, is waking up every day excited about what I do. It’s not about titles, money, or luxury. True success is when your work doesn’t feel like work, and you know you’re walking in your purpose.
“Not every path is meant to break you — some are meant to build you and make you stronger.” – Tiffany West-Harvey
Connect with Tiffany: Tiffany Harvey | LinkedIn
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