The Color Purple has won the coveted Outstanding Motion Picture Award at the NAACP Awards. Sharing this achievement is Tiffany Elle Burgees, who plays Celia’s (the protagonist) daughter. The Color Purple is a musical drama depicting the hardships of living in the American South in the 1900s as well as painting the realities of domestic abuse.

Tiffany Elle Burgees is an actress, writer, and health care consultant. The Nashville-native actress has a long list of accomplishments including writing three children’s books, contributing to the Huffington Post and Blavity, and her pursuits as an actress. To dive into the accomplishments of this multifaceted talent I asked her a few questions about her career, being a part of The Color Purple, and how she balances it all. 

How did you get your start as an actress?

I started acting through the Premiere Actor’s Network under Dwayne Boyd. We call it PAN FAM. The actors and actresses who are a part of PAN FAM poured into me and they saw me as an actress before I saw myself as an actress. They helped me hone my skills. I did a showcase and ended up being signed to People Store Agency. The rest is history…… 

How do you balance being an actress, producer, and an author?

I actively work on time management and making sure I have a healthy work-life. It can be difficult at times, but I do the best I can to make sure I keep all of the balls in the air. 

Can you tell our readers about what it was like being a part of the outstanding motion picture, The Color Purple?

It is an amazing feeling! It is indescribable. The Color Purple is a classic and to be a part of it is an honor. 

Can you describe what it was like portraying Olivia, Celie’s daughter in the film?

It was emotional. I tried to tap into the emotion of being reunited with my mother after being ripped away from her 35 years prior……I hope the emotion comes across on the big screen. 

Where did you find the inspiration for your three books Skin Like Mine, The Adventures of Junior and Baby Brother: Spencers Special Gift, and Decisions, Decisions?

My mom is a retired English teacher and she has always supported my writing. I have been writing since I was 6 years old. I have always used my words to inspire others. 

What advice do you have for aspiring authors, like myself?

Step out on faith and get it done. Also, be ok with rejection. You have to get used to it. It is not a reflection on your talent. 

What hardships have you faced both in the film industry and the literary industry?

Rejection…I had to get used to it. It can be difficult but it is a part of the business. 

Your bio claims you’re a public health consultant by day and an actor by night- what does a day in your life look like?

By day, I am a public health consultant. By night/weekends, I am all things creative. Of course, at times, things overlap and I have to rely on my time management skills and prioritize. It isn’t always easy but I get it done. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of BELLA Magazine about yourself?

I am 1/3 of Tyler Street Films, an Atlanta-based film and tv production company. My partners are Jack Manning, III, and Lawrence “LAW” Watford. We are all Hampton University alums. We are in the process of pitching a television series!

To keep up with Tiffany’s journey you can follow her on instagram @tiffanyelleburgess.