Tiffany Hilton – EforAll Holyoke

After a career as a librarian, Tiffany Hilton decided to follow her dream of becoming a potter and started Tiffany Hilton Pottery in 2005.  She became an EforAll Holyoke mentor in 2020  and uses her experience as an entrepreneur to help and encourage her mentees. 

What made you want to become a mentor? 

I coordinate Makers Market events for several music festivals and always enjoyed creating those opportunities for artists and small businesses. As the show coordinator, I would often help new vendors work out the kinks of doing their first craft show. In 2020, we didn’t have any music festivals, and I wanted to find another way to support new entrepreneurs.  I also had a friend who was already mentoring with EforAll and her enthusiasm was contagious! 

 What are some of the startups you have mentored with EforAll?

I’ve been a part of the mentor team helping a fitness/dance studio, a baker, and a photographer/videographer. 

 Is there a specific mentoring experience that you are most proud of? 

I’m proud to just be a part of the EforAll family. I learn so much alongside the entrepreneurs, and I’m hopefully learning to be a better listener and help these aspiring entrepreneurs gain confidence rather than suggesting what they should do.

What is your favorite part of being an EforAll mentor? 

My favorite thing about being an EforAll mentor is being part of a team of people who are supporting a new entrepreneur and also expanding my own community and network with wonderful folks who want to lift each other up.  

What do you think makes EforAll special? 

EforAll is special because of the genuine enthusiasm from the entire EforAll community for helping new businesses thrive. 

 What advice would you have for entrepreneurs? 

It’s very easy to get overwhelmed. Just take things one challenge at a time. Having a business mentor or other small business owners to exchange ideas with can be really helpful too.  

Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn more here.