Resilient Beauty: Tiffany Haddish

Dress: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe | Shoes: Dream Pairs

Interview and Creative Direction by Vanessa Coppes | Photography by Miguel Pichardo | Styling by Mindy Gura and Paula Orlan | Makeup by Chris Lanston | Hair by Katie Rote | Shoot Assistance by Jennifer MacLellan, Aseel Shilleh, Alexis Lombardo, Kiera Geiner | Location, The Ellington on Broadway

We know that beauty standards around the world are ever-evolving and Tiffany Haddish stands out not just for her beauty, talent and humor but for her refreshing authenticity and unapologetic confidence.

I couldn't be more thrilled to feature Tiffany as our cover star, embodying the essence of beauty that transcends tradition. With an infectious energy that lights up every room she enters, Tiffany candidly shares her journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

In this exclusive interview, she opens up about redefining beauty in her own terms and her commitment to inspiring others to embrace their unique selves. Join us as Tiffany Haddish takes us beyond the glamour, delving into the heart of what true beauty means today.

Throughout your career, you’ve broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a comedian and actress. What do you consider to be the most pivotal moment in your career, and how has it shaped your journey?

The most pivotal moment in my career was Girls Trip. That movie changed everything. Before that, people didn’t always know what to do with me. I was too raw, too real, too funny—but that film let me be all those things, and audiences connected. It was like the world finally saw me, and more importantly, I saw what was possible when I showed up as my full self. That moment reminded me to never water myself down.

Your confidence and authenticity are inspiring to many. How do you maintain a positive self-image in an industry that often prioritizes a narrow definition of beauty?

I remind myself daily that beauty starts from within. The industry can make you feel like you’re not enough—too dark, too loud, too whatever. But I know who I am. I feed my spirit, I stay grateful, and I speak kindly to myself. Also, I surround myself with people who love me for me. That reflection is powerful.

Beauty is often associated with physical appearance, but it can mean so much more. How has your understanding of beauty evolved over the years, and what does it mean to you today?

When I was younger, I thought beauty was just about looking a certain way—hair done, skin flawless, clothes on point. Now I know it’s about energy. It’s how you treat people, how you show up in the world, how much light you carry. Beauty is resilience. It’s joy. It’s being comfortable in your own skin and letting others feel comfortable in theirs too.

You’ve often spoken about your challenging upbringing and how it has influenced you. How do you use those experiences to affect positive change and uplift others through your platform?

I know what it’s like to feel invisible, to feel like your voice doesn’t matter. That’s why I speak up—for foster youth, for survivors, for anyone who’s been through tough times. My past taught me empathy, hustle, and heart. I use my platform to say, “You’re not alone,” and to show that your past doesn’t define your future—it can fuel it.

You’ve been involved in various philanthropic efforts and causes. Can you share with us why the work you do through “The She Ready Foundation” is particularly close to your heart?

The She Ready Foundation is my baby. I created it because I know how life-changing support and opportunity can be—especially for kids in foster care. I wanted to create something that would help young people feel seen, prepared, and empowered. We offer internships, mentorship, and essentials—things I wish I had growing up. It’s about being the person I needed when I was younger.

In what ways do you hope to inspire the next generation of women, both in the entertainment industry and beyond, to feel beautiful and empowered?

I hope they see that being yourself is your superpower. You don’t have to fit a mold or follow someone else’s path. I want women to know that their stories, their bodies, their voices are enough. When we own who we are, unapologetically, we light up the room. That’s real beauty and real power.

Looking ahead, what are some of your goals or projects, both personal and professional, that you are excited to pursue in the coming years?

I’m excited to keep creating—movies, shows, maybe even a grocery store that celebrates the diaspora. I want to win an EGOT. I want to raise a family. I want to keep growing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Most of all, I want to keep showing up for my people and telling stories that make us laugh, cry, and feel seen.

Tiffany’s words resonate deeply with me on a personal level. After reading both of her books, I saw so much of myself in her. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her and she is truly as real as they come.

Her journey reminds us that beauty is not just what we see in the mirror; it's an inner strength and confidence that shines through in every smile, every joke, and every act of kindness. In this 2025 Beauty Issue of Bella Magazine, Tiffany leaves us with an empowering message: that embracing who we truly are, flaws and all, is the highest form of beauty. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love and the importance of being true to oneself.

Connect with Tiffany and support her non-profit at SheReady.org!