Local entrepreneur Tiffany Wiggins is working to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and organ donation through her own clothing brand: Heart Strong Clothing.
Inspired by her own son, Tanner Joe, who was born with CHD, Tiffany stands firm in her belief of “faith over fear.”
“I started Heart Strong Clothing because my son was born with a heart defect—half a heart. There isn’t a lot of awareness for congenital heart defects,” she continued. “I figured if I could raise even a little bit of awareness, it would be worth it.”
Tanner will be two in February. So far, he has had two open heart surgeries and will most likely require a third. According to Tiffany, over ninety percent of children born with CHD will require a heart transplant at some point in their life.
“He’s doing more than progressing,” said Tiffany. “He’s spreading hope. He’s spreading awareness. He helps a little more every day.”
Tiffany first launched Heart Strong Clothing in May of 2020. By running her own business from home, Tiffany is able to spend more time providing Tanner with the level of love and care that he needs.
“I wanted to find a way to raise awareness that would also let me stay home with him a little bit longer,” explained Tiffany. “It’s hard to go back to work knowing he needs so much care.”
So far, Heart Strong Clothing has a selection of custom-made shirts, hoodies, and bandanas available to choose from online. Most products relate to heart defects, “heart warriors,” and faith.
Tiffany has hopes of expanding Heart Strong Clothing in the future. Ideally, she would like to produce custom embroidered products and launch a website to reach a broader audience.
“Awareness is everything, no matter what the disease or syndrome is,” Tiffany explained.
By expanding her business, she hopes to continue raising awareness for CHD, which she feels currently does not have much of a presence in terms of awareness.
Tiffany believes the best part thus far has been connecting with other parents who are in similar situations. So far, Tiffany has provided guidance, answered questions, and helped to prepare parents who are in the same boat as the Wiggins family.
“I never want anyone to go through what we have gone through alone,” said Tiffany. “I love that I can support and help people who are going through really hard times in their lives.”
To find out more about Heart Strong Clothing, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartstrongclothing.
