Who We Are
Tiffany M. Griffin, CEO, Co-Founder
Tiffany M. Griffin is the CEO of Bright Black where she leads on management, business development, marketing, and scent design. Tiffany is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a PhD in Psychology, and of Boston College with BAs in Psychology and Communications. Before founding Bright Black, Tiffany worked at the US Agency for International Aid (USAID) in the Center for Resilience as a Sr. Strategic Advisor. Prior to her work at USAID, Tiffany worked in the US Senate on health policy for Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico and in academia as a Social Psychologist focused on racial identity, racial discrimination, group dynamics, health, education, and decision making. Griffin is an action-oriented deep thinker dedicated to transformation, strategic disruption, and helping people thrive. She currently resides in Durham, NC with her husband and daughter. Favorite Candle: Durham
Dariel Heron, COO, Co-Founder
Dariel Heron is the COO and Co-Founder of Bright Black where he leads on artisanship/production and management. Dariel is a graduate of Boston College with a BS in Marketing and Information Systems, and of The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. Prior to launching Bright Black, Dariel worked in Management and Operations and Sales at the Landmark Theaters company, opening theaters in Atlanta, Washington DC, Manhattan, and Bethesda, MD. In this role, Dariel strengthened the Landmark brand and enhanced overall operations, leading to sales increases, as well personal management awards. Prior to working at Landmark, Dariel worked at Newsday in the Marketing Department. He currently resides in Durham, NC with his wife and daughter. Favorite Candle: Freeman's Creative Custom Scent
Columba Garcia, Associate
Columba is a production associate at Bright Black. Columba resides in Durham, NC and is originally from Hidalgo, Mexico. When Columba is not at Bright Black, she loves spending time with her family. Favorite Candle: L'espoir
Kimmie Grimes, Business Operations Specialist
Kimmie is the Business Operations Specialist at Bright Black. Kimmie has a Bachelor of Arts in English and loves reading, blogging, cosplaying, and photography. When she’s not working she likes to practice basic coding for her website. Kimmie is a coffee and tea lover and enjoys finding new, eclectic coffee shops. Favorite Candle: Yemanja
Kate Cohen, Associate
Kate is originally from Tampa, Florida and is a proud graduate of Florida State University. When Kate isn't in the production space, she enjoys taking photos, exploring new places to eat in Durham and spending time with her husband and three children. Favorite Candle: Hip Hop
Victoria Pittman, Production Associate
Victoria was born and raised in Durham, NC. When not at Bright Black she is spending her time making traditional and digital art. She also enjoys listening to music. Favorite Candle: Gospel
Pamela Thompson, Event Coordinator and Community Manager
Pamela Thompson is a homeschooling mom to four little girls who moonlights as a writer, educator, and creative director. She is a proud Afro-Carolinian, originally from Charlotte, NC, currently residing in Durham, NC with her husband and daughters. She is excited to serve as the Events Coordinator and Community Manager at Bright Black! Favorite candle: The Stoop
Sascha Daniels, Sales Associate
Sascha is a Ph.D. student from Washington, D.C., studying German. Sascha earned their bachelor's degree in German and Japanese from West Virginia University and studied and taught in Germany and Japan. They research Black German identity, German hip-hop, and the transnational connection between the African American and Afro-German diasporas. Sascha earned their master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022 and moved to Durham shortly after graduating. Favorite Candle: Bachata
Elena Heron, Intern
Elena M. Heron is an Intern at Bright Black. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in Durham with her parents. When she’s not supporting operations at Bright Black, she’s attending school, dancing Bomba y Plena, or playing princess. Favorite Candle: Signature.
Macklyn Mosley, Graphic Design Consultant
Macklyn Mosley, a resident of Durham for over a year, hails originally from Roanoke, VA. When he's not immersed in the world of design, Macklyn can be found indulging in his diverse range of interests. A passionate lover of the arts, he enjoys both performing and listening to music, exploring various forms of artistic expression, and diving into the world of video games and anime, fitness, and being a foodie. Favorite Candle: Tall Grass
Angel Brown, Community Events Consultant
Angel Brown (she/her/hers) is a child of Jamaican immigrants, Durham resident, educator, Duke athlete, person of faith, wife, mom, sister, and granddaughter. By valuing dignity, community, and love, she cultivates a future where our cultures and economies are shaped by care for the land, waters, and people to whom we all belong. Angel loves to read stories aloud to her kids, tend to the garden and play dominos with her father, Latin dance with her partner, and go on runs in nature. Favorite Candle: Addis Ababa.
Khayla Deans, Storytelling & Special Projects Consultant
Khayla Deans is a cultural worker, herbalist, and creative consultant who understands the power of storytelling as a tool for healing and collective care. As a multi-hyphenate artist who has created and amplified the stories of others, she believes that art and culture are necessary strategies for empowerment & liberation. As a spiritual herbalist, it brings Khayla great joy to invite others to the creative process of healing through the partnership of supportive plant allies as she provides radical arts healing workshops to the broader community. Favorite Candle: Bachata.
Tiffanie Jeter, Sales Associate
Durham isn’t where Tiffanie’s from, but it’s where she’s planted roots and found deep love for the city and its people. At Bright Black, she brings warmth and curiosity, along with a deep respect for the lives and experiences shared in each conversation. She also holds a genuine love for the everyday magic that happens when people truly connect. A lifelong learner, she values honesty, depth, and relationships that feel grounded, mutual, and real. Favorite Candle: Bachata
Maurisa Li-A-Ping, Sales Associate
Maurisa Li-A-Ping is a Learning Strategist & Cultural Worker. She leverages creative writing and community building to honor the interiority of Black queer women. When she's not being a learning strategist, writing, or stewarding community, you’ll find Maurisa laughing with her mouth wide open, painting her nails bubble gum pink, or baking something sweet. Favorite Candle: Gospel.
