We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Vollmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Mineola, New York in 1973, My father worked for the government as a DEA agent. We moved from NY to San Diego California shortly after I was born and that is where I started in the entertainment world. I began as a runway model at the age of 5 for the big southern California Bridal shows and was featured along with Runway supermodels on a program called PM Magazine. At the time, all I knew is that if I wore those fancy dresses and let people take my picture, I could save up money to buy Barbie Dolls!

In 1979 my father retired from the government and moved our family to Dallas Tx.

Up until 1980, I was only required to look pretty, walk and pose. I wanted MORE! I dreamt of becoming a singer and was obsessed with and inspired by Olivia Newton-John. She was and always will be my muse. The problem was… I had enlarged adenoids and couldn’t breathe through my nose which resulted in a not-so-pleasant tone. Around the age of 10, my adenoids were removed, and low and behold, I had a voice. Not just any voice… a voice that made honor choirs and was awarded solos and got me the lead in the 5th-grade musical.

From then on out, I made most things I auditioned for. It was a natural gift and I knew my purpose was to use it as God intended.

Another so-called “affliction” that turned into a blessing as I matured, was Attention Deficit Disorder. I am sure if it were around at the time, I would have been labeled ADHyperactiveD. This affected my ability to concentrate, stay still and be quiet. LOL. ALL THE THINGS I GET PAID FOR TODAY, I GOT IN TROUBLE FOR AS A CHILD.

When I was growing up, my mother shushed me a lot. I was told I was not the center of attention and was raised to be polite and humble. That sent me on a deep search to find out why I was so different and how could I ever be successful. The results are that while remaining humble, I have proved them wrong. I have used my weaknesses and developed them as strengths. I now get to encourage others how to “find their voice” and stand up for themselves, for who they are, and for what they want to accomplish.

I was told my parents would not pay for me to study acting in college, so I proved them wrong. I got a scholarship and did it anyway. While there, despite my average grades in HS, I became a leader in the Acting Department and earned a double degree in design and performance while holding office and eventually being named the President of the Drama Club. I was also awarded the position of Ambassador to the Dean of the College of Arts and Science. I took part in other campus organizations and won service awards and other accomplishments for acting and design.

Upon graduation, my mentor pulled me aside and said, “You are a very talented actress. You are equally as strong as a makeup artist and designer. Someday, you will have to choose.”

I did not choose and as a result, 25 years later I am the author and Department Chair of Master Makeup Artistry and Acting for Media at MediaTech Institute in Dallas. Again… I proved them wrong.

After graduating college, I had planned to move to LA and try my hand in Hollywood. But before I could pack my bag, I was asked to audition for a new Japanese anime cartoon that was recorded here in Dallas. My first professional audition out of college, I landed the lead role of Bulma on the world-renowned hit anime Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT. This was the role of a lifetime that I played for over a decade.

After the show wrapped, I was free to move about the country and my travels lead me to New Orleans La. I did all the things I did in Dallas with a fresh new group of crazy wonderful like-minded people. In 2015, I proved them wrong again. See… I was told in my 20’s that I would not ever be able to have children. This was devastating to me and changed the trajectory of my life. Not having to think about the expense of a child from birth to braces, and a car to college, I was filled with independence and a wanderlust for travel, art, and other experiences. Then, I met my soul mate. I knew we would spend our lives together if he could just give me a full year of getting to know all 4 seasons of how our lives would look. 11 months into our courtship and at the age of 41, God stepped in and I became pregnant with our one and only daughter MaryElla Woodstock Most. When she was two, needing more stability and family support, we “quit the circus” and moved to Dallas where we are growing roots. My husband manages The Granada Theater and has a radio show on KNON. It’s different but we are who we are no matter where we go.

I have accomplished a lot in my life. I am as famous as I could ever stand to be, I have a wonderful set of friends, my work life is fulfilled, and I am the President of Women In Film Dallas through 2024 and have been for the past two years. WIFDallas is very important to me. I have learned so much through them and am honored to continue leading them in their mission to “Empower, Promote and Mentor” up-and-coming women and filmmakers everywhere.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is wearing a million hats and how to keep spinning plates from hitting the ground.

I am a Producer, Actress, Production Designer, Artist, vocal coach… so many things.

The greatest lessons I learned about life, were in my Scene Painting class at University of North Texas
Thank you Tom Frohling

The importance of being present:

Me: fussing with a painting and not able to get anywhere
Tom: “Hey, looks like you’re not getting anywhere with this painting. Don’t you have a show opening next week that you are designing and starring in?”
Me: “sigh… yes”
Tom: “Go home. You are no good here until your show opens. You need to be present to make this painting work.”

Take a step back and look from a distance:

Me: fussing with a painting and going over and over certain portions because they are not perfect…
Tom: “Hey, looks like you’re not getting anywhere with this painting. Let me show you something.”
He takes me to a ladder to climb up to the catwalk located above the stage. We arrive at the top, “Now what do you see”
Me: “Oh Wow! That’s amazing”

How to forget and come back with a fresh set of eyes:

Me: fussing with a painting
Tom: “Hey, looks like you’re not getting anywhere with this painting. How long have you been here?”
Me: “Ugh like 4 hours”
Tom: “Cool. Put your paintbrush down, go home, sleep and come back tomorrow with a fresh set of eyes.”

Enjoy the process

Me: fussing with a painting and going over and over certain portions because they are not perfect…
Tom: “Hey, looks like you’re not getting anywhere with this painting. We have already finished this assignment, why are you still fussing?”
Me: Because it doesn’t look the way I want it to. I don’t want anyone to. I don’t want people to think this is MY work”
Tom: “What is your takeaway? Did you learn from this? Did you genuinely ENJOY THE PROCESS?”
Me: “Yes of course”
Tom: “Then roll it up and throw it away. Just ENJOY THE PROCESS”

SERIOUSLY COULD WRITE A BOOK ON THE TAO OF TOM AND SCENEPAINTING

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I lived in Deep Ellum on and off during the early 2000’s so I would put that on my list. I managed the Free Man over covid and love the music scene there. I know all the musicians that played. My husband manages The Granada so we would take in a show there. Everyone that knows me, knows my favorite restaurants are ALLGOOD cafe, I am dear, longtime friends with Mike the owner and have my birthday there every year, and St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin owned and operated by another dear friend Pete Zotos. I love Mom and Pop places in my hood so you can find me at The Cock-n-Bull, The Lakewood Landing and Balcony Club.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Olivia Newton John, Carrol Burnette, My mom and Dad, husband Johnny Woodstock, God, Tracy Terrell Doyle bff and business partner, My highschool drama teacher Terry Tuck, College mentor, Barabara Cox, Spirit guide-Colette Numajiri, Chris Sabat for asking me to audition at Funimation, Wes Martin the Director of Education at MTI

Instagram: Theogbulma

Linkedin: Tiffany Vollmer

Facebook: Theogbulma

Youtube: WIFDallas “We’re Just Say’n” podcast

Other: IMDB- Tiffany Vollmer Wikipedia-Tiffany Vollmer

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