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

Hi Ciciley, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite affirmation (without cussing any way) is, “let go or be dragged.” There is so little in life we can actually control, and trying to commandeer things we cannot always ends badly. We must be flexible because life is going to throw curveballs. Your attitude won’t change any curveballs, but can make the experience easier or more difficult for you. This past year in the film/tv industry is a great example, with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA strikes. While neither of those is my Union as they do not cover costume designers, it affected the entire trade of production. Luckily and thankfully, I was able to continue working mostly as normal. That said, the situation would have been worse had I not accepted it for what it was- entirely out of my control. Microcosms of the same idea happen on set daily- if the weather forces a scheduling change, an actor drops out of a production, or a director changes their mind on a costume that must be altered immediately- and if you do not accept them and adjust, you will be dragged and the change will still be waiting for you.
  

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a film and tv costume designer, wardrobe stylist, and high profile image consultant. I have been incredibly lucky in my career and also worked very hard. I have met the right folks at the right time on the right projects. I have been able to foster relationships that allow me to work with many of the same people whom I adore over and over. I understand that filmmaking is a fully collaborative art form. I am dedicated to every picture, every actor, and every client- and have generally gotten along well personally and creatively with the others on projects. I have a knack for knowing what directors and clients want and being able to deliver it on time and under budget.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely the best music venues in town: The Schermerhorn, which is a gorgeous and nearly acoustically perfect venue. The Ryman, aka The Mother Church, is also a must. Those are both downtown, so I suppose a quick dash to Broadway would be in order for a tourist, though locals do not hang out at honky tonks. That said, the best one is Robert’s. The Station Inn is the last bastion of old Nashville, so we’d swing by there for Bluegrass Night or if Doyle & Debbie decided to do a surprise show, and good ol’ Dino’s. You’ve got to get hot chicken, too, and the only place to get it is Prince’s. I will die on this hill. The barbecue is also some of the best in the world, I prefer Jack’s or Martin’s. Best pizza is Slim & Husky’s and best Vietnamese is Miss Saigon or Kien Giang. We’d have to catch a movie since I’m in film and tv, and only The Belcourt Theater will do. I’d also take them to my favorite vintage and clothing stores Old Made Good (OMG) and Any Old Iron. Hail is a great oddities shop and Eastside Bowl is fun. But if only we still had Opryland and could go ride the Screamin’ Delta Demon… alas, it is gone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am a huge supporter of Fashion Is For Every Body, an organization that seeks diversity inclusion and body positivity through the art of fashion, design, print, and their annual runway show. I first helped my friend co-founder Kimmie Jones on their inaugural show in 2016. Sadly, Kimmie has since passed away, but her legacy is carried on by co-founder Alicia Searcy and her right hand woman, Kendall Parker. I have since had the honor of volunteering as Back of House Stylist and Alicia’s dresser in the subsequent years. The organization and its outreach continue to grow, and I’m proud to have been a part of the journey.

Website: http://www.cicileyhoffman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cicileyhoffman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cicileyhoffman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cicileyhoffman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cicileyhoffman

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4263171/?ref_=nmmi_mi_nm

Image Credits
Amy Bream (Sammy Hearn), County Rescue, Brandy Clark (Trey Fanjoy), Treasure Trackers (the Garcia Brothers), Morse Code (Travis Nicholson), ParmCrisps. A Creature Was Stirring (key), Motke Dapp/Micah Simms

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.