REFRAMING THE CONVERSATION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Tiffany Brearton’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.
Survivor spotlight · Tiffany Brearton
When most of us hear the words human trafficking, we picture something happening somewhere else: a stranger, a kidnapping, a dark alley. But what if some of what we think we know about trafficking is wrong? What if exploitation can begin much closer to home? In our upcoming episode of Travel Time Stories, we delve into these questions with Tiffany Brearton, an author, speaker, and survivor advocate.
The Journey of Survival
Tiffany has transformed her painful past into a mission to ensure that other survivors are seen, heard, and supported. As the co-founder of She Was Made for More Ministry and the creator of the Unmuted Movement, she equips churches to recognize human trafficking and become safer, more supportive places for survivors.
Reflecting on her childhood, Tiffany shares:
"I went from a little girl who was full of joy... to someone who was spiraling out of control."
Her journey is one of resilience, marked by experiences that many would find unimaginable. At the young age of 18, seeking control over her life, she entered a strip club and became a dancer. This decision put her on a path filled with trauma, leading to complex relationships that culminated in her experiencing rape and the loss of her first marriage at a young age.
Finding Faith and Purpose
Tiffany’s life took a pivotal turn when she embraced faith during a time of grief and hopelessness.
"I was in such a hopeless situation... I needed something outside of myself, I needed some sort of hope."
Through her faith, she found strength and purpose, which propelled her into speaking engagements and writing. Her story is not just about survival; it's about thriving and helping others find their voices. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of sharing our stories to combat stigma and judgment:
| "Once they actually listen to someone who has a story like mine, they start to see the individual, the person, and judgment begins to fall." — Tiffany Brearton |
The Reality of Human Trafficking
A pivotal moment for Tiffany came when she realized that her own story was one of trafficking, a realization that transformed her perspective and mission.
"I grew up thinking trafficking was something that happened in a far-off land... I would have never thought my story was one of trafficking."
Tiffany’s insights remind us that trafficking is not a distant issue; it is happening in our neighborhoods, often hidden in plain sight. By sharing her experience, Tiffany strives to give a voice to those who remain voiceless.
Hope for Tomorrow
As Tiffany beautifully puts it,
| "There’s always light at the end of the tunnel." — Tiffany Brearton |
This message of hope is vital, especially for those who feel trapped in their circumstances. Her advocacy reminds us that our past does not define our future.
Sharing your story can lead to healing—for yourself and others. As Tiffany shares her journey, she encourages everyone to embrace their narrative.
"Freedom’s freedom. Even like a taste of freedom is better than nothing."
Tiffany Brearton’s journey is a powerful reminder that even from the darkest experiences, we can emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to lift others along the way.
Listen to the conversation
Listen to Tiffany Brearton’s full conversation on Travel Time Stories, available November 16th. Visit www.traveltimestories.com to tune in and explore more stories of resilience, connection, and hope.
Host/Travel Advisor/Author
Shannon is the heart behind TTS. A storyteller and traveler at soul level, she believes journeys—both across the world and within ourselves—have the power to heal, connect, and transform. Through honest conversations, she creates space for stories that inspire reflection, resilience, and connection. Based in Texas, Shannon brings a deeply personal and authentic voice to every episode. Her journey has been anything but ordinary—growing up in a large adoptive family, navigating trauma and healing, and ultimately finding her way back to herself through personal growth, reflection, and connection. With a background in healthcare and years of experience in administrative leadership and travel advising, Shannon combines organization, empathy, and curiosity to create meaningful conversations with guests from all walks of life.
Her mission is simple but powerful: to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and reminded that they are not alone. She is Gen X, mother of 2 and currently working on her memoir. Her hobbies are travel, reading, and baking!
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