We were lucky to catch up with Tamara Marlene recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamara , appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first real sale as a painter was also my boldest leap of faith. I had previously participated in the Black Girl Art Show and took note of what caught people’s attention. I told myself that the next time, I’d be ready with a large, show-stopping piece. I pushed myself to create my first 30-inch painting, titled I Am Enough, and priced it higher than anything I had attempted before. Walking into that show, I was nervous — it felt risky to present such a big work at that price point. But within the first thirty minutes, it sold. Not only did the piece find its collector so quickly, but it was also chosen to be part of the advertising for the Charlotte show. That experience reminded me that growth happens when you’re willing to bet on yourself, take up space, and boldly declare your value. It was a moment that shifted how I saw myself as an artist and what was possible for my career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Tamara Marlene, and I am a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work explores identity, resilience, and self-discovery. My journey into art wasn’t linear — I started as a graphic designer, working in branding and creative services, but over time I felt pulled to create more personal, expressive work. What began as a way to process my own experiences — healing, motherhood, and finding strength through challenges — has grown into a full-time pursuit of painting, teaching, and building community through creativity.

My creative works range from bold, large-scale acrylic paintings to affirming, story-driven pieces such as Note to Self — all reminders that art can be both beautiful and transformative. I’ve recently begun experimenting with mixed media, creating three new works that layer in fabric, hair, and texture to expand how my art tells stories. Alongside my fine art, I also offer greeting cards, coasters, vase sets, and jewelry — functional and collectible pieces that allow people to carry inspiration into their everyday lives. I am also developing journals and other creative products to expand my offerings even further.

What sets me apart is that my art is deeply personal yet universally relatable. I don’t just paint images; I paint messages — of empowerment, joy, and healing. My work gives people representation, connection, and encouragement, especially for those who don’t often see themselves reflected in fine art spaces.

I’m most proud of creating pieces that spark conversations and resonate beyond the canvas. When a collector tells me a painting feels like their story, or when a child lights up at seeing themselves represented in a piece, I know I’m doing the work I was meant to do.

For anyone new to me or my brand, I want them to know that I’m not just creating art for walls — I’m building experiences and legacies. My mission is to inspire people to see themselves as enough, to celebrate identity, and to embrace creativity as a pathway to healing and empowerment. My work is for those who want art with soul — art that speaks, affirms, and uplifts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience shows up in my journey through how I handle rejection. As a self-taught artist, I’ve had to carve out my own path without the built-in validation of formal training. QC Family Tree once rejected me for a show, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I applied again to a later exhibition, and not only was I accepted, but my piece sold. The same has been true with residencies and other calls — I’ve faced more ‘no’s’ than I can count, but each one has pushed me to keep refining my voice. Recently, that persistence paid off when I was accepted into Charlotte Studio Artists as a resident artist. To me, resilience means not letting a closed door convince you to stop knocking — it’s proof that staying committed will eventually open the right opportunities.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to create art that affirms and uplifts, with a particular focus on representing African-American subjects — often with locs and plus-size bodies — who are rarely centered in fine art spaces. As a self-taught artist, I believe representation itself is a form of healing, and my paintings are meant to reflect strength, beauty, and resilience while challenging narrow standards of identity and worth. I am committed to continually challenging myself as an artist — experimenting with new techniques, expanding into mixed media, and pushing into larger sizes and formats that stretch my creative boundaries. My goals include exhibiting in a major art museum, becoming a certified teaching artist, expanding into art therapy practices, and securing a paid artist residency to further develop this vision. At its core, my journey is about building a legacy of empowerment — not only for future generations of artists and everyday people, but also for my daughter, so she can see what is possible and continue her own creative journey with pride and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: Madebytmp.my.canva.site
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tamara_marlene
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/tmarlene
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamara.marlene