Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Turkai.

Hi Tamara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

This past year has been nothing short of transformational, and the year ahead promises even more growth. Up until November 2023, my life looked picture-perfect from the outside—solid relationship, financial security, and the polished image of happiness. But the truth? I was surviving, not thriving.

I had money and stability—until I didn’t, when I was laid off. I had a marriage—yet I was deeply unhappy. I worked hard to maintain the illusion, but inside, I felt stuck.

Fast forward to February 2025: I’m a new business owner, navigating divorce, and intentionally downsizing. Am I happy? I’m heading in the right direction. I’m following my passion, prioritizing self-care, and redefining success on my own terms. I may no longer have the fancy house, car, or the appearance of a perfect marriage, but what I will have is peace, fulfillment, and the right kind of success—the kind built on kindness, support, and a thriving business that brings joy to my customers, employees, and myself.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The biggest challenge wasn’t just external—it was shifting my own mindset. Letting go of the illusion of security and success meant facing the reality that I had been ignoring my own unhappiness. The hardest part was rebuilding my ability to trust myself again. After years of prioritizing appearances and stability over true fulfillment, I had to unlearn self-doubt and start believing in my own choices.

Losing financial security, navigating divorce, and stepping into business ownership were all significant obstacles, but none were as daunting as overcoming the fear of the unknown. I had to learn to have confidence in myself, embrace uncertainty, and trust that I was capable of building a life aligned with my true happiness.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Owning a Big Frog franchise in Albuquerque has been more than just a business venture—it’s been a way for me to reconnect with my creativity and rediscover what truly brings me joy. For years, I was so focused on keeping up appearances and meeting expectations that I lost touch with the part of me that loves to create. Now, every day, I get to bring people’s ideas to life, whether it’s designing a custom shirt that captures a special memory or surprising a customer with something beyond what they imagined.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing someone’s face light up when they hold their custom design for the first time. Whether it’s for a small business, a family reunion, or a school team, these shirts aren’t just fabric and ink—they represent moments, milestones, and dreams. I feel truly blessed to be part of that process, to use my creativity in a way that spreads joy, and to build a business rooted in connection, self-expression, and community.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

At my core, I am resilient. Life has thrown major challenges my way—losing financial security, navigating divorce, and starting a business from the ground up—but instead of letting them break me, I’ve used them as opportunities to rebuild a life that truly aligns with my happiness.

I am courageous. Walking away from what was comfortable and familiar wasn’t easy, but I chose uncertainty over staying stuck in an unhappy situation. That choice took strength, and every day, I remind myself that I am capable of handling whatever comes next.

I am creative. Owning a Big Frog franchise has reignited my love for bringing ideas to life. Whether it’s helping customers design something meaningful or surprising them with something beyond their expectations, I love using my creativity to make people smile.

I am empathetic. I genuinely care about others—my customers, my employees, and my loved ones. My business isn’t just about selling shirts; it’s about helping people celebrate moments, tell their stories, and feel connected.

I am authentic. For a long time, I worked hard to project an image of happiness, but now, I’m focused on finding real happiness. I’m learning to embrace who I truly am and build a life that feels right for me, not just one that looks good from the outside.

And above all, I am determined. I’m not just dreaming of success—I’m putting in the work. I’m investing in my business, showing up for myself, and taking intentional steps toward a future filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigfrog.com/albuquerque
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigfrogabq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigfrogabq
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-turkai/