We were lucky to catch up with Joelle Tamraz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joelle, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
I would trust myself more and trust the process of launching something completely new. There’s no easy way to learn this other than experience.
When I first published my book, I did most of the marketing after publication. Marketing and planning to get the word out needs to happen as soon as possible, and with something like a book, ideally six months ahead. In my thirties I owned a yoga and Pilates studio in central Paris. I managed the physical space, day-to-day operations, and the team of instructors. Marketing that business was different, and much easier, than promoting my own book.
Finding a way to speak about myself has been the toughest lesson I have had to learn as a creative. Past traumatic experiences cut a dent in my self-esteem, but I didn’t know it until I had to talk about myself and my work–and feel confident about it! I had been a high performer at school and at work my whole life, but believing in myself and the strength of my story required a different skill. Speaking about my experiences in therapy was very helpful to re-center on myself.
If I were starting over today, I would take more time to lay the groundwork of trusting myself and recognize that building something new takes time.
Being a creative takes more energy than anything else. You are putting yourself on the line every day. Give yourself grace to rest, restore, and take things more slowly than you may be used to. And remember to have fun! If you don’t know what you really enjoy, take the time to find out. You will need an outlet for all the emotions that come from the creative process.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Before becoming an independent creative, I was a manager and director in large international companies for more than two decades. I also owned a yoga and Pilates studio for ten years. Throughout that time I had a passion for life writing. I learned to capture thoughts and feelings in a journal when I was thirteen from my eighth grade English teacher and have kept up the practice since then.
At the age of forty, my life changed completely. I separated from my husband of sixteen years, sold my yoga business, got divorced, and moved from France to the UK. A promotion at work gave me personal and financial stability during that time of upheaval, but I decided back then that when the time was right, I would pursue my passion, go freelance, and write full-time. I told everyone I met I would someday write my story.
A few years later when I was settled in my new life and home, I attended a writing workshop and joined a writing group. Over the next three years, I wrote many drafts, attended many more workshops, and received professional feedback. I was finally ready to leave corporate work and stake out on my own.
I published my debut memoir, The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga, two years later in 2023. I wanted to expose my story of survival and help others feel less alone. It was picked up in the media (BBC Radio, the Daily Mail, and Take 5 magazine), has been very well received by readers, and won four awards. I’m immensely proud to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of writing and produced a book that resonates with readers.
I’m now working on my second memoir and coaching other authors with their books. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping a writer discover the heart of their story and bring it to center stage. My coaching style is empathic and discerning. Art is a gift, and I consider it a privilege to work with artists.
I am also a certified life coach and take on private clients. My in-depth experience of power dynamics (personal and professional), narcissistic abuse, and dysfunctional relationships gives me a unique perspective. I ask questions and offer insights to help my clients connect with their power and define freedom on their own terms so they can experience a more fulfilling and balanced life.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I learned about the importance of social media from another author toward the end of 2019 when I had been writing for about a year. He agreed to coach me and a friend and was very open about what he was doing on social media. I only had a Twitter account at the time, and he encouraged us to develop our presence and move into video.
I first started out building my audience among writers on Twitter. In 2021, I started a YouTube channel to interview authors. After publication, I joined TikTok. I did some research and had a session with a social media consultant who helped me think about my messaging and gave me tips on recording videos. After some time and trial and error, I connected with an audience specifically interested in my areas of expertise.
Whatever platform you choose, it takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Try different things. Get help if you can, but be aware that not everyone will be helpful to you. Avoid spending a lot of money on a coach upfront. Try an offer/free trial, and see if they’re a good fit.
You may have heard the advice to get to know the different platforms, then commit to the ones you like because you can’t be effective everywhere. It’s true. I tried them all, then decided where I felt at home and could contribute to the conversation.
When I started out, I didn’t expect that developing a social media presence is something that can be learned. It can, and like anything, it takes practice and time.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was part of a writing group, I submitted a sensitive personal piece. The group leader had an issue with it and was aggressive and harsh in delivering her feedback. I was stunned by her strong negative response. None of the other writers said a word during the meeting.
I knew after the meeting ended that my time with the group was done, but I didn’t tell the leader how I felt. I let the hurt simmer and confided in my partner and a friend. After a few more sessions, I told the leader I would pursue the next stage of my writing journey on my own.
Telling people clearly how I feel is something I’m still working on. If this experience happened now, I would speak up quicker. I’m unlearning the habit of keeping quiet and learning how to express my views in a calm and assertive way.
Like anything in life, assertiveness must be practiced. If you weren’t encouraged as a child, you won’t just wake up one day more assertive. Practicing in small situations prepares you for larger ones. It’s such a great skill to develop because you will be your own best advocate and support. And life will be easier and less stressful.
Being assertive and learning when to listen to yourself rather than someone else is especially important for creatives and freelancers. Believe in yourself and your personal vision, and don’t let naysayers discourage you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joelletamraz.com
- Instagram: @joelletamraz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelletamraz1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelletamraz/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JoelleTamraz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatingvoices
