We were lucky to catch up with Tamaki Harvey Stratman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamaki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

While in college, I received my master’s degree in business administration and studied Fashion and Fashion Merchandising while pursuing my undergraduate degree. I am a museum administrative professional by day and a lifestyle influencer by night.

I started my blog and YouTube channel in 2008 to share my creativity and enjoyment of fashion and beauty with others. I used the YouTube Channel to document my haircare journey when I decided to go natural. While on my blog, I would stay up until 1 am, writing about fashion and providing style tips. As the years went by, the mission of the blog and YouTube channel morphed into a lifestyle focus.

I knew I wanted to pursue a professional creative path when I received my first paid blog post – a website review of a diamond shop out of London.

Tamaki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For almost fiften years, I have been creating videos, writing articles documenting my haircare journey, and reviewing fashion pieces, accessories, perfume, and other lifestyle items.

For many who have decided to go natural (not using a hair relaxer to make the hair temporarily straight), the journey can be challenging if they don’t have anyone to turn to for advice.
When producing my videos, I provide genuine and authentic reviews of products and techniques and let the viewer know how they helped or hindered my journey. The viewer will frequently leave a comment stating that the information provided helped them through a difficult time and was a big help for them in their journey.

For me, hair care and beauty products that are vegan and all-natural are essential to me. I look for these products whenever possible and provide details about them in my videos or blog posts. I also make some of my hair care moisturizers using shea butter. My community knows that if I am talking about a product, I will mention how natural it is and if there are any synthetic ingredients in it.

Also, my videos provide detailed reviews of clothing items and handbags. I discuss the quality of the item’s construction, its overall practicality, and if it would be an excellent item to purchase. Many times, the viewer will comment to let me know they decided to buy the item solely based on my review. Perfume is one of my favorite things, and I provide an in-depth study of a fragrance, its notes, and how the scent chemistry is on me.

My viewers and readers know I will provide an honest and fair assessment of each item I am reviewing. I am a woman of faith and want to encourage and uplift my readers and viewers every chance I can, so you will also see inspirational videos periodically.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Taking time to develop my voice and not being afraid to change it during the journey. It is entirely okay to change direction. As a creative, I find that I am able to discover who I am at a particular time and how I can make a difference with what I am providing to my community.

Often I hear that you have to develop a niche to be successful. However, as a creative, I don’t necessarily have to go down that path. It’s my choice.

With this purpose mindset, I can truly take ownership of my work.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It is often said that to be successful; you need to have millions of followers and thousands of comments for every post you do. By comparison, my blog and YouTube channel would be a smaller, grass-roots platform. In the beginning, I wanted to give up because I did not think what I had to offer would be of value. However, I had to learn that I am reaching people with honest reviews and encouraging words. And if it is only one person, creating the content is worth the time and effort.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtwisdom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingAnElegantAndGracefulLife
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamakiannastratman/
• Twitter: @JTwisdom
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2vsUCgv8ZAmgJFD4v6SFw

Image Credits
Photographs by Jason D Stratman