Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamara Willoughby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tamara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Am I happy as a creative? There are hard days, and waves of burnout. The kind that make you wonder if you’ve lost it or ever really had it at all. On the other hand, there are days that I’m inspired by the stories that sit in my chair. Helping others find the beauty within themselves is something that is so rewarding to me. It has also allowed me to find it easier within myself. I have worked a variety of jobs, in several very different fields. None have been so impactful and fulfilling. I have found a home in this industry, and I am happy to be growing individually and alongside my peers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Tamara! I’m 34, I was born in Picher, Ok but have lived in Joplin, MO for most of my life. I’m a mother to a teenage boy that keeps me on my toes and also grounded. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 7 years. After graduating the beauty academy, I began an associate program with a Redken artist where I was able to soak in some additional education and learn more about salon culture. After a few months of being a stylist at The Brush and Blade, I began simultaneously working with Mitzi Starkweather, a glamour portrait photographer, writer, and inspirational speaker. First, I started helping with hair and makeup and then since 2020 I’ve been so happy to add the title of photography assistant to my ever growing roster of qualifications. It really allows my attention to detail, personality, and loving energy to shine in a way that had never been celebrated so much before. Now 7 years later we have an amazing Dream Team of fellow artists (and now dear friends) that bring our individual creativity and talents to create magic during photoshoots, galas, and special events. I find both my salon time and my studio time to be important and rewarding. I’m lucky that I get to work with some of the most inspiring and influential people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I get to hear stories of love, strength, survival, grief and celebration. I find it very important to create a space for self love and acceptance. Because of that, I do find significance in understanding all hair textures and skin tones. I specialize in color and I’m excited to be adding extensions to the list this year as well..

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

2 years into my career, I went septic and that left me fighting for my life in the hospital for a little over a month. Being a single mom, I was tormented with guilt for being unable to be an active mother during that period. We had just moved into a new apartment weeks before. With me in the hospital, I wasn’t making money, I wasn’t getting better, and fear was in the drivers seat. Fear of losing long time clients, fear of losing my job, fear of losing my apartment, fear of dying and leaving my son without a mother. However there is strength in community. I had coworkers, friends, old high school buddies, and family show up for me both physically and monetarily. Mitzi, the photographer that i assist, even gave me a raise while she was sitting next to my hospital bed. Healing took months, but I was able to keep my job, and my apartment thanks to the connections that I’ve built along the way.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe that we should be loving and accepting people where they are. Support them being their most authentic self. I feel as though we really tap into our creativity when we are given the support and space to just exist in harmony and in nature.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tamararanae_stylist

Image Credits
Mitzi Starkweather Photography