We recently connected with Tamra Sattarelle and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tamra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic career when I was very young. Art was always a part of my life, and my father played a major role in inspiring me to pick up a paintbrush and explore my creativity. What started as a simple hobby quickly became something much more meaningful, I loved capturing the beauty and personality of animals and people, and I found that creating art allowed me to express emotions and tell stories in a way words couldn’t.As I grew older, I spent more time developing my skills and experimenting with different styles and mediums. Whether it was a portrait or a painting, I saw how art could transform a space, evoke emotion, and create connection. Over the years, art became a reflection of how I see the world: with depth, detail, and emotion.That passion continues to drive me today through my paintings and creative projects. Pursuing an artistic career wasn’t a single decision made overnight; it was realization that creating art is who I am and how I contribute to the world around me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Tamra Sattarelle.I am 52 year old Italian woman whose life has been shaped by strong family values, hard work, and a deep connection to both nature and creativity. I was raised in a close-knit, traditional family where togetherness was a priority. Every Sunday was reserved for family dinners at my grandparent’s home-an unspoken rule that was never broken. Those gatherings instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for loyalty, discipline, and the importance of staying grounded in family. My upbringing was uniquely split between two very different worlds. Half of my life was spent in Florida, surrounded by sunshine, ocean air, and long days on the beach.The other half was rooted in Ohio, living on a 70-acre farm where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for animals and the outdoors. This balance between freedom and responsibility helped shape her into someone who is both resilient and adaptable.
Right out of high school,I attended college to become EKG technician. I spent several years working in the medical field, gaining valuable experience and discipline. I eventually realized my ambitions and personality were pulling me in a different direction. I wanted a challenge and unafraid of the unknown, I made a bold decision to leave healthcare behind and took a step into the construction industry-despite having no prior experience. What could have been an intimidating transition became an opportunity for growth, Through my determination, quick learning, and a strong work ethic,I rapidly advanced in a field that demands both physical and mental toughness. I embraced every challenge, learning from the ground up and earned the respect of those around me. Over time, my leadership abilities became evident, and I rose into a supervisory role.For the past 25 years, I have worked as a supervisor in heavy highway and industrial construction, contributing to a large scale infrastructure projects including bridge construction and roadway reconstruction. I have played a key role in managing crews on billion-dollar projects, demonstrating not only technical knowledge but also the ability to lead, problem-solve, and deliver results under pressure. I work for one of the largest construction companies in the world. I take pride in being part of projects that have a lasting impact on communities. Even with my demanding career, I continue to invest in my personal growth. I am currently completing my final classes needed to earn my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on mental health disorders and addiction. My next chapter reflects my desire to give back in a more personal and meaningful way. Looking ahead, I plan to transition into a new phase of life after retiring from construction. I hope to work from home counseling individuals, using my life experience and education to support those facing mental health and addiction challenges. At the same time,I have a dream of owning a food truck-combining my love of people , culture, and community into something creative and fulfilling. Throughout my journey, I have remained grateful for the opportunities I have been given and for the trust my company has placed in my abilities. My story is one of courage, adaptability, and perseverance- a testament to what can happen when someone is willing to step outside their comfort zone and commit fully to growth,
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my life came when I was going through a divorce. At the time, I owned a home and had built a life that I thought would continue on a certain path. When my circumstances changed, I realized I needed more than just a fresh start-I needed an opportunity to rediscover myself. I made the difficult decision to sell my home, let go of most of my belongings, and leave behind the life I had known. I moved to Ft. Lauderdale with no guarantees, but with a determination to rebuild and create a new future for myself. It was both exciting and terrifying because I was stepping completely outside of my comfort zone. During that transition, I learned heavily into my creativity. Art became an outlet for healing, growth, and self-expression. What started as a personal way to cope with change eventually evolved into a professional pursuit. I began investing more time in painting, and creative projects, and developing my own artistic identity and business. The experience taught me that sometimes the most difficult changes create the greatest opportunities.By embracing uncertainty and trusting myself, I was able to turn a challenging chapter into a new beginning. Today, that pivot continues to influence both my artwork and my approach to life, reminding me that growth often happens when we’re willing to take a leap of faith.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes. My mission is to create artwork that connects with people on an emotional level and reminds them that beauty, strength, and healing can come from life’s most challenging moments. Art played a major role in helping me rebuild my life during a difficult transition, and I want my work to have that same impact on others. Through my paintings, I strive to capture emotion, personality, and the unique stories that make people and animals special. I want my artwork to inspire people to see the world differently, appreciate beauty in unexpected places, and feel a sense of connection when they view my work. Beyond creating art, my goal is to continue growing as an artist and business owner while encouraging others to pursue their passions, even when life takes an unexpected turn. My own journey taught me that creativity can be powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and transformation. That belief continues to drive everything I create. At the heart of my creative journey is the desire to leave a positive impact-to create meaningful artwork that tells a story, evokes emotion, and reminds people that resilience and beauty often go hand in hand.
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