In college, I was initially a Computer Science major.
After hours of programming and Calculus woes, I settled on a degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Business Administration.
However, I never could shake my love of computers.
While traveling abroad, I'd had a lot of time to read.
Shortly after MySpace popped off in 2003, I began using the minimal knowledge I gained from my introductory programming courses to code changes to my profile page.
Fast-forward 11 years and several online courses later, I was able to couple my love for design and computers into the Tam Finley Design Studio™, a full-service creative design boutique for “faith-fueled” entrepreneurs seeking great brand design.
For the first time everything came full-circle, not only am I able to do what I love, but I'm afforded the opportunity to assist other Lifepreneurs® like myself in figuring it all out. (This is when Tinkerbell taps her magic wand!)
I also became an Authorized Squarespace Trainer to provide my clients and mentees with further insight into working with “drag and drop” websites.
In addition, to design, I offer expertise in brand styling and small business strategies.
Vintage1980 Photography™ was a gift I stumbled upon.
While globe-trotting with my husband, I had begun taking pictures.
I enjoyed it.
So much so, that I invested in a good camera.
It only took a few people asking me to take their family portraits for me to take the next steps.
I signed up for a local photography class and got a business license.
Photography gives me a wonderful opportunity to bless others while displaying my creative expressions.
It's the perfect side hustle for a Mom and whenever design business is slow, photography is in season.
Last but definitely not least, I use my expansive global travel experiences to curate posh, cultural, excursions for clients seeking travel at its best.
#VacationLife Travels, my independent travel boutique aims to offer relaxation, refinement, and luxury travel all-in-one.
ES: What’s a day in your life look like?
TF: My days are usually somewhat routine. Though I do a lot of different things, I try my best to implement the same workflow practices and client processes in each business. The key is scheduling. I try my best to exercise in the early AM and then go home and get an hour of naptime. (Naps are essential to Lifepreneurs®!) My work day begins at 8 AM. I usually begin in my bed answering emails. These emails come from a number of sources from photography, travel, or web design clients and even my neighbors who I assist as the HOA President. Around 9 AM, I get up and move to my office where I begin my week planning design project timelines or editing pictures. Throughout the day, I'm usually also juggling household chores. I break for lunch at midday and typically dress around this time. (So yes, most of my work is done in my PJs!). I occasionally have out of office meetings, virtual consults, LIVE webinars or design courses, which require suitable attire or day date with my husband (Another essential!). After lunch, I take calls and correspond with travel clients and potential design leads until 2:30 PM. I pick my son up from school around 3 PM. Lately my evenings have been filled chauffeuring him around to his extracurricular activities or assisting my husband with our travel basketball team. Dinner usually depends on what's going on that week so it may be take-out or I may cook. On a perfect day, I'm able to meditate and pray throughout the day and at least 30 minutes before bed. I also try my best to schedule in about 7 hours a week for self-care, self-reflection, and retrospection.
ES: How do you balance it all, especially working from home with your spouse?
TF: As I mentioned above scheduling is "key", but I also give myself permission to screw up some days. Some days just aren't going to go according to plan. On those days we make the best of the situation, learn, and move forward. As for working with my spouse, it is definitely challenging some days, but we've been married for 13 years so we've learned some conflict resolution strategies that we often use while working together in our businesses. We also respect boundaries and each other's constructive opinions. We try our best to over-communicate. We digitally sync our calendars to keep everyone involved informed. We use the "do not disturb" feature on our phones to ensure our businesses don't monopolize our family time and sanity. Last but not least, we learned to say "no" to anything that doesn't support our family mission of cherishing each other and not just making a living but getting the most we can out of life while we do it.
ES: What are some of your favorite or most utilized apps do you use while Lifepreneuring™?