Meet the make-up artist, model and full-time mum who is searching for that sweet spot between family life and work. #NOWYOUCAN
A make-up artist, model and mum, Tara Anderson lives a full-on life, but she manages to balance everything pretty neatly, while still being able to make positive and healthy choices.
As parents, we understand how hard it can be to seamlessly blend family life with a career and live a healthy lifestyle at the same time. Days can be jam-packed with things to do – sometimes mundane and necessary stuff – that it can be easy to let one thing slip. In most cases, this tends to be our health, whether it’s down to the food choices we make or the lack of free time we allow ourselves.
But once we do get it right, everything else, especially our health and our ability to make positive choices, just falls into place. It’s not easy though.
For us, Tara Anderson encapsulates this idea of being able to blend a hectic lifestyle with good, positive choices. She is a busy mum, a successful personality and make-up artist, wife and daughter. She has it all, and when she treats herself, Tara doesn’t want to compromise on taste or experience. When she chooses not to drink alcohol, she enjoys a Heineken® 0.0%.
Tara has worked incredibly hard to build up her career, and it’s something she doesn’t take for granted. And with a new focus – her seven-month-old son Gene – Tara now needs to be constantly on her game, to be sharp and focused so she can live her best life.
Warm, funny and incredibly down-to-earth, Tara is the friend who will give you sound advice and then take you out dancing all night long!
We sat down with the mum recently, to coo over baby Gene and discuss everything from her social media followers to her career as a make-up artist.
You made an exciting career choice and it takes you all over the country. Do you find it difficult being away from your family? Would you ever consider a different career?
My career takes me all over the country and, as much as I love it, it can be tough to be away from my family. But I love what I do, and I try to maintain a balanced lifestyle as much as possible.
Could you tell us how make-up became your passion?
I suffered with my skin in my late teens and took a huge interest in make-up then as it was my security blanket. I then started working on make-up counters before making the choice to go freelance. My favourite part of my job is when my client’s look in the mirror for the first time. Nothing beats that feeling of pride for me. It’s a very satisfying job.
Talk to us about how your large online following. How did it all start? And how does it impact your life?
I worked as a model for a number of years, which I suppose gave me a bit of a platform. When I started documenting my make-up more, I noticed my followers grew. I don’t hold back in sharing moments from my personal life, which I think makes people enjoy following me.
How does the career you chose compliment your role as a mother?
My family comes first and Gene is my priority no matter what, but I do feel extremely privileged that I can work a very flexible career. Like every parent, I am always striving to get the perfect balance between work and home life.
Do you ever feel pressure turning your lifestyle into a career and having to live in the public eye? Would you ever change any of your choices so far?
Obviously, there is a certain amount of pressure when turning your lifestyle into a career and living in the public eye. However, I truly believe that you can have it all when you remain grounded and make positive choices which are right for you.
Tell us about the walks you take with Gene?
I go out for a daily walk with Gene. It’s important for me to take a break from screens and being online. I find getting outdoors really helps me to clear my head and switch off. We love our little strolls in the park. It’s great to spend one on one time with Gene and get some fresh air. We also live really close to my mum, which is amazing. I love having my family living so close to me.
Do you look up to your mum? Tell us about that?
I would say my mum is the person I look up to most. She is such a strong woman who has always been such a positive influence on my life. The family values that she has instilled in me have influenced me as a parent to Gene.
Did your mum give you any advice when you had Gene.
My mum always put her family first, and that is something that I try to replicate with my own little family. She is supportive of my career choices and is always here if I need advice.
Is Daniel supportive of your career?
Yes, Daniel is extremely supportive of my career – he has been from the very start. He is always pushing to me to excel in everything I do, and I’m extremely grateful to him for helping me push myself.
It must be hard to juggle a new baby and a career. Does choosing to go out for a date night occasionally with Daniel help you to unwind?
Daniel and I know how important it is to make some time for just the two of us. We need a break and some time away just to re-connect as couple. I choose not to drink when I have a lot on with work or Gene, but it doesn’t stop me from having fun. There is nothing better than a good laugh and quality time to clear your head.
You get to go on stage around the country with your job. Tell us about that? Do you ever get nervous? What is your favourite thing about being on stage?
One of my favourite things about my job is getting to go on stage! Of course, I get some nervous butterflies beforehand, but generally the excitement starts to override any nerves. Being up there in front of people who follow me and know who I am feels surreal at times. I feel beyond lucky to be able to have a platform where I can connect with people around the country and interact with them.
Do you think the choices you have made until now allow you to do what you do? Do you ever pay attention to what others are doing? How do you keep focused on your own goals?
I truly believe that the positive choices I have made up to this point have allowed me to do what I do for a living. I don’t worry about what other people around me are doing, I just concentrate on myself and keep focused on my own goals and never compromise on them.
Do you enjoy coming home and unwinding after being on stage?
While I do love being on stage, I love nothing more than coming back home to my family and getting to unwind afterwards. I like to close the door and leave the world behind.
How do you relax after a long day?
Daniel and I love to relax on the couch and watch movies. We treat ourselves to some nice food and drinks. For me, choosing to spend quality time and creating memories with the people I am closest to is what life is all about.