Tell us a bit about yourself, your career and what you’re busy with right now?
I am a born creative, entrepreneur, wife and mom of two little girls, who has dabbled in cheffing, marketing, PR, advertising, fashion, ceramics and Interior Design. I am currently an interior designer, renovator and decorator working in the Cape Winelands, Atlantic Seaboard, Johannesburg and the UK.
What has been your biggest challenge/lesson in business and life, in general?
Being a strong female at the head of an organization is tough. I feel that woman must get into their masculine to be taken seriously, especially in male-dominated industries, and often get accused of being ‘hard’ instead of respected as a result.
I also wished I had engaged with an experienced mentor and asked more business-related questions that I thought were silly or showed weakness at the time.
Who is/was your role model?
As cheesy as it sounds – my Mom! She is a power businesswoman, entrepreneur and family woman and has taught me a lot of what I know and love about design, interiors and being a mom and wife.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, what has been the one piece of advice you have received which you would like to pass on to the person reading this right now?
Be conscious of the business decisions you’re making and why you are making them. Is it for ego? Is it with a set intention and goal in mind? Or are you doing what is expected and assumed of you? It’s easy to get swept up in the game of ‘playing business’ but this often leads you to a place where you’re just managing people instead of doing what you love and are good at. And HAVE FUN! Stress with entrepreneurship is inevitable but it should be fun and joy-filled too!
What are you most proud of?
My family and the beautiful, creative life I have created. I love my work, I enjoy my play and I appreciate my rest.
What is the one thing you know now, which you would tell your 16-year-old self, and why?
It’s ok not to know everything. Ask questions. Learn from those who know more than you. It isn’t weakness, it’s strength.
Guilty pleasure?
At the moment: binge watching The Royals series while eating smartie laden popcorn
Where can people get hold of you?
tammy@ivydecor.co.za | 083 650 4177 | www.ivydecor.co.za
#WomensMonth