Following my Heart Through the Summer Issue

Self-Portrait

 I am a very proud woman who loves her country. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. America has always been the greatest country, which is obviously why many foreigners want to come here, whether legally or illegally. We are great, we are free, and we are the American Dream.

I am free to own my own business here, free to travel, and free to follow my dreams. Many people either don’t take advantage of the freedoms we have or take our freedoms for granted, which is what is happening in the world today. This is also why we are in the situation of possibly losing our freedom.

I am very proud to be an American, and I am proud to follow my heart and go after my dreams. Interviewing many people in other countries has given me insight into how blessed we are to live in America. I don’t take that for granted, but many do.

Proud to Follow My Dreams

I am proud of “Tamarah’s Closet,” and it has been a dream come true. I have met many people from around the world and have been blessed to celebrate their God-given talents. As a photographer, I am blessed to have this creative outlet, which complements everything I do. I am very blessed to have also created my magazine, “Tamarah’s Closet,” as an extension of my show.  It is another way to celebrate talented people, share my photography, and share my inspirational writing.

Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed people who do not use their God-given talents. They go to school or college and then go to work for corporate America. That is fine if they are happy, but many people spend much of their lives looking forward to retirement because they don’t really love what they do. When you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work, so you don’t think of retiring.

I am very proud of my show and my magazine. Each issue teaches me something more about myself and what I do. My current issue, Summer 2024, is one that I am particularly proud of. I hope it will provoke an awakening in those who read it and remind them of what a great country we live in.

When I started the magazine, just like all elements of “Tamarah’s Closet,” I had the support of some friends and family.  As time went on, and I kept going forward, interviewing more people, the support of some friends and family seemed to weaken.  While I was warned of this from the many books I’ve read and speakers I’ve learned from, it still was hard to accept. It didn’t and does not stop me, for I know I have a purpose, and I will continue to push forward, even though everyone isn’t for me.

When you find your purpose, and if it is big, then the haters often come out of the woodwork.  You must have thick skin to take the heat.  I do. God has prepared me for this throughout my life. What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger, and strong I am. I credit my courage to God and my mother, for she was tough. God gave me my strength through my difficult journey, and he pulled me through every obstacle. My journey and all the humility I’ve faced have made me the compassionate person I am today. Humility can be your greatest asset towards being more humane. Remember that. Remember, humans get jealous, so learn to brush that off your shoulders. Stay focused on the prize and focused on your purpose.

Grateful to God Through My Parents

Tamarah's Parents, Rudy and Becky Rudisill

I am grateful to my parents for raising me in the Church and teaching me about God. I can’t imagine surviving my journey without my faith.  Through my love for God, my heart remains filled, and I attract the paths I am intended to take to build my character and to build my dreams.  While I am not in a church today, my faith is stronger than ever, and I’ve always felt closer to God in nature than in a church. I am grateful for churches and love that people have a place to go worship. I hope more people will turn to God.  

My summer issue of Tamarah’s Closet is meant to remind people of what a great country we have. It's my "America the Beautiful" project. I spent time with people of different races and walks of life and photographed them with the American Flag. Then, I had each person share a little about what they love about being an American.  For some, it was difficult, but through the photo shoots, they came alive and found patriotism again and were able to write beautiful words.

This issue is a must-read, so I hope you will pick up a copy, read it, and keep it for years to come.  My magazine is beautiful and makes a great coffee table book as well.  While I want to create unity again within people, I know that is a larger task only God can fill, but I do my part.

If you don’t have a copy and are not local, you can purchase this current issue here online.  I also offer subscriptions to “Tamarah’s Closet,” which is currently a seasonal magazine. I look forward to many more issues to come, and more inspiration.

If you've read my current summer issue, Summer 2024, leave me a comment here or on Facebook!

To your own success, rock it!

Tamarah Ellen