Inspirational Beauty: Tamara Walker

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation/Company Name: Freelance publicist that caters to the beauty, fashion and entertainment industries.

Hobbies: I love to read and will read whatever I can get my hands on (be it the newspaper, magazines, blogs or even the encyclopedia!)

ymib: How would you describe a purpose filled life?

Tamara: A life lived in the pursuit of your own happiness and not that of others. If your ultimate goal is do things that you want to do (i.e. study what you would like to study in school and not what your parents think you should study or pursue the job that you dream of having versus one that your significant other thinks your should have) or rather, life your life for yourself, you will be on the road to happiness. Remember, you can't please everyone, so it's best to please yourself.

ymib: What has been the most important life lesson that you have learned thus far?

Tamara: I think the most important thing I have learned so far in life is really a lesson that I am still learning….it's ok to ask for help from time to time. No (wo)man is an island and sometimes it's necessary to ask for help in order for us to accomplish our goals. Don't let pride get in the way. Asking for help does not make you weak.

ymib: What things do you do, or use to keep your body, mind, and soul beautiful and balanced, any favorite beauty/health products, tips, recipes, or regimens?

For My Mind & Soul: To keep myself in balance, I've recently began to set a time each day for myself (even if it is as little as 10 minutes). During my "me" time alone I take deep breaths and recite (either out loud or to myself) positive affirmations about myself.

Beauty Wise: I make an effort to keep all the products I use on my hair as natural as possible. I am a big fan of LuvNoir Natural Skin Care and Cosmetics (especially the mango shea butter—it smells like candy!). I bathe everyday with Nubian Heritage's Olive Butter Soap. I wash my face with Pears glycerin soap. I follow that up witch hazel as an astringent (as recommended by mom) and moisturize with a little bit of Oil of Olay for Sensitive Skin.

For My Body:

I drink lots of water with lemon and try to eat "whole" organic foods regularly. I try to cook majority of the time because that way I can ensure what is going into my body (and cooking for me is therapeutic).

ymib: How does the world look through your eyes?

Tamara: I must admit that from time to time the world can look like a scary and depressing place. When you watch the news or read the papers, it can be very melancholy when you read about the war, famine, crime and more. But I try to remind myself that there is hope and that hope starts with us as individuals. If we dislike the way the world looks, then we need to change it. It can be as simple as reading to children for a few hours a month at the local library (grassroots way of combating illiteracy), collecting new and unused coats to give to a local shelter, or taking your child (or a child in your life) to the museum and expanding their minds. It's the simple things that can actually carry you a long way.

ymib: Most memorable moment in your life thus far?

Tamara: Each day holds memorable moments as each day I wake up and know I am alive.

ymib: What are two things a woman should never take for granted?

Tamara: First and foremost, a woman should never take herself for granted. You are your best friend, lover and resource. Never doubt your ability and what you can do.

Secondly, a woman never should take for granted the love and support of family and friends. I'm not necessarily talking about financial support (though that's always something to be grateful for), but rather the emotional support that we need from time to time. Life becomes so much easier, when you have others to stand at your side. Walking down the path of life isn't so scary when you know that your parents, friends, significant others (even your pets) are there to hold your hand during those scary or sad moments. These people are your biggest fans and should always be treasured.

ymib: What is your personal mission in life?

Tamara: Simply put, to be happy with myself. Once I am happy with me, everything else will fall into place.

ymib: Who is your favorite female role model, past or present, and why?

Tamara: Well, I don't really have a "favorite" role models, but two really are at the forefront of my mind right now.

The woman that tops that list is my mom because she is a survivor. Two years ago my mother battled and won her fight against breast cancer. She was a "woman warrior." My mother didn't allow herself to succumb to self-pity and she sure didn't let anyone else pity her either. She told herself and those around her that she was going to beat cancer and she did. And though the road to recovery hasn't been an easy one, she's been strong, resilient and beautiful the whole time.

One of my other role models may surprise a few of YMIB's Circle Sisters…it's Kimora Lee Simmons. No, I'm not admiring her for her possession but rather for the woman she is. I've always liked the in-your-face, take-me-as I am persona that Kimora exudes and after reading her book "Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It", I find myself admiring her even more. The title I think may mislead the public. Like everyone else, I was curious what it was about. I started reading it and found that it wasn't a list of rules on how to be materialistic but rather it was a guidebook on developing your own path in school and work, taking control of your finances, and achieve the goals one has created for herself —in essence how to rise to your full potential. Fabulosity preaches self-confidence, independence, positivism and sustainability. Every so often I find myself rereading the sections on self-belief & confidence, work & power and positivity & sustainability for a refresher.

ymib: Favorite affirmation/inspirational quote?

Tamara: "To Thine Own Self Be True" – Polonius to his son Laertes in Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

ymib: Any additional comments or advice for our Circle Sisters?

Tamara: Ladies, always remember to look ahead, never look back. You can't undo the past all you can do is try to do your best for the future.