We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tara Battani Bowles. Check out our conversation below.
Tara, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I direct middle school and high school productions, and last year I directed JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT with about 60 kids. For those of you who don’t know, the show is based on the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and after some other terrible things, he ended up working for the Pharoah in a really powerful position and ended up forgiving his brothers. There was some pushback when I chose the show, because it’s difficult and challenging for the singers/actors. But I was adamant – I really felt like In was supposed to do this show with this particular group of kids. It was almost like a little nudge from God that I couldn’t ignore. So at every show, we have a student do a Bible study for the cast and crew, and maybe a testimony. It’s always a very sweet time. Well, the last day of the show I had a middle schooler come up to me and ask to talk to me. This is a kid who has been through a lot – his mother had died because of bad choices, and he had been adopted by a really loving couple. We went to a private corner and he said, “I just wanted to tell you, because of this show and the way Joseph forgave his brothers, I’ve decided I’m going to forgive me Mom.” I was gobsmacked. I asked the child to share this with the whole cast and crew at the Bible Study time, and it floored and touched everyone. was so blown away. THIS child was the reason we did this show. Just so he could have this incredible forgiving moment. God saw to it that this show was done just so this one child learned that lesson. It blew me away. I will always listen to my instincts for that very reason. It made me so proud.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Tara Battani Bowles is a teacher, director, artist, writer, and actress. Born in Des Moines, Iowa and raised in Austin, Texas, she moved to Los Angeles in her twenties and worked as an actress and director for twenty years. She moved back to Texas in 2022 and has spent the last three years directing award winning shows at Prestonwood Christian Academy North, as well as working as actress in commercials and TV in and around Texas.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I had a hard time with conflict. I also had a hard time asking for help when I needed it. I thought I had to do everything on my own. Even into my twenties, I really avoided relying on anyone for anything. I’ve since learned that it’s okay to ask for favors, it’s okay and sometimes necessary to ask for help, and I don’t have to do anything on my own. And conflict isn’t a problem, it can be talked and worked through in healthy ways. My husband was largely instrumental for me learning this. I had a lot of un-learning to do.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’m still learning. But what I am in the process of understanding is you cannot define success and failure the way the world does. A lot of the things you wanted at 25 won’t be the same at 45. You could completely change your mind about a career choice – it’s your right and decision. Some people may see it as “failure” but the truth is, sometimes you have to experience a career and it’s only then you realize it’s not what you thought you wanted. Sometimes a career choice attacks what you value, or your moral compass, or what you believe to be right and wrong. Also, I’ve learned that you can pursue something, it doesn’t work out, and there’s nothing wrong with trying. You didn’t fail. You tried something that didn’t work. So you’re free to try another thing that WILL work. It took a LONG time to learn that, and in some way I am STILL learning how to maneuver. Another example of un-learning. We spend a lot of our lives un-learning things. I’m understanding the shame that accompanies “failure” is sometimes nothing more than grief, letting go of something that maybe was part of your identity for a long time. It’s important to let that go.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I try to make sure the kids I direct and teach are clear of the horrible messages the entertainment industry can throw at you. Body image is a huge one. I hate the focus there is on how big and small our bodies are – it feeds into the abuse young men and women force upon their bodies with eating disorders, yo yo dieting, over exercising and more. I truly believe the entertainment industry is a wonderful one which provides incredible opportunities and entertains the world. But sometimes it points in the direction of perfection and that we should all attain it (which the people in the industry do with the help of plastic surgeons, dieticians, trainers, bad habits, etc. all of which are things that they can afford and common folk can’t necessarily) and that’s not necessarily in our grasp. It angers me to see girls as young as 11 starving themselves to get that “thigh gap” or “6 pack belly’ that isn’t always necessarily achieved by celebrities in the healthiest of ways. It’s a cruel industry and you have to know who you are and that your worth is something outside of what you can accomplish and book as an entertainer. Otherwise it will eat you alive and TELL you how to think.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was Intentional. Present. Caring. Truthful. Understanding. And that I loved my family and friends well. And that I tried to live like Jesus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TaraBattani.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbatbowles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraBattani/
