Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Taylor McDougal.
Hi Tamara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the youngest of nine children, born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the South, mostly in Arkansas. Out of the nine of us, four were my mother’s children, and my other five siblings were from my father’s earlier marriage. My father passed away when I was two years old, so my mother raised the four of us on her own. She was a missionary in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), so we pretty much “grew up” in the church, and her strength, faith, and heart for people shaped who I am today.
My mom also had a special heart for children. She would gather as many as twenty kids for church, some family and some friends. We would have the house and cars full of kids, as mom wanted to ensure anyone she came in contact with, especially children, had a relationship with God and was surrounded by love and guidance. Watching her give so much of herself to others taught me to always help people and to treat them the way I want to be treated.
Over the years, my sisters and I started a singing group called The Taylor Sisters. I was always the more low-key and quieter one out of my siblings and didn’t like being on stage. My brother taught me how to play the drums at a very young age, so I also played the drums for several years. We would go to different churches and church conventions singing our little hearts out, lol. Sometimes I would have to play the drums and sing at the same time. I used to love to make up songs and melodies and write them down in a little notepad. I would also put all types of unique and different clothes or outfits together that most people wouldn’t think of wearing together. I used to always hear, “How did you put that together to make it look cute? I would’ve never thought of that together.” Creativity has always been a big part of my life.
As I’ve grown, I’ve lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, and now Texas, where I’ve been in the DFW area since around 2015. After more than 15 years in customer service, I knew I wanted more freedom and purpose. Around 2017, my love for unique t-shirts led me to start making my own. I began crafting, but at first, I didn’t stay consistent. While caring for my mom, who has been on a long journey with dementia and other health issues, crafting became a peaceful outlet for me. Eventually, I picked it back up with more focus and consistency. When people started asking where I got my shirts and I told them I made them, my business, Tam’s Designs, was born.
In June 2024, I married my wonderful husband, who also owns his own businesses, KMAC Financial Solutions and KLM Sound and Engineering. KMAC Financial Solutions provides services including taxes, life insurance, credit repair, and more, while KLM Sound and Engineering provides professional audio services for churches and organizations, in case any reader is in need of those services. My husband has been such a huge supporter in my business since before we were married, and he invested and continues to invest in my business. Shortly before our marriage, I was able to leave my full-time job to focus on caring for my mom, my home, and my creative passion.
Throughout the years, I’ve added many more services to my business, which include tumblers, website design, posters, sparkle photos, labels, marketing materials, business cards, and more.
Following my passion has allowed me to put smiles on my customers’ faces when they receive their orders, whether t-shirts, tumblers, photos, and more. This has also helped me bring visions to life for other business owners by assisting them with creating marketing materials and other custom items. I’ve been blessed to work with small businesses, everyday customers, and more, to a high-ranking music producer with credits including Disney Studios, Nickelodeon, Grammy-nominated projects, and more. I have truly enjoyed this journey.
My journey has been one of faith, growth, and purpose. Through it all, God has shown me that every step, even the hard ones, leads you closer to where you’re meant to be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not always been easy or a smooth road. When my dad passed away when I was only two years old, it was a huge adjustment for our family. My mom had lost her husband, her partner, and her friend, and she was suddenly left to raise four kids on her own. That alone came with its own challenges at times.
But one thing my mom never wavered in was her faith. No matter the circumstances, she prayed and prayed, never losing her trust in God. And time and time again, God showed up right on time.
As I grew into adulthood, I had to navigate my own journey, figuring out my career, my relationships, and what I wanted out of life. Each step came with lessons and challenges that shaped me. I always say I don’t regret any part of my life because every experience has contributed to the person I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of Tam’s Designs, a creative business that began with my love for unique t-shirts and has since grown to offer a wide range of custom products and services. I specialize in designing and creating personalized items such as t-shirts, tumblers, sparkle photos, posters, labels, business cards, marketing materials, and more. Over time, I’ve been able to assist other business owners in bringing their visions to life by helping them create professional, eye-catching marketing materials, as well as everyday customers with t-shirt orders, tumblers, and other custom items.
I am known for having a creative touch, and people who know me often reach out to ask if I can handle a certain creative task even if it’s not something I advertise because they know I will always try my best to figure it out, lol.
What I am most proud of is the joy my work brings to my customers. Whether it’s a custom t-shirt, a personalized tumbler, or a full set of branding materials, seeing their excitement and knowing I helped turn their ideas into reality is incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face or make their day a little brighter through my creativity. As previously stated, I’ve been blessed to work with small businesses, everyday customers, and even a music producer with Disney Studios, Nickelodeon, and Grammy-nominated projects, and I am grateful for them all.
What sets me apart is my focus, consistency, and creativity. I approach every project with care and attention to detail, combining my passion for crafting with a commitment to quality. My personal experiences, including caring for my mom and her health challenges, have taught me patience and perseverance, which I carry into my work. Following my passion has allowed me to create meaningful, custom pieces that leave a lasting impression, and I truly enjoy every part of this journey.
Any big plans?
I plan to continue making a difference in the lives of those I come across, whether through my services or products, a word of encouragement, or inspiration. I also have some goals I am praying for and working toward, and I’ll share more about them when the time is right, lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalchicwithgoals?fbclid=IwY2xjawOd9jZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyNFptaG1EdVlFVzlsVzhxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHopWq6adXensFaBO0Zxv2LpLgySMWmVAujAPqZ118ulc3TDj61sbbPhfXJGN_aem_0INT2PCH4hTsfKMuXy6yTQ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565449523100
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsTam25/shorts
Image Credits
Tamara Taylor McDougal,
Tam’s Designs
