We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lori Tamara. Check out our conversation below.
Lori, 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. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Many people are secretly struggling with just living life. Everything doesn’t need to be over the top or luxury, but social media makes it feels like it does. That constant chase for validation takes away the joy of simply being content.
There’s beauty in ordinary moments. Cooking at home, enjoying your family, sitting in peace with yourself – those things hold more value than any flashy post. The real flex is knowing how to live without needing everyone to clap for it.
I pride myself in building a life I don’t need a vacation from.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At my core, I’m a woman of faith, family, and resilience. My roles as a wife, mother of three and grandmother of six shape everything I do.
Family is at the heart of everything I do, and they are my biggest motivation. Beyond that, I’m a lifestyle influencer and content creator who loves to inspire women to embrace beauty, fashion, and everyday living with confidence and ease – encouraging a soft life for all.
My journey as a breast cancer survivor shaped not only my perspective on life but also my mission to create spaces where women feel seen, supported and celebrated.
One of the ways I bring that mission to life is through A Cup of Gratitude, a signature tea party experience I host that’s more than just an event, it’s a gathering rooted in sisterhood, elegance, and purpose. This year’s event is event is especially dear to me because we are raising funds for women who have been newly diagnosed or are currently receiving treatment and need assistance with things like – rideshare to appointments, healthy meals and snacks, coloring books, crossword puzzle and other activities during treatment.
For me, it’s about turning my personal story of survival into a source of strength for others. When I look at my family, my community, and the women who come together for A Cup of Gratitude, I see resilience, beauty and a reminder that life is best lived when we uplife others.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds between people is dishonesty. Once truth is compromised, trust goes with it, and without trust the relationship can’t stand on solid ground. Even the smallest lie creates cracks that only grow deeper with time.
What restores bonds is integrity and transparency. When people can count on your words to match your actions, it rebuilds faith in the relationship. Honesty opens the door for healing, and integrity keeps it open. That’s how connections are not only repaired but made stronger.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most in my lfe was expressing my opinion. For a long time, I felt muted, like I had to dim my light and dumb myself down just to make other people comfortable. That silence wasn’t protection, it was a cage.
Finding my voice has been the most freeing part of my journey. Now I speak with confidence, even if it ruffles feathers, because my perspective matters. I’ve learned that muting yourself serves no one, and the right people will value you more for standing in your truth.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells is that everything has to be picture-perfect. From the flawless skin to the luxury lifestyle, it creates the illusion that if you don’t look or live a certain way, you don’t measure up. That’s not real life, it’s marketing.
The truth is, life is layered. Some days you feel beautiful and unstoppable, other days you’re in sweatpants trying to make it through. Both sides are valid, but the industry rarely shows the full picture. That constant push for perfection keeps people in comparison mode instead of embracing their own journey.
What people really connect with is authenticity. When you’re transparent about the highs and the lows, it gives others permission to breathe and say “Me too”. That’s where influence becomes powerful, not perfection, but in honesty.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely I could! Praise is nice, but it’s not my fuel. My motivation comes from knowing that I gave my best. That’s the standard I set for myself. Recognition fades, but the work you put out with integrity, that’s lasting!
I’ve learned that applause can be inconsistent, but consistency with myself is what carries me. Even if no one claps, I still show up, because excellence is a habit, not a performance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acupofgratitude.my.canva.site/acupofgratitude
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsvpwithlori
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rsvpwithlori
