Tara Boyette, Fashion Stylist
Instagram: @Styledbytcarb
 COSIGNed By: @COSIGNKG

“Success to me is waking up with a purpose. Having whatever it is that makes you happy being your everything. Not waking up asking yourself “do I want to do this today” But being able to confidently look at yourself and know you are doing what you want to do.” – Tara Boyette

Tara Boyette is a fashion stylist originally from Arlington, TX who we discovered through one of our model friends Roué Vera, who’s also featured in Issue 21. In 2013, Tara moved to Dallas after attending college in Wichita Falls for a year. Growing up she originally wanted to become a Marine Biologist, but would soon find out her true calling. “So funny looking back but, I loved dolphins so much. After realizing I would have to work with other aquatic animals aside from dolphins I was like “um no I’ll stick to painting dolphins” Which I did. I developed a love for painting and decided I wanted to be an artist. I couldn’t put a finger on what type of artist at first. But, after soul searching and taking 7 different art classes including painting, drawing, photography and ceramics, I realized nothing was sticking and I needed to find my calling,” she says. And that she did with fashion. “I can honestly say I have always been a stylist. I was styling before I knew I was styling.”

Tara’s personal curiosity of finding out her passion led her to fashion. “While working retail I realized how limited I was so I began styling on my off days. I started doing work for friends here and there. But, I think what sparked my full interest was working for Charles Smith on the “Do Not Touch” collection. That was my “ok, stop playing around and give this your all” moment,” she says.

Check out our interview with Tara below to find out why we #COSIGN her learn about her journey to becoming signed with The Campbell Agency.

Who inspires you the most in your industry?

Jennifer Grace @thenativefox. She is my dream aesthetic. Mel Ottenberg, the man behind Rihanna’s most iconic looks. And Shiona Turini, Solange Knowles stylist. I admire her reputation for being the woman who can and will do anything to find a look.

What has been your biggest struggle in getting to where you are now in your profession?

Internal conflict and money. Being afraid to take chances but knowing I won’t be happy until I do. Putting myself and my work out there and not being afraid of criticism. And then money. Money is a big one. Maintaining a full time job to pay my bills but being limited on styling because I’m not available enough. It makes me happy to say I’ve moved passed the internal conflict side and I’m working on the money part. When it comes to me and my work I just do what I want now. I don’t ask for advice and I don’t over think. I just do.

Did you have a “leap of faith” moment, and if so, how did you decide to make the leap and what were the circumstances around it?

I most definitely have had a leap of faith moment. I’ve actually had three major leap of faith moments. But I would say my biggest one was leaving Nordstrom. I had been with the company for three years and had climbed the management ladder. I was actually up for my fourth promotion, but I felt so limited. So, I quit. I quit 11 days before Christmas, took two weeks off to gather my thoughts and took a job that was less demanding. There was no management ladder to climb, way less responsibility, and “normal hours”. Once I did that I knew I couldn’t look back. And the people around me knew the same. We all just kinda looked at each other and knew this was my time and I needed to push.

What makes you unique compared to the rest in your field?

A couple of things. I think a lot of work in Dallas is very commercial and, I am not commercial. As a generation I see us getting away from so much commercial work and I love it. There are some super dope artist in dallas who are starting to push the limits and I consider myself to be one of them. I want my work to leave a taste in the viewers mouth. Wether that’s good or bad I prefer flavor over water.

How has social media improved your business or brand?

Tremendously!! Social media has helped me more than I can express. Well, Instagram. Instagram has been my largest platform. I actually have a couple separate accounts that help me reach different audiences. I have my personal Instagram @tcarb that is well, personal. It shows me, my lifestyle, my relationships, and my personal style. Then I have my styling page @styledbytcarb that strictly shows my work. I love having the two separate accounts despite others telling me it should be combined to one. I really enjoy having a professional page that is a clear, organized thread of my work I can show to clients. And a personal page that I can just post what I want and not have to think about it. Both pages have given me the opportunity to expand my talents and connect to different groups of people.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

I’d have to say getting signed to The Campbell Agency. I set myself a lot of mini goals that are obtainable but require a lot of work. Getting representation was one of those goals. It was a huge moment for me.

How do you deal with adversity?

I honestly just keep it moving. I don’t get hung up on the small stuff. If anything I feel myself get annoyed at situations more than I ever get sad/ mad/ upset. As a person I have a lot of patience with others and the world. I also have a ton of faith in myself. So at the end of the day I know I got me always. So no matter what happens I’ll be ok because I won’t allow myself to be anything but that.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I’m not a planner. I don’t believe in or have a guild line to life. I also refuse to confirm to time limits. I’m like prince, I don’t believe in time. (Probably why I’m never on time to anything) But, if we must talk time I see myself more established, successful and honestly wherever life takes me in 5 years.

When it’s all said and done what do you want your legacy to be?

That I always did exactly what I wanted to do.

Who do you #COSIGN?

V. Detta @swangdettaswang
Jake Rosenhoover @rosenhoover
Charles Smith @smiththe2nd
Damez @damez
Denzel Golatt @denzelgolatt
Antonio Guerrero @thestylewarrior.co
Rockedbylola @thelolajayy
Elias the Creative @eliasthecreative
Roué Vera @ixorv
Mandy Santarelli @mandysantarelli
Christy Ray @christyyray