Meet Tami Terrell | Actor. Producer. Possibilitarian.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tami Terrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tami, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I know this has been said thousands of times, but I pursue an artistic career because it is literally ALL I see myself doing. I have tried to see myself doing something else with the same amount of passion and ’til this day, I haven’t come up with anything else. Pursuing something artistic allows me to tap into my child-like side and use my imagination. We don’t realize how much we lose that as we grow further into adulthood, using our brains only to think logically rather than creatively. I like how this makes me feel because it lets me know that the possibilities are endless. It’s activates my super powers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d like to think of myself as a raw talent connoisseur. I can see and appreciate raw, undeveloped talent and can think of ways to use it as it is. It inspires me in many ways because I first can appreciate it for what it is. From the small things like the texture of someone’s voice to the way they laugh. I see this a lot in my friends who have no aspirations to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, use them in small projects and they bring life into a character so naturally that their performance is practically captivating. Plus I genuinely enjoy creating with other creatives. I could do this every weekend and still go to work. I believe that’s what sets me apart from others.

I am most proud and excited about our web-series “Swipe” that my friends and I created in my living room. We collaborated on the writing of this series drawing from our own individual experiences. COVID impacted the production significantly, but we powered through and excited to be putting out the first 3 episodes by the end of 2021. I personally never thought I could produce anything before, let alone help bring an idea to life. So to be able to look back and see how far we’ve come is a blessing.

I got to where I am by having friends and loved ones around me that genuinely believe in me. People who continued to push me when I gave up on myself countless times. People who saw what I could do when I couldn’t anymore, and still reached out to me to make sure I stayed tapped in to my passion in some way, be it helping on set or just hanging around chatting about some ideas I had. When we finished “Swipe” and was ready to start production, those same people did not hesitate to jump in to lend a hand or resources to help see it through. I am forever grateful to them. This was no easy feat, for sure. However, I made the decision to not back down from the challenge whenever I felt any pressure. I decided early on that I wouldn’t let the people down that helped me this far and determined to see it through as far as I could take it. Remembering that decision wasn’t easy either by my friends held me accountable and that carried me through a lot of the tough times.

I’ve learned a few things from pursuing this path such as the importance of putting on blinders to stay focused on what’s in front of you. Looking at what everyone else is doing will always slow you down. You don’t win YOUR race looking from left to right. Also, being prepared. Going into projects without some type of plan or focus will have you wasting a lot of gas. Lastly, you can’t do everything yourself. There’s an African proverb that says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Everything is better when you have someone there to help carry the load with you.

I want the world to know that I am here to create. To tell stories that move others. And ultimately show people how to use their super powers for good. Being on this earth and tucking them away does no one any good. Get about the business of pursuing your purpose so that you can leave here empty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were in town the first place we’d visit is the bed. I know my best friend, and she’s going to want to get some sleep first before we do anything. The jetlag can be a mutha once you land and our recovery time isn’t the best these days lol. Once she’s rested up, I’d take her to the beach, gotta get that out the way. We’d go to Venice and ride bikes so we can take in the ocean breeze and sunshine. We’d park and chill under the sun and listen to some music while having a drink or two. I’d have to make sure we hit the Bleu Truck for some Shrimp and Garlic Noodles (so bomb!). I’d definitely take her to the Hilltop for some coffee or a latte so we can sit and chat to catch up. I love to cook so one of those nights I’ll be making some of my best recipes for her, something Vegan since I’m a flexitarian some days. We’d have to hit up Leimert Park and walk around, catch some live music, art, food and buy some goodies. I’d take her to see some prominent landmarks of course, Hollywood, Crenshaw/Slauson, downtown LA etc. And lastly, we have to get a hike in to the Hollywood sign for sure! That’s a must!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late mother, Mz TLove, and my late brother, Harry Taylor aka Harry Hustle. It was their passion for living life on their terms that kept me looking towards fulfilling my dreams, & even in their recent passing that I continue to pursue it with reckless abandon. I also attribute my success to God who’s the ultimate orchestrator of my life. My steps are divinely ordered, so I’m not late. I’m right on time.

x

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