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

Hi Tamea, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think about risk as being a life gamble. Moving to Los Angeles was a risk in itself. I moved here with a resume full of sports and dedication, what could I possibly have known about the fashion and event production industries? Not much, but I was NOT going to let that stop me from taking advantage of all the opportunities that came my way. For each tv show I have worked on, every movie set I have assisted and for each event I have produced/coordinated I have approached each opportunity with a fearful heart. That fear I felt inside was fuel for me, it propelled me each time I decided to take a chance and step out of my comfort zone. Whether I was taking a new position or accepting a new project, if it had not taken advantage of the fearful and risky moments I don’t think I wouldn’t have made it over the humps meant to stop me. Since taking the RISK of moving to L.A. each year keeps getting better and better. Who knew that a former professional basketball player would be producing some of the best fashion events in the South Bay and working on sets with some of the best talent in Hollywood? I did, I set my mind to find my way in this city and I did just that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of how I have never gave up on myself. I never folded when most would have. I didn’t lose sight of my goals as most would have. For me, just being in Los Angeles was a major risk to take in itself. Having the capability to sustain a consistent life in a big city like L.A. is a major accomplishment. I moved here 12 years ago with very little to no industry experience and continued to find my way and find my place to continue on this journey called life. I would be lying if I said this road has been easy. Since I lacked experience for any hiring positions, I took it upon myself to create my own events, partake and/or volunteer for other productions JUST to gain any level of experience. They say life experience is the best teacher and I must admit it has been the best learning device thus far. I continued to build my resume and it was challenging to get anyone to believe in me as I believed in myself. The first person to take a chance on me was my now friend and mentor Moonglow McLean. I started out as his assistant costumer on a feature film. Everyday this man taught me something new and not just about my position. He taught me so much about LIFE. the one thing I will always remember is to close my mouth and listen. Sometimes its just good to listen to those that have come before you. Thinking you know everything will leave you to your own demise and how far can you REALLY get with your own knowledge? Lets be real, we can only go as far as our own experiences take us. I have learned from every person that has crossed my path and the biggest lesson was to LISTEN. What I want the world to know about my brand is that everything I do, I do with passion. The things I create and produce have to make sense in the grand scheme of things. Those that are in my presence or have followed my work will forever feel the energy and love surrounded by the products I put out. I love what I do for the kids, for the community and also, for myself. I have had MANY blocks and bumps in the road meant to stop me and each time I continue to get over each one of them very high determination and a disciplined soul. I have always led by example and it continues to show in my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to kick things off with food, no one wants to be out and about on an empty stomach. Brunch you say? My favorite spot would have to be bottomless mimosa’s at The Rockefeller in Manhattan Beach. You get to see the water, catch a nice sunny breeze from the ocean and even a nice view as you walk off your meal. In the mood for seafood? Hot N Juicy is my ultimate favorite spot, a little messy but sooooo worth the flavorful goodness. For Korean BBQ my favorite spot would have to be Moodaepo II in Koreatown. In the mood for soul food? The best spot to go to would be Dulan’s Soulfood Kitchen on Crenshaw. I am such a foodie, anything you want I have a top of the list option. Next up shopping so we will swing by Santa Monica Place, I mean why not? You get the best of so many worlds in one place, it’s a win win. We can shop until we drop, stop for a happy hour in between, listen to live music and even people watch for a bit if we want to. Now for your nightly entertainment, I would take my friends to a comedy club. It seems to be a place not many go to often, so it’s usually a nice treat, can’t go wrong with a night full of laughs. If I am able to catch any live music, It would be at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood on Monday nights. They have an amazing piano bar and only the BEST singers in the place will grace the mic. What’s a visit to L.A. without going to the beach? My favorite beach to go to is Manhattan beach, there’s a local ice cream parlor, Manhattan Beach Creamery. They make their ice cream in house and it’s a MUST to go to. There is even a local pizza spot that has New York style slices as well, Manhattan Pizzeria. Get an icee too if you can. I am such a foodie, that’s definitely one of my favorite things to do anything else outside of that, find me at the beach 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few that I would like to give recognition and shoutout t. If it hadn’t been for these individuals I am not sure where I would be in my career at this point in time. The ones I want to shout out are my mother, Patricia Scales, my mentor/friend Moonglow McLean, designer/friend Rolland Ryan, designer/friend Chinyere Ibekwe, my friend/colleague Thanhdi Nguyen and marketing strategist/friend Sweeney Montinola. Just to name a few, these are a few people that have supported me throughout my career and have played a vital part with where I am today. I have a pretty big support system behind as well as along side me. I wish I could name everyone, however, off the top these are the ones that stick out to me.

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