Terrah Holder is a mom, entrepreneur, and creative genius. I remember the first conversation I had with Terrah, I had only known her for about 10 minutes when she started giving me social media tips and tricks. I was in awe of how simply creative and positive she was. She never ceases to put out incredibly beautiful content. I chose Terrah to be apart of Feature Friday because of her story, It is one worth listening to. She is the perfect embodiment of hard work and determination, but with a fun twist. I am so grateful for the relationship I have created with Terrah. ** Check out my Instagram for some TJ Creative Photos**
..............................................................................................................................................................
How did you decide on your profession?
Honestly, it took years! I tried so many different things. As a kid, I thought I was going to be a professional ice skater… True story haha. I did pageants, I did competitive dance, I tried modeling as a teen, I moved to California think that was destiny. But then I turned 24 and I was considered too old for LA agencies. I opened a model and talent agency, Desert Models just as social media was coming into the seen (bad timing). I graduated from college with a marketing degree, I learned how to build websites, I learned photography while serving tables at night. I opened a Web Design/Social Management company Desert Pop. I helped build my daughter's social accounts which taught me EVERYTHING social media and social media marketing. I built a photography business. I moved states. And finally,…. After all those years of looking and learning I built TJ Creative.
Today, TJ Creative is everything that I have learned and experienced in one. I now service several clients in management, content creation and education and at the age of 36 I finally feel I am in the right lane.
What is your favorite part of your profession?
My favorite part of my profession is that I am extremely passionate about it. It’s like everything I loved doing during my journey wrapped in one.
Do you believe photos we see on social media reflect a positive image to young women and should be something they look up to or do you believe that most pictures on social media are photoshopped and are not obtainable standards that young women should idolize?
I have mixed feelings about this one. Obviously, I love photography, I love social media and I love photoshop, lightroom and face tune (no shame). And people may not see that as a positive, but I think a lot of the images that people are creating are amazing and artistic. Sometimes changing the filter/preset on an image will change the entire look and feel of an everyday photo. And to me that is Art. I think as time goes on, we are becoming more aware of this reality and we can recognize that photoshop and highlight reels are just part of the game. In fact, I think we are more aware than we have ever been before. The mixed feelings come in because I do have teenagers and I see what they face in the eye of social media. From having teens and working very closely with teens I truly believe it is so important for anyone with an audience to be conscious of their message. It is up to the creator to share positive and obtainable messages for girls to idolize. If you can be authentic, creative and conscious in your message than I think that is amazing!! Just tell the whole story
As a photographer what are some pointers you would give to those who may not feel confident in front of a camera?
I think the biggest tip I could give anyone who is wanting to get in front of the camera is to practice… silly right?? Practice posing, find poses you like and recreate them yourself. Even if you never post them! It will help you so much when you end up working with a professional photographer. What makes a model/client easy to photograph is when they are a MASTER at poses. Another little tip I always tell my clients is….. every time you hear my camera click! Change your pose. Does that mean dramatically? No, not at all. It could be the tilt of the head, a laugh or a goofy face. Remember you don’t want 300 images of the same face. I promise this alone will make the session more successful.
When did you learn the importance of self love?
Sadly, I would say it wasn’t until I was like 34. I had a challenging upbringing and didn’t ever understand that Self-Love meant Self Discipline. I struggled with depression greatly and unfortunately, I became an expert at SELF HATE. Through that I learned and practiced self-discipline aka SELF LOVE. When you discipline yourself to eat healthy, to become a better writer, to set boundaries you are showing yourself, SELF LOVE! When you Love yourself you are a better version of you!
What do you continue to do to promote and encourage self-love to others?
I have just recently put my big toe into the mental health honesty pool. I wanted to become an expert and be completely healed of my SELF HATE before I ever felt I could speak about the subject. Part of my mission with TJ Creative is to create and share positive and obtainable messages for myself, my clients and through education.
What does the Glam By Sam motto ( “Find your glamour within”) mean to you?
To me, glamour is an aura. Simply put it is a reflection of your own SELF LOVE.
How do you continue to find your glamour within on a daily basis?
It takes work! It can slip away as fast as washing off your makeup. For myself I must lean heavily into God, I don’t make decisions without asking or talking to him first. I want to be a reflection of his love. I listen to podcasts, I read books, I meditate, I do yoga and I create to find my glamour.
You're imperfect, and you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging -Brene Brown
..............................................................................................................................................................
These are amazing words to live by, thank you Terrah for sharing your message of finding your glamour within and being true to who you are. XOXO, Sam 💋
For all things TJ Creative, check out
@tjcreativeagency
@terrahjade ✨
Comments