Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Dulla.
Hi Tammy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ink & Innuendos was literally born out of love in 2015. As my now husband, Ro, and I planned our wedding, I taught myself the art of calligraphy and was a complete DIY bride. Ro had the idea to pursue my talents as a business, and we came up with the name together. We created the name to emphasize the hidden sentiments behind the beautiful letters and illustrations I create. It is also a testament to our love for all things old school Hip Hop and R&B, in which I began my calligraphy journey with lettering lyrics as decor, and all things weddings. Making sure I set myself apart from your traditional calligraphy artist was and still is very important to me. Saying it was a side business or hobby was one thing, but to fully pursue it as a full-time business seemed a distant dream. I dedicated several years to the corporate life and it ate away at my soul. In my corporate life as an executive leader, I would jump at any opportunity to showcase my creativity. Ultimately, after years of choosing work over my health and well-being, my body started to break down. I developed an autoimmune disorder from all those years of my body taking a beating mentally, physically, and emotionally. It wasn’t until I was recruited by another company that was more aligned with my creative passion, that I finally realized and asked myself “Why am I not creating for myself?” “Why am I not turning my talent and passion into a full blown business?” “Why am I working this vicious cycle of a 9-5?” “Why am I allowing myself to be so unhappy?”. Aside from my declining health at the time, all the signs were pointing me in the right direction- to pursue my own creative business. To trust myself. To admit I have way more to offer the world. To admit that I can choose my own happiness and passion. I am meant for this. I am finally stepping into my full potential, and I am just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Adversity is no stranger to me. It has been a long, difficult road, but I cannot dwell on the past because it led me to where I am now. Changing my perspective and negative self-dialogue was everything, and it has definitely been a journey of back and forth, and not trusting myself. Fear (mostly of failing) has always had a hold on me. The decline of my health due to my autoimmune disorder really put things in perspective for me. It was the absolute turning point in my life and career. I wondered what it was that I had to show for if tomorrow was not promised. Did I want to continue casting myself as a victim or do I want to take action and make a choice. Although there were some very low-lows working through different positions, I would not be the leader and business owner I am today if it were not for all the hard lessons learned. As a business owner, it’s not news that it is a challenging role to play. The moment I struck up the courage to pursue my business full-time, there was a total wave of confidence, but underlying fear. Fear of being unsure where to start. I did not plan for a safety net or a backup job of any sort. I needed that fire under me to give this all I got. Having saved up, and with the full support of my husband and loved ones, I looked into what I truly needed to invest in to ensure my success. If I was going to fail, I better have tried anything and everything in my power. I can safely say, I chose wisely. The major contributing factor to my growth was investing in a business mentor in my field, doing exactly what I knew I was meant to do. Shoutout to my mentor and now, business partner, Rosie, and The Craft Academy- where I am now a business coach myself! Along came the supportive, creative community that I had been missing. These two main factors of having a mentor and community accelerated my business, and has helped me grow exponentially. I learned the right tools to invest in to work more efficiently, and I set goals and metrics to hold myself accountable. It might have taken me years to get here, but I believe everything I have endured has shaped me to be a better entrepreneur, artist, and person now. If I had taken action sooner, it might have propelled me forward, but I am much more equipped now, and in a better mental state to be my best self. Each day, I still feel I need to pinch myself because I am doing the damn thing, and can finally say I am proud of myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
First things first, I am not your average calligrapher. As a full-time creative entrepreneur, and Event Artist, I partner with my clients to essentially make them look their best. Whether it is a brand that wants to promote their product launch or line, or a company showing their clients and / or team members appreciation, or even an individual who wants to make to amaze their loved ones, and make them feel special- I curate the perfect execution of artistic services and entertainment for them. In more exciting words- I aim to be the life of their party! My business and services have definitely evolved over the years- 9 years to be exact! However, partnering with my clients and performing on-site is my true niche now. These services include calligraphy, hand-engraving, painting, and hot foiling. For in-studio work, the list goes on. My clients can rest assured that I am here for them from concept design through execution. We can all see there is an abundance of wonderful artists in the world, however, what I would say sets myself apart from others is me, and my energy. Not only do I continue to hone my skills to produce the highest quality of work, but I continue to work on being my best self all around. If I am not at my best, I cannot expect to perform well and deliver for my clients. Anticipating the needs of my clients, and communicating effectively are of the highest importance to me. I always want them to have a frictionless experience and leave them feeling nothing but joy. I strive for these factors to be what I am known for, and what sets me apart, and in hopes get to call them my loyal repeat clients.
It is difficult to say what I am most proud of. Throughout the years, different aspects and different accomplishments carry different weight in comparison to one another. Major wins and milestones that I am truly proud of though include finally launching my website last year, becoming a creative business coach for The Craft Academy, and of course, partnering with some of my top dream clients such as Fenty Beauty, Laneige, Prada, Tatcha, and the Emmys! All pinch me moments for sure. One of my greatest accomplishments I would have to say is that in my first year and a half going full-time in my business, I was able to surpass my salary in all 3 of my last corporate jobs. I never would have thought that would be possible so quickly, but I did that! Proving to myself I can generate 5 figure months has been the best feeling and has truly brought me to tears many times. What is an exceptionally important takeaway from this journey, thus far, is to work smarter- more efficiently. By focusing on what drives the most impact for my business has not only allowed me to achieve and exceed my financial goals, but it has afforded me the luxury to take time off for myself. It has afforded me the luxury to say no to certain projects for my own sanity and well-being. This is something I would have never thought I could do because I never knew how to say no or settle down to take time off. For those reading my story, I mean this- do not give up on yourself. You deserve to be happy, you deserve to feel fulfilled, and you are worthy. It has not been an easy journey, but I remain resilient, and I know what I can bring to the table. Every day, I strive to prove myself to my clients and students.
What does success mean to you?
The younger, less-wise, corporate version of me had always viewed success as being financially accomplished with a great title. To be fair, that is definitely a normal perspective for how society in general may view it. However, success is a spectrum and it is definitely subjective. Over the years, especially after I was diagnosed with my disorder, going through therapy and having weekly follow-ups with my functional medicine doctor truly aided not only my symptoms, but my soul and mindset. I started to envision building a lifestyle I wanted to live, and a job with work-life balance. If I am able to achieve freedom of time, happiness, fulfillment, and financial stability to afford my lifestyle- that would mean I have reached success. Time is a currency we do not get back, so if I am able to choose how I spend it in my work life and personal life, that is invaluable. I may not be the most renowned artist, and occasionally receive rejection still, but I get to stay true to myself, do what I love, bring joy to others, all while taking care of my household, spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I have truly achieved the level of success that is the perfect fit for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inkandinnuendos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkandinnuendos/
Image Credits
Hannah Coopy
