Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Mont.
Tara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in LA, I always felt a strong sense of empathy for others. I aimed to create an open space for those around me to be their most genuine selves, without any judgment. My brand, along with TRUST & THRIVE, was inspired by the question “What are you passionate about?” When I was in college, I was out of touch with myself. I felt the pressure of needing to fit a norm by getting a 9-5 in a specific industry and doing what others expected of me. After graduating, I worked full time at an advertising agency, which was simply a reminder that I had no passion for that industry. This was at the beginning of 2018. During that time, I felt so unfulfilled and scared to settle. Through a lot of confusion and reflection, I realized that empathy and vulnerability were my strengths. Over anything, I believe that we must trust ourselves and be in tune with ourselves in order to thrive. Without the practice of gratitude and self-reflection, we may autopilot through life and never thrive to our full potential.
After leaving my position at the agency, I decided to live my truth and create the life I wanted for myself. I started making videos, writing blog posts, sharing more on Instagram, and eventually creating my podcast. Sharing my story on different platforms was the best reminder that we are all human. We all struggle to find ourselves and we all want to live our most authentic life. We just need others to be vulnerable and remind us that we’re not alone. That’s why I chose to start my podcast, TRUST & THRIVE with Tara Mont, in which I go in depth on topics I find essential in living one’s best life. I share my personal stories, research, and reflect on a variety of subjects, hoping to help even just one individual thrive in their own life.
Great, 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?
Although it hasn’t been a smooth road, it definitely has been an eventful one. Within one year, I left a job I had no passion for and took my brand more seriously. At the same time, I am so early on in my journey that I can’t help but feel incredibly excited and anxious for what’s to come. I’ve always been very open to growing, through both the good and the bad. I genuinely believe that it’s all about perspective and how we choose to move forward, despite whatever has “happened” to us. When I first started on this journey, I struggled to believe in myself and to keep going despite a lot of judgment around me – to remind myself of why I started and to stick to my long-term vision. My advice to young women starting their journey, as I am, would be to find ways to become so in tune with yourself that no one can shake you. To realize that, there will always be someone who criticizes you and does not understand your dream, and that’s more than okay. To be open to rejection, because that is the only way to grow. To not lower your standards to make others feel comfortable. To truly see every “failure” as a learning experience. We all start somewhere, and although I am still early on in my journey, I have already grown tremendously within the past year, and that would not have been possible if I had given up early on – so keep going and keep validating the hell out of yourself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tara Mont – what should we know?
Through my content, I hope to inspire others to live their most authentic, fulfilling life. I truly believe that mindset plays a huge role in whether or not we are happy. In my podcast, TRUST & THRIVE with Tara Mont, I strive to remind others that they can live their best life – it is not an illusion, it is not a destination, it is a mindset and a journey. Every individual is so unique and by sharing my own story, I encourage others to trust their journey and the process. My empathy for others and for myself has been my leading force. My heart breaks when I see an individual live for someone else because I believe it hurts a community at whole when one person is not being true to themselves. I hope to encourage my listeners, readers, and viewers to find that authentic self within and then, thrive.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I grew up in a multigenerational household, in which I was always encouraged to follow my heart and my passion. Witnessing my immigrant parents and grandparents work so hard to create a better life for me and my brother inspired me to discover my true self and to thrive in who I know I am. I genuinely felt that I would be wasting their efforts if I fell into a conventional norm and settled for a life I didn’t want. My mom is the most compassionate person I know and through her actions, she taught me to be empathetic and appreciate everyone’s differences. My mom and grandfather, especially, have always been very spiritual and intellectual. They’ve inspired me to look deep within and discover my true self, which is what I hope to help others do. I realize that there is more to life than what society has constructed for us. I am also aware of how incredibly lucky I am to have grown up in such an accepting household, since not everyone was raised in an environment that supported individuality. I hope to be that force to remind others that they have everything they need within. They just need to let go of any labels, beliefs, and/or experiences holding them back, and connect with their true self.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I am incredibly inspired by Osho, a spiritual leader of the twentieth century. One of my favorite books of his is Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously – his work truly helps me reconnect with myself and my vision. His message is all about taking risks and not getting caught up with the “norm.” Osho explains that “courage is not the absence of fear. It is, rather, the total presence of fear, with the courage to face it.” I try to live my life that way and really value Osho’s work for that reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tara-mont.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara.mont/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trustthrivetara/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive/
Image Credit:
Jonathan Edzant
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