We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara Diaz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tara, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was less of a single moment and more of a continuous evolution, deeply rooted in my unique upbringing and life experiences. Growing up in Venice Beach, I was constantly surrounded by a vibrant mix of traditional and alternative lifestyles. My grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping my path. Watching her manage diabetes, I was both a helper and a learner, assisting with her insulin shots and testing my own blood sugar out of sheer interest. I also had a natural health food store called One Life down the street from my house. I would spend hours looking at all the herbs and supplements. We are so used to having access to this kind of thing now, but back when I grew up, this was something that was only accessible to a few “hippie” communities. Both of these experiences paved the way for me to deeply respect integrating western medicine with complimentary therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine.
In my twenties, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and turned to acupuncture for treatment. The relief and healing I experienced were so profound that I decided to pursue a career in acupuncture. My background in psychology, which I studied in college, helped me appreciate the deep connection between the mind and body. I believe that acupuncture not only aids physical healing but also helps people shift from a state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. Specializing in fertility acupuncture and women’s health has allowed me to fulfill my purpose: helping people build families and navigate life with greater ease and balance. This work is incredibly fulfilling, as I witness the transformative power of holistic medicine in my patients’ lives.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Currently, I am dedicated to running my acupuncture clinic, Tara Diaz Wellness, in El Segundo, CA. My primary focus is helping people build families through the power of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Specializing in fertility acupuncture and women’s health, I support my patients through their journeys to parenthood, drawing from both my professional expertise and personal experiences. Witnessing the profound impact that holistic medicine can have on fertility and overall well-being is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels my passion for this work every day.
At the same time, I am navigating the joys and challenges of raising my elementary-aged sons. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of running a thriving practice keeps me grounded and constantly inspired. My family life enriches my professional work, providing me with a deep sense of empathy and connection to the families I assist. Whether at the clinic or at home, I am devoted to fostering health, balance, and happiness in all aspects of life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey were curiosity, empathy, and adaptability. Each of these played a crucial role in shaping my path and continues to guide my work today.
Curiosity was the driving force behind my early fascination with herbs and natural remedies. As a child, spending hours in health food stores and researching herbal medicine laid the foundation for my future career. This innate curiosity led me to explore different facets of health and wellness, eventually guiding me to acupuncture. Early in my career, I was a general acupuncturist, treating a wide range of conditions. My curiosity led me to deeply explore unfamiliar conditions, which eventually revealed my true passion for women’s health. This curiosity-driven exploration was pivotal in guiding my career path.
Empathy has been essential in my ability to connect with and support my patients. My experiences with my grandmother’s diabetes and my own struggles with PCOS gave me a deep understanding of the challenges others face. Empathy allows me to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients, essential for their healing journey. My natural empathy, used to be challenging on a personal level, but later proved to be an invaluable asset in my career. It allows me to connect deeply with my patients and support them effectively on their journeys to build families.
Adaptability has been vital in navigating the diverse phases of my career, from studying psychology and working in hospitality to becoming an acupuncturist and herbalist with over a decade of experience.. Each phase required me to learn new skills and adapt to different environments. Flexibility and a willingness to embrace change have enabled me to grow both personally and professionally. As I gained more experience as a clinician and business owner, my adaptability allowed me to transition from a general practice to specializing in fertility acupuncture. This shift not only helped me avoid burnout but also enabled me to develop expertise in my specialty.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
One of the most profound challenges I am currently facing is navigating grief. In my practice, I share the journeys of many patients who struggle to build families despite their best efforts. I grieve for those who face the heartache of infertility, those who endure the pain of miscarriage and stillbirth, and unsuccessful embryo transfers. Each of these losses weighs heavily on my heart. Additionally, my personal life has been marked by a significant season of grief. My father was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and passed away this past summer. Balancing the deep sorrow I feel for my patients with my own personal loss has been incredibly challenging, yet it also underscores the importance of empathy, support, and resilience in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taradiazwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradiazwellness
Image Credits
Hair, makeup, and photography by @lucibeautyhmua
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