Meet Tamara Turkai

We recently connected with Tamara Turkai and have shared our conversation below.

Tamara, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

When I think about my journey over the past few years, I’m struck by how the most challenging times often shape us in the most profound ways. A year ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had been laid off from a high-paying IT consulting job—a role I had worked hard to attain, one that provided financial security and professional pride. But when the rug was pulled out from under me, I had to confront the question: What’s next? And in answering it, I discovered not just resilience but a deeper purpose.

The seeds of that resilience were planted early in my life. Growing up, I watched my mom, a single mother, navigate challenges with grace and determination. She had a way of making the impossible seem possible. Her example taught me that setbacks weren’t the end of the story; they were just part of the narrative, a chance to rewrite and reclaim. Mom worked tirelessly to create a better life for us, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure we had opportunities she never had. I carry that lesson with me every day—the idea that our circumstances don’t define us; our choices do.

When I lost my job, I could have allowed the uncertainty to paralyze me. But that’s not who I am. Call it DNA, call it drive, but I’ve always had an unshakable desire to excel, to do better, to turn challenges into opportunities. I wasn’t about to let this setback define me. Instead, I saw it as a chance to reinvent myself, to pursue paths I’d only dreamed of before. And at the heart of it all was my daughter. She’s my north star, the reason I push forward even when the road is uncertain. I want to build a life for her that’s not just secure but inspiring, one that shows her the power of perseverance and the value of chasing your dreams.

The first step in my reinvention was leaning into creativity and reflection. Writing had always been a passion of mine, but like many passions, it had taken a back seat to the demands of career and family. With the time and space that my layoff afforded me, I decided to turn that passion into action. I began writing in earnest, pouring my thoughts, experiences, and lessons into words. Those words became books—not just one but several—that I’ve since published. Writing allowed me to process my journey, to share insights, and to connect with others who might be walking similar paths. Each book became a testament to resilience, proof that even in the face of uncertainty, we have the power to create something meaningful.

But my journey didn’t stop there. While writing was fulfilling, I also knew I wanted to build something tangible, something that combined my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for community and creativity. That’s when I discovered Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More. The franchise appealed to me not just because it offered a solid business model but because it aligned with my values. Big Frog is all about helping people celebrate their stories—through custom apparel, through creativity, through connection. It felt like a perfect fit, a way to merge my professional skills with a mission I could believe in.

Opening a Big Frog franchise was no small feat. It required investment, planning, and a willingness to dive into an entirely new industry. But again, I leaned on the lessons I’d learned from my mom: how to adapt, how to work hard, how to stay focused on the bigger picture. I also drew strength from my own drive, my determination to excel and make this venture a success. And, of course, I kept my daughter in mind every step of the way. I wanted her to see that challenges are not roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. That’s a lesson she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.

In the past year, I’ve not only opened the doors to my Big Frog franchise but also set ambitious goals for its growth. I’ve connected with local businesses, schools, and community groups, offering them a way to bring their stories to life through custom apparel. I’ve participated in events, from grand openings to local conventions, spreading the word about what Big Frog can do. Each interaction has reinforced why I took this leap: to make a difference, to build something lasting, and to create a better life for my family.

There have been challenges, of course. Starting a business during uncertain economic times is no easy task. There were moments of doubt, of wondering if I had made the right decision. But every time those doubts crept in, I reminded myself of why I started this journey. I thought of my mom, who never gave up even when things were hard. I thought of my own determination, which has carried me through every obstacle I’ve faced. And I thought of my daughter, whose future inspires me to keep going.

Looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’ve gone from facing the uncertainty of a layoff to publishing books, to opening and growing a business that aligns with my values and passions. Each step of the journey has been a testament to resilience, to the power of reinvention, and to the importance of staying true to your “why.”

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned through it all, it’s this: resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them head-on and finding the opportunity within. It’s about remembering where you come from, honoring the people and values that shaped you, and using those lessons to build a brighter future. For me, that future is about more than financial success. It’s about creating a life that’s rich in purpose, creativity, and connection. It’s about setting an example for my daughter, just as my mom did for me.

As I move forward, I’m excited about what’s to come. The journey is far from over. There are more books to write, more milestones to reach with Big Frog, and more opportunities to make a difference. But no matter what lies ahead, I know this: I have the resilience, the drive, and the “why” to face it all. And that makes me unstoppable.

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?

Running a Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More franchise is an adventure in creativity, connection, and community—and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vibrant brand to Albuquerque. At its core, Big Frog is about more than custom apparel. It’s about helping people tell their stories, celebrate milestones, and make their ideas come to life in a way that’s personal, meaningful, and fun. Whether it’s a small business looking to outfit employees, a school club designing spirit wear, or a family celebrating a reunion, Big Frog provides the tools and expertise to make their vision a reality.

What makes Big Frog truly special is the way it combines cutting-edge technology with a deeply personal touch. Our direct-to-garment printing allows for stunning, high-quality designs without any minimum order requirements, making it accessible for anyone to create custom apparel. But beyond the technology, it’s the experience that sets Big Frog apart. Customers don’t just order a product; they collaborate with us. From brainstorming design ideas to choosing the perfect garment, the process is interactive, creative, and, most importantly, fun.

For me, what’s most exciting about Big Frog is the opportunity to make an impact—both on an individual and a community level. Every day, I get to work with people who are celebrating something important in their lives. Maybe it’s a new business launch, a charity event, or a special family occasion. Whatever the project, it’s incredibly rewarding to see someone’s face light up when they see their finished product. And it’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey of creating something together, of turning ideas into tangible keepsakes.

Big Frog’s community focus is another aspect that resonates deeply with me. As a new franchise owner in Albuquerque, I’m thrilled to bring this unique service to local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and residents. I’ve already started connecting with organizations and individuals, and the response has been incredibly encouraging. There’s a sense of pride in being able to offer something valuable to the community—a way for people to express themselves, promote their causes, and celebrate their moments in style. And as someone who believes strongly in supporting local businesses, I’m especially excited about partnering with fellow entrepreneurs and helping them build their brands through custom apparel.

This new chapter with Big Frog represents more than just a career shift for me; it’s the culmination of lessons and experiences from my former life as an IT consultant and agile framework expert. In many ways, my background has uniquely prepared me for this venture. As someone who spent years helping organizations navigate change and implement scalable systems, I bring a strategic mindset to my business. I’m using those skills to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and set ambitious goals for growth. At the same time, my experience as a teacher and mentor has taught me the importance of communication and collaboration—qualities that are essential in building strong relationships with customers and team members.

I’m also channeling my passion for storytelling into this new venture. Custom apparel is, at its heart, a storytelling medium. Whether it’s a logo, a slogan, or a piece of artwork, every design tells a story. This connection between creativity and narrative is something I’m exploring in my next book, tentatively titled From Frameworks to Fabric. The book will delve into the parallels between my journey in agile frameworks and my experiences launching and running a Big Frog franchise. It’s a story of reinvention, of taking the principles that guided my former career and applying them in a completely new context. I hope the book will inspire others to see the possibilities in their own transitions, to recognize that the skills and passions they’ve developed can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

For those who are new to the Big Frog brand, here’s what you should know: Big Frog is built on a commitment to creativity, quality, and community. We’re not just about selling t-shirts; we’re about creating experiences. Whether you’re designing a single shirt or outfitting an entire team, we’re here to make the process seamless and enjoyable. We pride ourselves on being approachable and adaptable, offering personalized service that meets each customer’s unique needs.

As I continue to build this business, my focus remains on creating meaningful connections. Whether it’s helping a business owner design the perfect uniform, working with a school to create spirit wear, or collaborating with an artist on a custom project, every interaction is an opportunity to make someone’s vision come to life. And for me, that’s what makes this journey so fulfilling.

Big Frog isn’t just a business; it’s a platform for creativity, collaboration, and community. And as I balance running this franchise with writing my next book, I’m more motivated than ever to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Albuquerque is a city rich in culture, creativity, and community spirit, and I’m honored to contribute to that in my own unique way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities or skills that stand out as being the most impactful in shaping my path: resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with others. These traits have been integral to my growth, both personally and professionally, and they’ve allowed me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create meaningful impact. Let me share how each of these played a role and offer advice for anyone early in their journey on how to cultivate these traits.

Resilience: Bouncing Back and Moving Forward

Resilience has been the foundation of my journey. When I was laid off from my high-paying IT consulting job, it would have been easy to fall into despair or let fear dictate my next steps. Instead, I viewed the setback as an opportunity to pivot and reinvent myself. This mindset allowed me to channel my energy into publishing several books and launching a Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More franchise. Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about facing them head-on and finding ways to grow through them.

Advice for building resilience:

Shift your perspective: Challenges are inevitable, but how you view them can make all the difference. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, try to see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Develop a support system: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and can offer encouragement during tough times. Resilience isn’t a solo journey; having others to lean on makes it easier to stay strong.

Practice self-care: Resilience requires both mental and physical strength. Take care of your health, manage stress, and make time for activities that recharge you.

Strategic Thinking: Seeing the Big Picture

Strategic thinking has been another key factor in my journey. My background in IT consulting and agile frameworks taught me how to analyze situations, identify opportunities, and plan effectively. These skills proved invaluable when transitioning into entrepreneurship. From writing books to running a Big Frog franchise, strategic thinking has helped me prioritize goals, manage resources, and make informed decisions.

Advice for developing strategic thinking:

Hone your problem-solving skills: Take time to analyze challenges and consider multiple solutions before acting. Ask yourself, What’s the best outcome, and how can I achieve it?

Keep learning: Stay curious and seek knowledge in areas that interest you. Read books, attend workshops, and engage with mentors to expand your understanding of different strategies.

Set clear goals: Strategic thinking starts with knowing what you want to achieve. Break your goals into actionable steps and track your progress along the way.

Connection: Building Relationships That Matter

Finally, the ability to connect with others has been transformative. Whether it’s engaging with customers, collaborating with team members, or networking in the community, meaningful relationships have been at the heart of my success. Running a Big Frog franchise isn’t just about selling custom apparel; it’s about helping people celebrate their stories and create something memorable. These connections make the work rewarding and foster a sense of community.

Advice for building connection skills:

Practice active listening: People want to feel heard and understood. When engaging with others, focus on truly listening rather than just waiting for your turn to speak.

Show genuine interest: Ask questions, show empathy, and take an interest in the lives and experiences of those around you. Building trust starts with showing that you care.

Be authentic: Authenticity fosters deeper, more meaningful connections. Don’t be afraid to share your own story, including the challenges you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned.

Pulling It All Together

As I reflect on these qualities, I realize they’re deeply interconnected. Resilience has given me the strength to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. Strategic thinking has allowed me to chart a course and adapt to changing circumstances. And the ability to connect with others has made the journey fulfilling and created opportunities I couldn’t have found on my own.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this: focus on developing these three traits. Life will throw challenges your way, but with resilience, you’ll learn to rise above them. The future may feel uncertain, but with strategic thinking, you can create a roadmap to guide you. And while success may seem like a solo pursuit, the truth is that connection—with mentors, peers, and communities—will be one of your greatest assets.

Lastly, give yourself permission to evolve. The person you are today doesn’t have to be the person you are tomorrow. Growth is a continuous process, and every step—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals. Trust the process, stay open to learning, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow into the best version of yourself.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

One of the most significant challenges I am currently facing is finding the balance between my work and personal life, especially as I manage the growth of my new Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More franchise. Launching a business is a thrilling and demanding experience. It’s easy to become consumed with the countless tasks that require my attention—from strategizing and operations to community outreach and creative projects. While I deeply love what I’m building, I’ve come to realize that maintaining balance is essential, not just for my personal well-being but also for the people who matter most in my life.

As a mother, my daughter is my top priority, and I’m very aware of the importance of carving out intentional time for her. She’s at an age where she needs my presence, attention, and support. Building a business is a dream I’ve pursued for her as much as for myself. My goal has always been to create a secure and fulfilling life for us, but that vision means little if I’m not fully present in her life today. Balancing work and family isn’t easy, especially when the excitement of the business often pulls me into long hours and nonstop planning. However, I’m learning that boundaries and intentionality are key.

Another critical aspect is self-care. Entrepreneurship comes with a unique set of stresses and pressures. When I’m not careful, it’s easy to run on empty, neglecting the habits that keep me grounded and healthy. I’ve noticed that when I don’t take the time to slow down and recharge, it affects not only my energy and mood but also my ability to make thoughtful decisions for the business. Taking care of myself isn’t just a personal need; it’s a professional necessity. After all, a thriving business requires a thriving leader.

Controlling the growth of the business is another layer of complexity. As a new franchisee, I’m eager to establish my brand in the community, build strong relationships, and see the business flourish. Growth is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if not managed carefully. I’ve had to remind myself that success doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s okay to pace myself and focus on sustainable progress rather than trying to do everything at once. By setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks, I can ensure the business grows steadily without sacrificing the balance I’m striving to maintain.

What I’ve learned so far is that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about making conscious choices every day. I’ve started scheduling dedicated family time and ensuring that I’m fully present during those moments. I’ve also implemented small but meaningful self-care practices, like morning walks or quiet time with a book, to help me recharge. For the business, I’ve leaned on delegation and setting clear boundaries to keep the workload manageable.

Ultimately, finding balance is a work in progress. It requires mindfulness, adaptability, and the willingness to step back and reassess priorities when needed. But I’m confident that by staying intentional and grounded, I can build a successful business while also creating a meaningful, fulfilling life for myself and my daughter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigfrog.com/ABQ
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigfrogabq
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-turkai/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tamaraturkai