Meet Tamara Herl

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

Tamara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My life purpose evolved over time. When I was in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Eventually, though, I learned about the career of art therapy, and I loved it because I could do something I enjoy (making art,) and help other people at the same time. Originally I thought I would always want to be an art therapist, but then I felt drawn to use the process outside of the clinical setting, so I became professionally trained as a life coach. I enjoyed doing that for awhile, because I love helping people focus on their strengths. But I got tired of sitting behind a desk, and I have always loved nature, so I decided to become certified as a forest therapy guide. Now I combine all of those things: art therapy, coaching, and forest therapy. My purpose now is to support socially conscious entrepreneurs–those people who want to use their business to make the world a better place. I chose that niche after experiencing burnout as a clinical therapist. I knew there had to be a different way of doing things–one that allowed both the client and the therapist to thrive. Now I absolutely love my work and feel like I’m fully in the seat of my life purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I facilitate teambuiding, 1:1 and group coaching sessions, and retreats on my 10 acre property in Cascade, Colorado, and also virtually. The thing that sets my work apart from other coaches is that my clients learn how to use art and nature to receive Divine Downloads from the Universe when they need support and guidance. I teach them how to notice and decipher the Divine Signs they receive so they can feel inspired, supported, and empowered.

Two years ago I challenged myself to spend more time in nature, and in the process of doing so, I began creating using nature items to create mandalas on the land. I posted photos of them on social media and my friends encouraged me to develop a set of oracle cards from the images, so I did. I call the deck Earth Altars: Oracle Cards for Nature Lovers and Visionaries, and I’m launching a new expanded version that includes 11 new cards (a total of 44) and a guidebook.

I recently launched a new art therapy adventure for visionaries and business owners called “Brush Up Your Brilliance,” which helps clients tap into their subconsious mind and Universal consciousness so they can expand their impact and step more fully into their life purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are: professionalism, idealism, and creativity.

Professionalism is important for people who are early in their journey because it is important to get proper training so you have a solid knowledge base for what it is that you want to do. For example, even though I was already registered as an art therapist and certified as a professional coach, when I decided I wanted to take clients out into the forest, I sought training in forest therapy. There are too many people who claim to know what forest therapy is, but who do not have the deep knowledge and understanding that comes from professional training. It’s important to try to give clients the purest and best possible experience that is based in solid knowledge. To develop your professionalism, I encourage you to choose an area of focus, which can evolve over time, and continue to take courses and read about this topic throughout your career and your life.

Idealism is also important for people early in their journey because there may be some well-meaning people who tell you that you “should” pursue a different career–one that’s more sensible. But if your heart is calling you to do something, I encourage you to go for it. There are too many people who end up choosing a sensible career, yet inside they feel miserable or unfulfilled. Just imagine what the world would be like if everyone were doing what they are truly passionate about! To boost your sense of idealism, think about what you loved to do as a child that brought joy into your heart. Even if you can’t work at this career, at least find ways to incorporate this into your leisure time.

Creativity is an essential skill that people should have early in their career, and also throughout one’s career. No matter what life path you decide to take, creativity will serve you well. There will be endless instances where you will need to think outside the box and come up with new ideas and new ways of doing things. To improve your creativity, make time to paint, dance, cook, sing–whatever brings your heart joy!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to partner with people who have podcasts or other speaking platforms where I could be a guest speaker. I love sharing about how to Brush Up Your Brilliance and why that’s important.

I also am looking for guest speakers on my interview series: Be The Change: Conversations with Visionary Women. My guests talk about how their vision was born, what challenges they faced and how they overcame them, and what advice they have for other visionaries who are just getting started or feeling stuck.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Personal photo by Summer Lajoie Other photos by Tamara Herl and Kaye Herl

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