We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tara Rook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tara below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tara with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Ever since I can remember, I have always been a dedicated and hard worker. This trait was instilled in me by watching my parents commit their time and energy to creating a supportive home environment for my sisters and me. They were not only diligent in their work but also actively engaged in our community and family life.
Growing up, I filled my time outside of school with exploring the arts, taking ballet and piano lessons. By high school, I was involved in studio art and band, and I spent weekends attending meditation retreats and pursuing a spiritual path. To this day, I continue to stay active in the arts, meditation, and community activities.
I am also mindful of taking breaks and stepping back when needed, adapting to the natural rhythms and changes of life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and mindful leader based in Brooklyn, New York, currently focused on building my business, Tara Rook Studios, which helps others cultivate a mindful life through our products and services. As a multidisciplinary artist, I specialize in pen drawings, minimalist graphic design, producing electronic music, and DJing under the moniker Just Milk. As a mindful leader, I teach secular meditation and instruct yoga and movement.
My upbringing in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition deeply influences my current path. My parents often took me to see Tibetan teachers, practice and study at Buddhist retreat centers, and they ran a meditation studio in our hometown of Albany, New York. This background has seamlessly integrated mindfulness into all aspects of my life, and I strive to guide others on their journey toward mindful living.
I am particularly excited about the growth of Tara Rook Studios. This venture encompasses my roles as an artist and musician, as well as my art shop and the mindful leadership and wellness services I offer, including private sessions, classes, and workshops. The art shop, currently called “Loveland,” is a “place to create mindful art.” The name was inspired by my last physical studio space based in Portland, Maine, which I nicknamed “Loveland”. I have curated a selection of art prints, apparel, stickers, accessories, and more, all designed to promote a mindful lifestyle.
I envision expanding Loveland into a physical location and hiring a team to help run the shop. Additionally, I am eager to grow a community of individuals interested in the arts and mindful living. There is a significant and passionate community out there, and I hope to connect with and support as many people as possible in this field.
One recent project I’m really excited about is the launch of my YouTube channel. I’ve been putting a lot of time and energy into it, and I’m thrilled to share meditation videos with my audience. Soon, I’ll also be adding yoga videos and content focused on the arts!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three experiences that have profoundly shaped my journey are learning to meditate, working in the hospitality industry, and taking time to travel. My advice for those on their own path is to take risks, step outside their comfort zones, and trust their intuition.
Meditation has taught me to be comfortable with my own mind, tune into my alignment, and follow my heart. Working in the hospitality industry helped me develop valuable skills, such as confidently connecting with others and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Traveling pushed me out of my comfort zone, introducing me to new places, people, and experiences I never imagined.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Right now, I’m eager to collaborate with a business or organization in the wellness field, where I can use my skills as a creative director to help develop their mission and vision through the arts. My journey has been unique and multifaceted, and while I manage a lot on my own, I sometimes overlook potential collaborators or simply don’t find the time to reach out.
I’m based in New York but am excited to connect with like-minded people from all over.
If you feel called to connect with me please send an email at [email protected]!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tararook.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tararookstudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tararook/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraRookStudios
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justmilkmusic
Image Credits
Kayte Demont, Caylin Henderson, Anna Lataille, Hannah Cormier, Bonnie Durham
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.