Meet Tala Shatara | News Personality & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tala Shatara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tala, what inspires you?
I believe the inspiration behind anything I do is ruled through the fear of failure. I know, I know, that sounds so cliche, but let me break it down for you further.

Unfortunately, we live in world full of spectators. These so called “bystanders” are sometimes more than just eyewitnesses to our success, they sometimes are the very people rooting for you not to succeed. Many believe there is not enough success in this world to go around, and that is when we experience the trials of jealousy, envy, and animosity. Taylor Swift said it best, ‘haters gonna hate’ and it is the sad truth about our world. The sad truth: some people actually want you to fail.

I have always believed the best form of ‘revenge’ was success. Nothing feels better than chasing your dreams, especially, in front of the ones who might have been hoping for you not to.

Let those haters be your motivators!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am someone who always had many passions in this world, and knew I needed to fulfill them all.

My successes in life have actually come from a place of uncertainty. Where will I go? What will I do? Who will I become? Those unanswered questions to my social media feed’s that show everyone else having those questions figured out are what keep me up at night.

I always wanted to be a person of creativity and vision and I am beyond blessed to have been in many positions where my friends to even superiors gave me the ability to create. I believe it is where I gained the confidence to believe nothing is too big to achieve or too hard to approach.

My support systems made it easy, but the journey was certainly not. Throughout my career I gained several titles including blogger, news personality, author, and even entrepreneur and not one was a straight shot journey. Most of what I do is pretty public which can leave no room for errors, bad days, mental health, and the ability to be simply human. It is not an easy journey, but what I do to ensure I make it through is advocate for empathy, patience, and love.

As professionals we are deemed as soft and not successful if we show the slightest bit of human emotion, but that is and will always be my biggest advice to anyone: be human first. Be the constant reminder that challenges are normal and acceptable. My brand and story will always be ruled by the ongoing work I do for my mental health and self-worth.

Never let anyone take your humanity, It is what makes you unique. Who would’ve thought the ability to be human is considered so rare in this world? Let that sink in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Alright my Nashville friends, get ready for the ultimate vacay to ‘staycay’!

Being that my Instagram is considered one of my favorite hobbies, get ready for many photo opps throughout your stay!

First and foremost, I am the biggest foodie out there! Eat your way through Nashville with some of my favorite spots including The Grilled Cheeserie, Bartaco, Hampton Social, and Bar Louie! After a long and nice meal hit up some spots to find good sips and even better views. Take the elevator to the top floor of the Thompson Hotel and visit their hot rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson! Panoramic views to the best frozen rose is calling your name!

If you are ready to live like a true Nashvillian, try out the many attractions and experiences that even their natives haven’t gotten around to yet. From date night to a fun evening with your best friends, try out NightLight 615, a weekly movie series at the Bicentennial State Park.

If you are ready to shop until you drop there is something for every budget! Shop local at Vici, Kittenish, Blush Boutique, and Trend and Tipsy. If you are ready for the finer things in life and need a little luxury in your life, Green Hills Mall is your place (you might even spot one of your favorite music stars shopping there too!).

Don’t forget to invite me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this series and my successes to several people.

First off, my amazing parents who have made even my losses feel like wins. From losing jobs to failed relationships, my parents always welcome me back home with opened arms and no questions asked. It can be easy for parents to allow their unconditional love to rule their behaviors and words, and sometimes those acts can do more harm than good. However, my parents recognized the world that we live in and understand the unfair trials we all go through.

I also would not be standing so tall throughout my journey without the help of my best friends. Shoutout to my ultimate support system, Mandy, who never let a phone call to a prayer go unanswered. To her ongoing listening ear to the best advice anyone could ever ask for, she knew my tears just as much as my smiles, and that is the definition of a true best friend.

My ultimate shoutout and recognition is to the one I breathe a breath for everyday–God. The silence many of us hear has never felt more loud with Him in my presence. ‘To the One who knew my plan B before my plan A’, To the One who knew my view during my climb, to the One who was my light during the darkness. To Him.

Instagram: @talashatara

Facebook: @watchtalashatara