Cocktail with — Tamia Francis
Multitasking is now second nature to Tamia Francis. Mother to two young girls, she’s also a fashion designer of her eponymous label, co-founder of the popular LIVE Stush social media site, and co-principal of a five-year old marketing company that is a growing extension of Stush. There’s much on her plate but Francis says she would have it no other way. We make fast friends with the laser-focused Francis amid the fashionable belles out last Saturday for L’Oréal’s relaunch event hosted at J Wray & Nephew’s @twentythree corporate watering hole where The Beauty Spot was formally announced as The Rock’s official distributor of the world-renowned beauty brand. Putting in our orders at the bar, we settle in for cool convo and libations.
What are you sipping?
A lychee-tini.
Being in the business of social media, how do you go about maintaining currency in the subjects you are covering?
I credit our young and socially aware staff. We put a lot of time and energy into recruitment to ensure that the members of Team Stush have an innate curiousity and desire to be on top of all the latest happenings, both in the culture and technological advances in social apps.
Stush is no longer the only party coverage site in town. What makes Stush still a must-click spot on the Internet?
Our content goes beyond event coverage with special pictorial features and lots of interaction with our fans. We also get personal with our fans through interaction with our team members with “Ask Stush”, our very own advice column!
You’re a fashion designer and also a mother of two. How do your children serve as inspiration in your creative process?
As my life gets busier with juggling family and work, I definitely appreciate designs that are quick and easy, yet are still figure-flattering and fashion-forward. My clients are women on the go who want to look good without the extra fuss.
What is your design aesthetic in designing for the Jamaican woman?
My designs are definitely all about celebrating womanly curves. I cater to a large range of sizes from 6 to 3X and I ensure that ladies feel at their best when they are wearing my designs. I also offer custom options, time permitting.
Who is your professional inspiration?
My mother-in-law Pat Francis is the true definition of an overachiever who manages to balance career and family life.
What are your clutch essentials?
Samsung S5 a must, Maybelline New York Define-A-Line Eyeliner, Mac Matte Please Me Pink lipstick, and my car keys.
Where is your relax destination to escape to?
Just take me to West End in Negril! I’m a happy woman.
Who does your hair?
The Great “Adolf ” Raynor.
Who does your nails?
The beautiful @Donyamarie22.
What perfume are you spraying?
Tom Ford.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Great opportunities never disappear; they simply go to other people.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
Ambitious, loyal, consistent, kind, good-looking ….and 6’2. All the characteristics of my beloved husband, Ricky Francis.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
Hands down, my perfect date was when my now husband told me he was taking me on a surprise trip and to pack for a month. He took me to Europe.
Where will Tamia be five years from now?
Dressing women worldwide with a wide range of pieces from the Tamia Carey Collection.
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