Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamaki Harvey Stratman.
Hi Tamaki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first developed a desire for fashion when I received my first sewing machine from my parents. I began by making little clothes to fit my Barbie dolls, completely absorbed in the joy of creating something from fabric and imagination. Later, in high school, my parents bought me a grown‑up sewing machine because I wanted to create my own clothes.
I took beginning and advanced sewing courses in high school. My godmother, a gifted seamstress, made my eighth‑grade graduation dress — a gown that looked like Princess Diana’s wedding dress. I still remember getting out of the car and seeing people on their porches as I walked toward the school. They said to me, “You look so pretty!” Deep inside, I said to myself, I want to make people feel good inside like that.
Those thoughts motivated and inspired me to make my baccalaureate dress for high school graduation. Sadly, I don’t have a photograph of me wearing that dress — dang it. It included a vest with my initials, and the fabric of the initials matched the dress perfectly.
My godmother would show me pointers and tips on how to sew a prairie skirt I was making for one of my classes. My mother believed in me and in my ability to do it, and praise God, I did! Even now, it brings tears to my eyes because my parents believed in me. I won’t say it was easy; I had to seam‑rip many a stitch, but I stuck with it. I loved transforming patterns and making them my own. That’s how I started.
I took classes in textiles, costume history, sewing, fashion, and art, to name a few. These classes gave me a passion and a solid foundation for my dream of working in the fashion industry. I also interned at a museum while I was in college. I worked with various ladies’ fans spanning centuries. When I received my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to work packing and handling a wide range of artifacts,
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A career in fashion is not as easy as it appears; it’s not all about dressing up and saying, “Look at what I’m wearing,” or “How do you like my outfit?” It goes much deeper than that. Fashion is truly psychological. The fashion and design industry is very competitive, so I had to make some choices.
It has not been a smooth road, but I have learned a great deal. While I was going to college, I, with my Dad, cared for my mother, who was ill, so life wasn’t full of parties and hanging around friends. I went to school, came home, and did what I was called to do: care for my mother. It was hard because I wasn’t like the other kids, but God got me through it. I’ve learned it’s cool to be unique and different than everybody else. All my dreams of being that Fashion authority had to be put on hold. College offered a fashion merchandising major, so I jumped on it, thinking it was the right fit for me. However, it focused on merchandising rather than design, and when it came time for my internship, my advisor suggested I intern at a museum. I had the opportunity at the museum to handle various artifacts — from ladies’ mantles to military uniforms — and that experience opened my eyes to a completely different side of fashion, history, and craftsmanship.
I look back on my life and realize the gratefulness and thankfulness that I was there for my mother when she needed me. I ask you to consider what’s most important in your life now, and you will never regret your decision. My pastor says our power phrases: We are Lifelong learners! Pray First!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My blog, Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com, is where I write about fashion, lifestyle, and the brands I enjoy. I have been the Creative Director of the blog for about 17 years now, and it has become a place to share my experiences, creativity, and inspirations.
My YouTube channel, Living an Elegant and Graceful Life, is a showcase of my faith, my lifestyle, and the brands I enjoy — whether it’s clothing, fragrance, or handbags. I also enjoy sharing advice whenever I feel it can help someone.
These social media outlets allow me to share what I enjoy with the world. More than anything, I want people to understand that there is only one you, and you should celebrate the unique gift God has given each of us.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. I show up as myself — unapologetically and 100%.
I am known for being honest and sharing my opinions with readers and viewers. I am also thankful to be a Momentum Influencer and to share family-friendly reviews of movies, Bibles, and other faith-based products.
Any big plans?
The possibilities are endless. I plan to continue with my blog and YouTube channel. Some ideas I am considering right now include developing style guides for people who want to take their style to the next level. Topics would include creating multiple outfits with fewer pieces of clothing, layering clothing for more than one season, and choosing colors that best suit your personality.
I would also love to do a Bible study on my blog and YouTube channel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtwisdom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingAnElegantAndGracefulLife
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamakiannastratman/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JTwisdom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTWisdom
