The Blonde Mule

View Original

An Interview with Chief Tactician Tabitha Tune

Remember when Twitter was a place you could ask earnest questions and get helpful responses? Twas in such an interaction that I met today's bitch. I believe I had been a business approximately five minutes when I took to Twitter asking how to write a contract. Tabitha, who I knew only from a, 'wow, I hope I'm like her one day,' perspective responded immediately and invited me to coffee. Between talk of Stumptown and Legal Zoom, a friendship was formed.

Like all my favorite people, Tabitha is a Taurus. In fact, if you're reading this the day it's published, it's Tabitha's birthday, and, pssst, it's a big one, so wish her a happy birthday! Hashtag: Taurus season. Tabitha and I share a love of the important things in life:  good coffee, Hamilton, Korean food, and gifs (in that order). Meet today's bitch, Tabitha Tune!

What do you do and what is the name of your business?

I am the Chief Tactician at A la Mode Media. I know, fancy, right? Long story short, businesses hire me to make them sound and look good online.

When did you first learn about this field of work? How did you know it was what you wanted to do?

When I started this business, using social media as a marketing tool wasn’t common and it took a lot of convincing to get someone to pay for that service. I didn’t know anybody else who offered what I did, so it was also good timing on my part. I’ve always had a penchant for internet interaction and took to social media with a little too much enthusiasm. So I thought, why not make a career out of what I love doing?

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?

Something a teacher said when I was 17 has stuck with me. It isn’t so much business related, but it applies, "Careful who you kick on the way up, you never know who you’ll meet on the way down."

Can you name the biggest lesson you’ve learned or that helped improve the way you work?

Don’t ever be too proud to ask for help. Sure, do your research, educate yourself, but if you’re in a rut or can’t figure it out, then turn to those you trust/respect and ask for help because you sometimes end up with even more insight and help than you asked for.

What would you do with 2 more hours a day?

Probably take a yoga class or start working out again. Or practice calligraphy. Maybe bake something.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made?

Human interaction. I really love playing a part in my clients’ growth. I’m fortunate to be included sometimes in what they do, but at the end of the day I am a contractor and on my own, which for an extrovert like me, can be very isolating.

What is your greatest success, or something you’re most proud of related to what you do?

It hit me recently that I established my LLC in 2010 and things are still going really well today - I can’t help but be proud of that.

Do you have a morning ritual that helps you set the tone for the day?

I had a baby almost a year ago, so my morning ritual is me spending time with him. We have breakfast together, we hang out and when his nanny gets here I get to start on my work day. That I get to spend that time with him every morning lets me appreciate the time I have for work, and vice versa.

How do you decompress at night?

Lately? A few spoonsful of Jeni’s Brown Butter Almond Brittle followed by a shower and then a book. Or Candy Crush.

What helps when you’re stuck? Do you have a motto or quote that inspires/motivates you?

This hangs over my desk, “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing” - Ron Swanson. When I’m stuck it’s usually because I’ve spread myself thin and I have to literally walk away from my desk or laptop or whatever it is I’m touching/working on for a bit and I do something completely, physically different.

What does self care look like in your life?

Right now with an infant in my life, any sleep I can get is precious and treasured. I learned the hard way how poorly I function when I'm sleep-deprived, so I don’t care if my nails look janky or I haven’t gotten a facial treatment in months - sleep is (no joke) giving me life.

Are there any women who helped pave the way for your success?

If encouraging me and supporting me counts as paving the way then yes, there are plenty of women in my life who have helped. This may sound like such a cop-out of an answer but I mean it when I say that pretty much every woman I’ve become friends with through work has influenced me in some way. Even you, Kim!

Lastly, and most important, what is your favorite TV show and what is your favorite snack?

This is a tough one, I watch/enjoy so many TV shows. But right now, I still love Bob’s Burgers, and my favorite snack is Chester’s Flaming Hot Cheeto Puffs.


P.S. Meet my last bitch:  Susannah Felts, Writer and The Porch Co-Founder!

P.P.S. See a full list of all my Bitches here!