Tell Me All About It: Q&A with Tara Mullarkey

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Tara Mullarkey--poster child (er, poster woman?) for making a big life change, taking the leap, and "doing what you love from where you love."

Her story? Tara is an ex-New York City corporate banker, who worked for a Fortune 500 conglomerate for 7 years. She was laid off during the financial downturn (which she now sees as a total blessing!), and used this opportunity to take a 3-year sabbatical to travel the world. She finally settled down in Tulum, Mexico, where she has totally revamped her life and has created a business doing what she loves. 

Tara is a now a yoga teacher and coach, and spends her time running retreats, courses, working 1-on-1 with women who want to discover their passions, and enjoying all that her gorgeous new landscape has to offer. She does all of this while living where she loves (hooray!), thanks to technology ;) 

I find Tara's story extremely inspiring (as do thousands of other people, it seems!), so wanted to know more about her. Thus, you can read below for the inside scoop on all things Tara Mullarkey...

Why did you start blogging? Why have you continued to do so? 
I think I started my first blog as I started on my spiritual sabbatical journey in 2009 but I succumbed to what I call fear and didn't follow through.  It wasn't until I launched my business in late 2012 that I launched a proper blog and started sharing it.

What inspires you?
Surrendered, open hearts.

What's your yoga story?
I started yoga when I was about 19 yrs old but never stuck with it.  It didn't really speak to me until I was lost in a painful city corporate life that I was led to back to Eastern practices.

Where do you find inspiration for your blog posts?
Usually my life, but I still struggle with finding inspiration, getting clear on a post, and writing it!

What's your creative process like?
My creative downloads usually come when I'm in nature...either walking the beach or the jungle with my beloved 4 legged furry one.

If you had to give one piece of advice to women (or men!) who want to take the plunge and pursue their dreams of working for themselves or starting their own business or blog, what would it be?
Start before you're ready.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
My spiritual growth.

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?
Red wine and chocolate....although I don't really believe in guilty pleasures.  Savor it all.

What's your favorite book and why?
At the moment, Dear Lover by David Deida...it opened the feminine to me.

How do you stay balanced? How do you unwind? 
Yoga, walks with my dog, time with my soul sisters.

What's your favorite blog post you've ever written, and why (include a link)?
Escaping the Corporate Chains...How I manifested my layoff.

If you were exiled to a desert island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be (have to ask it because I love this question!)?
My lover, my dog, and a hammock.

How do you try to live a mindful life?
Just noticing when the mind takes over with future tripping or past regrets, and bringing myself to the present moment with my breath.  I talk with my sisters a lot, and use mantra to help transform my energy to a more peaceful, calm, loving place.

Words of wisdom you live by?
Only love is real. (It's one of my tattoos!)

Want to learn more about Tara? You can find her in the following places: 

• Website + blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Vimeo
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Thanks for telling me all about it, Tara!