The Marie Hunter brand is built upon one philosophy, “Confidence Speaks Volumes”. Confidence by definition is a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. The Marie Hunter Modern Muse is a woman who is a guiding spirit and source of artistic inspiration in life and business.

Today we’re featuring Tomara Watkins, Founder of Loza Tam. Loza Tam is a satin lined hair accessory company that works with highly skilled, women entrepreneurs in Ghana to produce their line of African head wraps, satin lined turbans, and headbands. I had the opportunity to ask Tomara 5 questions and here is what she had to say.

Q+A with MH Modern Muse Tomara Watkins

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: I'm Tomara (folks call me Tam for short) - founder of Loza Tam. Loza Tam is a brand of satin-lined turban head wraps and hair accessories for women on the move. I'm from an extremely small area that is smack dab between Georgia and Florida. I live for solo travel to destinations on the continents of Asia and Africa. Next on my list? Rwanda and Bangladesh.

Q: What is inspiring you right now?

A:

Spring. There's something about how the flowers show out during this time of year that makes me feel like I can do ANYTHING. The beauty of Spring is almost Godly to me. With the current COVID-19 lockdown, getting out of the house to view Spring gives me something to look forward to.

Buying Plants. I'm obsessed with buying plants. I'm actually planning a trip to my local plant shop down the street to pick up a few. Plants are really calming to me. I think that's the effect of my grandmother. She has gardened my entire life. I'm turning into her...LOL.

Dynamic Stretching. I'm far from a yogi and don't practice nearly as much as I want or should. But I find as I get older (and more sedentary), the need to stretch and move my body is greater. Anyone else wake up feeling stiff with creaky bones?

Q: What was the defining moment that made you want to launch Loza Tam?

A: I launched the brand after being in a Bikram yoga class back in 2016. I was doing a downward dog and my big kinky-curly 'fro was also doing a downward dog...LOL. I had on a headband (the kind with the silicone strip) and it just wasn't doing its job. So I went on a search to find the perfect headband for my hair. I didn't find anything after a few google searches and a stroll down the aisles of Target. It wasn't until I went to Ghana and got inspired by the beautiful prints I saw women wearing that a lightbulb came on. All of our products are handcrafted in Ghana by women entrepreneurs -- that's something that I'm extremely proud of.

Q: What advice would you have for a female entrepreneur ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship?

A: Take the leap. There's no better time than the present.

Q: What do you love most about Marie Hunter Beauty?

A: The QUALITY of the lipsticks. The thoughtfulness that goes into the packaging. The richness of the formulations.

Tam and I first connected in 2018 to partner for the holiday season and it’s been wonderful collaborating with her on various projects ever since! In our industry, collaboration is vital for growth and brand awareness and I love that Tam is always supporting her fellow female entrepreneurs and paving a way for them whenever she can. I also love that Tam works to close the gender gaps by employing women in Ghana, allowing them to feel empowered all while providing for themselves and their families. Tam’s noble acts of selflessness and ability to collaborate and empower women across the world is admirable and for that she is a MH Modern Muse.

You can follow Loza Tam on the following platforms:

Instagram: @lozatam

Facebook: @lozatam

Website: Loza Tam