Tatum Blize is a force. As an Independent Consultant with Beautycounter, Tatum is part of a new wave of entrepreneurs who are leading the charge in the clean beauty industry, challenging major corporations and government agencies to be more transparent about the ingredients in personal care products.
Tatum’s story is extremely familiar to many women — originally a stay-at-home mom, Tatum wanted to create a career for herself that was financially and spiritually rewarding, but she also wanted to have a flexible schedule so she could pick up her kids from school.
Two years later, Tatum is in the top 10% of Beautycounter consultants and has created a job she is extremely proud of in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world (the organic and natural beauty industry is touted to reach $22 billion dollars by 2024). Tatum is a babe because of her idealistic energy, genuine vibe and commitment to being an awesome mom and businesswoman, all at the same time.
What does “Babes Supporting Babes” mean to you?
The founder of Beautycounter Gregg Renfrew has this great saying — “when the tide rises, all ships will sail.” What I’ve learned over the years is that when we all work together as a collective, we do better than we would alone — and not only are we more successful, we’re also more fulfilled. Watching someone you support experience success is a deeply gratifying, wonderful feeling.
What city feels most like home to you?
I love Vancouver — it’s where my family has made our home, and I adore our life here. But there’s also something about New York that really speaks to me. There’s something happening in every corner of the city and a “pulse” that’s uniquely New York. It feels like something exciting could happen at any moment and that exhilarates me.
What is your karaoke song?
Run The World (Girls), obviously!
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Choosing my marriage again. Long-term relationships are about getting to know and choose another person, and also about really getting to know yourself.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Beyoncé. There is something about how she has transformed and harnessed her power over the last few years that completely speaks to me. When Homecoming came out on Netflix a few months ago, I stayed up all night to watch it. Beyoncé is my queen!
What would your friends say is your most noticeable characteristic?
My laugh, 100%. You can hear me from any corner of a room.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My grandma always told me to “put yourself together when you leave the house so you feel your best, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.” She was always put together when we went out — earrings on, hair done and lipstick perfectly applied. I love leaving my home feeling like I can conquer the world.
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
I love people who are go-getters and who are willing to put themselves out there — even if they’ve failed before or have some fear about their ideas. The bravery of bold people is something I really admire. I also really like people who have fun every day and laugh a lot; life is too short to not be grateful and happy for the time you have.
What are three things we would find in your fridge at all times?
At least four different types of hot sauce, wine (although let’s be honest, I have a wine fridge — I highly recommend it, fellow moms!) and always leftovers. My husband works in the hospitality industry, so inevitably we eat out and try new food all of the time. It’s a good perk, to be sure!
What is your version of a “power suit”?
High heels, a sexy onesie romper and big, teased hair.
How do you balance your job and motherhood?
Originally, my goal was to be a stay-at-home mom; I didn’t think that I’d want to work once I had kids. What I didn’t expect was the independence that I craved once I became a mom. My job increases my pride, confidence and gives me so much personal fulfillment. I always tell new moms — make sure you have one thing in your life that is just for you and not attached to your identity or responsibilities as a mother.
I also think there’s something very powerful about contributing to your household income. It has completely transformed my relationship with my husband. He is very successful and has been holding it down for years, and it’s a great feeling to know that I can help take care of our family too, the way he has always taken care of us. My goal is to buy my family a house — the sky is the limit!
Who is your favourite supermodel?
Slick Woods. I distinctly remember watching her walk down the Fenty runway 9 months pregnant — and then I read later that during the show she felt contractions and went straight to the hospital after finishing her job. I just love that — what a badass! I also adore Claudia Schiffer; she is gorgeous, poised and so elegant.
What words or phrases do you most overuse?
Oh shit.
What’s a book you think everyone should read?
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. It applies to everybody in every situation. It inspired me to claim my awesomeness and my weirdness and to just go out and DO IT.
Also, Born A Crime by Trevor Noah. I was born in South Africa during the tail end of apartheid and I distinctly remember not being able to go to certain beaches and places as a young child.
The community we lived in was only Indian people. Now that I’m in an interracial marriage and have gone back to visit South Africa, I feel such curiosity about the place I grew up. What I love about this book is getting some history about the place I left when I was young, as well as hearing the perspective of someone who has lived a parallel life to mine. I think Trevor Noah is brilliant.
What is your morning routine?
About 3 times a week, I wake up at 5:30 a.m. to go to Oxygen Yoga & Fitness. One of the greatest gifts I give myself as a mom is the space to take care of myself and exercise. I’m back home a few minutes after 7:00 a.m. and from 7:00-8:00 a.m. it’s what I call ‘go time’ to get ready for an 8:00 a.m. school departure. The minute we get in the car we listen to Harry Potter audio books on the way to school. Once I drop my boys off, I get going on work stuff. Being a mom makes life super busy but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What new trends are you noticing in your industry?
It’s not a trend anymore at all, but clean beauty. The beauty industry has shifted dramatically in the last five years, and consumers are way more discerning about the products they’re putting on their bodies.
Another big shift is content marketing. Social media is so valuable, but I think people are tired of surface-level bullshit and more into real conversation these days. What I still really appreciate about social media is that it’s a conduit to in-person connection and conversation. I also like that consumers are now marketers and have the power to dictate what they want.
I think consumers want to be more intentional and purposeful about how and with who they spend their money. They’re educating themselves on the philosophy and purpose of companies and businesses are being held accountable. It’s fantastic to watch.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your business?
People have a ton of preconceived notions about companies like Beautycounter and I certainly had my own reservations at the beginning. But honestly, working with Beautycounter is the smartest decision I’ve ever made. Beautycounter knows the perception of old-school multi-level marketing brands, so it’s really chill about how people access and shop the beauty brand. For example, some people love to shop with a Beautycounter consultant at pop-up shops and to have in-person interactions. Other people love to shop for Beautycounter products on their own, so they just hit up the e-commerce store. We’re coached to really listen to our clients and ensure they’re getting a shopping experience that works for them.
Beautycounter didn’t begin because the founders thought the world needed another business that offered lipsticks and moisturizers. Instead, the company started because the founders wanted to mobilize a movement and make a significant impact on the beauty industry.
At Beautycounter, we want consumers to know what’s in the products they use each day. It’s not about being preachy or dogmatic, but instead we’re advocating for proper labelling and transparency so people can make informed choices.
Keep up with Tatum on Instagram @tatum.blize and @beautycounter.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.