Tarra Parks: Legendary Ladies Spotlight
In 2022, I completed a portrait project called Legendary Ladies which was all about celebrating women over 40. As I’ve started a new project, This is Me, I’ve been thinking back on the sessions from my first portrait project at my studio in Cisco, TX.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be featuring each participant of the Legendary Ladies project on my blog. Follow along as I share these amazing women’s stories.
Today we’re spotlighting Tarra. She’s the owner of Maker’s Mark Herbals. I loved learning about natural alternatives to health and wellness products from Tarra! She is a woman of faith and cares deeply about her family. Let’s jump into her story!
Get to Know Tarra
“My name is Tarranette Marie Rose. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I went to 9 different schools from preschool to graduation. I have 5 biological siblings but was raised with 1 brother. I first met my Messiah at 14. I also landed my first job at 14. I’m a third generation teen mom. I conceived my first baby at 17. I’ve been married to my husband Will since 2002. I’ve been pregnant 8 times, given birth 7 times. I have 6 daughters and 1 son. I have had two home births, first with my son who was Frank-breech and also with my youngest daughter who was 2-weeks and 2-days past her due date; and weighed 10lbs, my biggest baby by 1lb 4oz. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I love numbers and doing math by hand. I love to research and learn new things, especially about human anatomy and physiology and the creation in which we live. I have a strong sense of truth and justice. I’ve been known to be persistent and tenacious. I’m very thoughtful. I’m not good when it comes to keeping things short and to the point. There’s always going to be a story, there’s always going to be details coming from me (if you haven’t yet figured that out).”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“In my teens: I see you. I love you. You're valuable. You’re safe. In my 20’s, until mid to late 30’s: Sleep on it. Don’t cast your pearls before swine. Take more pictures.”
How did your view on life change after turning 40?
“I've had several turning points in life, but among the most impactful wasn't when I turned 40, it happened just after I turned 38. My Grandma, my Mom’s Mom, passed away very unexpectedly from a hemorrhagic stroke, at the age of 71. We were only 33 years apart and were very close my entire life. The reality of her death definitely changed me, and brought about a shift in my priorities. Even in all of the grief, I take great solace in knowing that I loved and showed love to my Grandma all of my years, and she loved and showed me love all of my years, too.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about aging?
“Hindsight is a gift, it both teaches and reassures. Having experienced so much change in my 40 years on this Earth allows me to have a broad perspective on life. I’ve lived long enough to really realize for myself how everything happens for a reason, and how everything, eventually, does work out. My faith in my Creator and His Word is very deep.”
My new portrait project: This is Me, is accepting clients. This project is not age based, but is designed for women at all stages of their adult life to step into their highest self confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, click here.
