Tanya Windman is a personified example of actively building the life and career you want, having left the corporate world of PR and marketing to start a business as a personal strategist for women, artists and entrepreneurs. But it almost seems like forging forward into the unknown is in her DNA, having lived around the world from Tel Aviv to LA and now Mexico City (with a return to New York City in the works right now). It makes a lot of sense to me that Tanya is such an effective coach to her clients, from the first time I met her I found myself sharing some of my most personal stories and struggles (ha, sorry Tanya!). She's deeply empathetic and insightful, I'm so excited to share her thoughts with you.
Hi Tanya! Can you tell me a little bit about your background? Where did you grow up?
My mom is European and my dad is Polish/Israeli. I was born in Tel Aviv and we moved to Massachusetts when I was 2. When I was 5 we moved to Palo Alto, I grew up there while the Silicon Valley and internet was just starting. I lived in Napa Valley for part of high school and then moved back to Israel for the other part. My grandmother on my dad's side actually comes from a large textile family in Poland and after the war, set up her own fashion boutique close to Tel Aviv. I remember my mom wearing some of her designs for decades up until a few years ago.
Where have you lived in your life? What brought you to Mexico City?
Tel Aviv, San Francisco, Napa, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, New York and Mexico City. I came to Mexico City for a visit and fell in love with it. Mexico City felt like living inside of a heart. I kept extending my stay, was meeting the most incredible people and soaking up the many layers of culture that exist, eventually making the move from LA and meeting my now partner who grew up here.
Can you describe to me what you do professionally and how you ended up in such a unique role?
Accounts and partnerships with a focus on culture, wellness, travel and personal strategist for women, entrepreneurs and artists. I’ve blended my corporate and agency background with an intuitive approach helping women, entrepreneurs and artists in business. After many years of self discovery and taking leaps of faith, I have made it a priority to choose courage over fear and follow what’s true to me. Through that, my life and profession have started to shape itself.
What do you think are the obstacles women face when running creative businesses?
Consistency, confidence, and burn out. It wasn’t so long ago when women were not allowed to work and even though there’s growing support for women, we’re still very much making up the difference.
What do you think makes women uniquely strong leaders?
Women are powerful and have the ability to hold many things at once. I think strong leaders in general are connected to their heart and find a way forward especially during unclear times. They’re not afraid to give or receive support and understand the power of collaboration over competition. I think increasingly women are starting to understand that there is another, more fulfilling, sustainable way of working. And the more that we have conversations about that, the better chance we have of transforming the way we do things.
How do you work with clients? Remotely? In person? What does it look like when you work with them?
I work both in person and remote. Work looks totally different depending on a client’s goals. I work as a business partner on a contract basis if it's more focused on the business side, I work with clients through a 90 program if the focus is blending personal and business, and I lead workshops that range and focus on anything from art and creative tools to mindfulness and business. I’m a big fan of customization and creating something that uniquely fits each person and project.
What has surprised you most about your work?
I haven’t been surprised per se. But one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is the importance of experimentation, testing things out quickly, iterating and transforming fear into courage.
What is the thing you think a female entrepreneur should know as she starts a new business?
Trust yourself, your unique vision and don’t overthink. Find like minded community and collaborators, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Learn to create balance early on, because it's a long path and you want to make sure that it’s a sustainable journey.
How do you describe your personal style? What kinds of clothes do you like to wear?
I like to be able to throw something on without much fuss and run out the door, while still looking and feeling good. So, it has to be comfortable, understated, timeless, and unique. I’ve never liked labels and branding. I prefer simplicity, minimalism, and quality fabrics. I love mixing old and new, like wearing a family heirloom necklace with a Chava button up, denim and a pair of boots.
Thank you so much, Tanya!
Tanya wears the Elegant Oxford Shirt, our high rise full length jean (coming in January), The Cropped Tuxedo Shirt in Black and our Relaxed Tux Pant.
