Honoring International Women’s Day: My Temp-tations Journey

"International Women's Day is a day to reflect on and honor all the accomplishments women have made and continue to make daily. It's a day to be reminded that we can do anything we put our minds to, and together we can change the world." - Tara

 

How it all began

I remember sitting on the floor in my mom’s kitchen ages ago and pulling out all the pieces that we needed to create a meal. Mixing bowls and many, many pieces of bakeware… (because I was the one who had to do the dishes every night) I looked at my mom, Gail, and said, “there has to be a better way.” Fast forward to the day I dreamed up my first Temp-tations piece, 21 years ago. I wanted to create a product that was versatile, durable, and beautiful, not to mention affordable, for every at-home cook or entertaining enthusiast out there.

I knew there had to be a better way to create a family meal. I wanted something that would be just as at home in the oven as it would be on the table. And that's where stoneware came in. I chose a material that has been used for generations because I knew it was the perfect choice for my very first Temp-tations piece.

To simplify mealtime, my products also needed to serve more than one purpose, which is what I refer to as “magical transformation.” Can a lid for a baking dish also be a serving platter or trivet? (The answer is “yes!”). Can I make a cake stand that flips over to be a chip and dip set? (Also, yes!) Most of my pieces serve several purposes so they’re incredibly functional and can easily fit into anyone’s home and daily life.

 

Expanding beyond the kitchen

Temp-tations had become known for beautiful patterns and colors in cookware and bakeware, but those who love these products (they call themselves Temp-tations ‘Nistas’), became an inspiration to me. They wanted to see my patterns and colors on other types of items. So, I started a home décor line to expand the Temp-tations aesthetic throughout the home. Now you can find indoor and outdoor garden décor that coordinates with favorite stoneware pieces, so you can enjoy Temp-tations anywhere in your living space.

 

At the heart of it all is togetherness

At the heart of Temp-tations is the idea of bringing people together around the table. Whether it's a family dinner or a holiday meal, I want people to feel like they are part of something special. I come from a family where we always sat down to eat together, no matter how busy we were. And that sense of togetherness is something I want to share with the world.  The dishes I create are part of setting that whole scene to make those gatherings happen.

While I am busy being the creator, designer, and CEO for the Temp-tations family of brands, I am lucky to work with my husband and business partner, Ed, who keeps me grounded. We have a blended family, with five children and four grandchildren, as well as four dogs. But no matter how busy our lives get; we always make time for each other. And that's what Temp-tations is about, really… creating something that brings people together and makes them feel good.