IWD 2023 with Tanielle Jai

To honour and celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we invited five inspirational local women to share what womanhood means to them. This is Tanielle's story.

Tell us a bit about you. What are you currently focused on, What does your day to day look like? 

My Name is Tanielle, I go by Tanielle Jai (fun fact Jai is my middle name not my last name). I've been a makeup artist for over 17 years and just recently I started my own beauty brand predominantly focused on Makeup brushes at this stage. Everyday looks completely different to me, like a contractor, I work for many different online fashion stores. So wherever my client wants me to be I will be! Most of the time, I am up before the sun is up and I am driving up and down the coast for shoots. I love my job but I decided I wanted to launch my own brand and online makeup course. So When I am not working physically on a shoot, I am packing orders, helping my online students and looking for the next product to launch! The most important job I have is being a mum to my two beautiful boys and a wife to my very supportive husband! 

What is a life motto that you live by? 

Anais Nin Quote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”. This quote has always stuck with me. Being complacent can be so much more painful than putting yourself out there and taking the risk. Regret is far more painful than failure. Give your dreams a go! Don't bury your talents. 

How would you describe the modern woman? 

The modern woman is confident whether she is a CEO of a multi million dollar company, a cleaner at a school, a stay at home mum (one of the hardest jobs there is!), a beauty therapist, a plumber, no matter the job she is a boss! More often than not that woman - no matter the job - is juggling so many other unseen jobs that no man will ever understand or do! 

What does being a woman mean to you? 

Embracing my femininity. Proverbs 31 Woman is what I aim to be. She gets up early in the morning, she works hard, makes good investments, she dresses beautifully, she cares for her family, and makes sure they have nutritious food to eat. She is wise, she is strong, She cares for the poor, she fears the Lord. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Is there a book that really stood out to you over the years that you would recommend to other women? 

I am more of a movie buff so Erin Brockovich, Joy and Self Made (TV series) are really great films showcasing real women who were just absolute bosses!  

Can you recount a time you felt empowered by another woman, who they were, what the event entailed? 

I'd have to say my family and my friends are all wonderful. There isn't a defining moment - just all little moments that help drive me. I am so blessed to have a wonderful group of girl friends and family! 

You can keep up with Tanielle at @taniellejaimua