Dream Chaser: Tami Ihle, Model & Actress

Q: Tell us about yourself and your dream.
TI: My name is Tami Ihle. I am currently working in the Accounts Receivable department of Remco Inc., a contracting company located in Allentown, PA. Although this is not what I consider to be my ideal occupation, I view it as the stepping stone to get me to the next level, which is a career in the performing arts.

The performing arts have been a part of me ever since my childhood. I danced at the Ronnie Clifford School of Dance for 5 years, and later continued at Miss Jeanne’s School of Dance. My interest in modeling developed when I was in middle school, but it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I actually pursued it, with the financial help of my parents to get started.

Why did it take so many years to get the ball rolling? Mainly because I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the young age of 4 years old. This slowed me down quite a bit and I would say it was one of my greatest barriers to overcome. This condition makes a person very susceptible to weight gain and it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I started to become a fitness phanatic. I joined a gym, cleaned up my diet and eventually I began to see results that I felt would help me get a foot in the door of the modeling industry. I attended classes at Image International and went through my first series of photo shoots. That is when I realized that the camera and I had chemistry. Shortly thereafter, I got some work doing runway for bridal shows and ski shows. Then, I landed some commerical print jobs with Boscov’s and Piercing Pagoda.

At the age of 23 I decided to take an acting class. It was such a great experience; the instructor’s husband was a producer in the soap opera industry and she appeared in many different commercials and TV shows. It was a small class, there were only about 7 of us. We all bonded and worked well together; it was a turning point in my life. I continued to take classes in NYC, and went through a series of photoshoots for my headshot, so as you can imagine, I have met many wonderful photographers that specialize in Headshots and I am honored to say that all of the photos turned out amazing. I was definitely proud of them. Then the audition process began. I heard so many horror stories about how people went on audition after audition, facing rejection, and the importance of learning how to handle it and persevere rather than taking it personally.

Needless to say, I was a bit nervous for my first audition, but I went in there and gave it my best shot. It was for a horror movie that would be filming in the Stroudsburg, PA area, with some scenes in NYC. I went into the director’s office, stated my name and did a cold reading. I was already prepared to hear the dreaded “I’m sorry you aren’t right for this role”, but to my amazement, he loved me, and I made it to the callback list! I was so excited! The callbacks were held in NYC at the Grande Hotel. It was beautiful and luxurious. I went in, did the reading with the cameras rolling and the director flooded me with compliments. I landed a role in the movie! Wait a minute, it was my first audition, how did I do this? I am very humble so I didn’t let it go to my head, however, at that vulnerable age I was on top of the world! This is where “the gray” comes in.

Q: Describe a “gray” time in your life.
TI: After reporting the exciting, life-changing news to all of my family and friends, two months later I had to choke on my words. Everyone in the cast received the dreadful e-mail that the director had flown back to LA and the major funding for the film had fallen through. The film was cancelled. That was my first hard lesson. Even though the director saw talent in me, there are NEVER any promises or guarantees in this business.

It’s a tough, sometimes cut-throat business. I was let down in a very big way because I felt that movie would be my chance to shine and it was taken away for reasons beyond my control. A significant amount of time went by before I brushed myself off and got back into the industry. I took some more classes in NYC (in this industry you can never have too much training). I was also always very big on networking and talking to others. People will take the time to give advice or share their own personal success stories. And you never know what doors may open just by simply starting a friendly conversation with someone waiting in line at an audition, or anywhere else for that matter.

What inspired me to move beyond the gray? Well, I always envisioned myself reaching success. If you set goals and see yourself achieving them you will set your mind to it, believe in yourself and follow through. Plus, I have the support of my family, and amazing friends who encourage me to reach for the stars!

Q: How are you working towards your dream?
TI: I am extremely disciplined at the gym. I take good care of myself, eating well (treating myself to junk food occasionally so that I don’t feel deprived). I spend 2.5 hours a day at the gym, doing cardio and weight training routines. I become centered at the gym. It’s the whole mind/body/spirit connection, being healthy mentally, physically and emotionally. I get 8 hours of rest every night so I feel my best every day. Finally, I set goals so that I can do a personal inventory to ensure that I am setting my plans into motion and making things happen for myself.

Q: What challenges and fears have stood between you and your dreams? How are you working to overcome them?
TI: I would have to say that one challenge was always the fear of success. I enjoy my time with my loved ones, I never wanted to feel that I would have to choose between my career and the important people that I hold close to me.

Another challenge was feeling comfortable in my own skin. It took many years to achieve this. This is an industry where people will chew you up and spit you out. You can’t allow it to affect your sense of self. You can’t take things personally in this business or it will damage your self-esteem. I entered the industry during my adolescent years, when I was still trying to define myself and figure out my purpose in life. I believe that is why so many stars fall victims to drugs and alcohol. They are trying to find their place in life and are immersed into an industry that will destroy you if you allow it to. To overcome the negative side of the business, I flood my mind with positive, motivational books. It doesn’t hurt to refresh the soul with encouraging, spiritual words. That is the best medicine out there.

Q: What inspires you to keep pushing forward when the going gets tough?
TI: I have the attitude that the only way to go is forward. If you fail at something once, it isn’t a dead end, you can learn from it and try again. I surround myself with positive people, experiences, quotes, etc. Giving up is never an option.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone else who is struggling to move beyond “the gray” and follow a dream, what would it be?
TI: The world is your own personal canvas, paint it with many different colors. Live each day seeing beauty in the small things. Lift someone up when they are down. Find your passion and learn everything that you can about it. Network, network, network! Surround yourself with others who share that same passion. You need to learn failure in order to experience success. Fear is your only enemy. Overcome your fears; most of the time it is only mind over matter. Never give up on yourself, it’s not an option. Life is too short and you will never know all that you are capable of unless you take chances. If you keep working at your passion, things will start happening. Stay true to yourself. But most of all, believe in yourself.

Are you actively pursuing or living a dream? If so, I’d love to hear from you! Please e-mail me at: Erika (dot) Liodice (at sign) hotmail (dot) com.