Motherhood, Creativity & the Making of Tara Zadeh Agency: A Conversation With Tara Zadeh.
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
A Paris-raised, New York-educated, London-based creative with Iranian roots, Tara has long been known as fashion’s eclectic tastemaker, a woman with an instinctive eye for colour, culture, and atmosphere. Her career has spanned publishing, branding, and launching her own accessories label, each chapter adding another layer to her creative lens. But it was becoming a mother that grounded her, offering perspective, balance, and a deepened sense of intuition.
What followed was a natural evolution: the creation of her own agency, Tara Zadeh Agency, a space where her multicultural background, industry experience, and gift for storytelling converge. Today, she curates some of fashion’s most distinctive events and collaborations, championing emerging designers and proudly elevating voices from the Middle East to international audiences.
In our conversation for Luminary Mothers, Tara reflects on the beautiful chaos of raising two young children, how motherhood sharpened her instincts rather than shifting her identity, and why success, for her, is defined by freedom, presence, and the ability to live life on her own terms. Her story is a reminder that motherhood doesn’t limit creativity; it refines it, giving it depth, direction, and heart.
By Alice Codford
ON MOTHERHOOD
Alice: How has motherhood changed you, both personally and professionally?
Tara Zadeh: Motherhood has been a whirlwind in the best way. It’s taught me that patience is essential… but not always realistic! I’ve learned to embrace chaos, laugh at the little disasters, and let go of perfection. It’s also made me more intentional about how I spend my time and which projects I take on, I focus on what truly excites me and brings meaning, both at home and professionally. Honestly, it’s messy, exhausting, joyful, and completely life-changing all at once.
Was motherhood what you expected, and what has surprised you the most?
Tara Zadeh: Motherhood was nothing like I expected, but in the best way. It has completely enriched my life. I feel incredibly lucky to have a great support system, and my husband is very hands-on, which makes all the difference. My kids bring so much joy and energy into every day, and even the chaos feels magical. What surprises me the most is the love I have for them, it’s truly out of this world. Seeing them grow, only two years apart, and watching their bond and love for each other is the most precious and rewarding feeling. Don’t get me wrong, they fight like brothers too, but even that makes me smile. It’s all part of it, and it just warms my heart. Becoming a mother also made me appreciate my own mother so much more. It made me realise everything she went through and how deeply she gave of herself. She has always been such an inspiring woman to me, but even more so now that I understand what motherhood really means.
“Motherhood hasn’t changed who I am, but it’s made me more focused on what truly matters. My children are my first priority now.”
On a tough day balancing parenting, work, and life, how do you recharge and find calm?
Tara Zadeh: A good night’s sleep is key for me, around eight hours gives me maximum energy. I also love spending time alone in my bedroom, which is my calm space. It’s on the top floor of our house, completely isolated and very quiet. I’ll take a moment just for myself, put on my LED mask, close my eyes, or enjoy a long bath with some candles. Those small rituals really help me recharge and feel grounded.
Since I’m often out two or three evenings a week, between events and seeing friends, my husband and I also love going out together with our friends, talking about everything and anything over a few cocktails. It’s a different kind of recharge, but it really helps me unwind.
Have you found it easy or challenging to maintain friendships since becoming a mother? Have you made any new mum-friends along the way?
Tara Zadeh: I’ve been very lucky to have a close group of friends in London that I’ve known for over ten years, so those relationships have remained strong. I also have great support at home, which allows me to still go out for dinners or drinks and maintain my social life. A few of my closest girlfriends have children around the same age as mine, which helps a lot. I haven’t really made new “mum friends” through school, but over the past five years I’ve naturally met other mothers, mostly through my work and the industry and those connections have developed quite organically.
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
Many women talk about feeling a shift in identity after becoming a mother, did you experience this?
Tara Zadeh: A shift in identity, not at all. A shift in priorities, most definitely. Motherhood hasn’t changed who I am, but it’s made me more focused on what truly matters. My children are my first priority now, but I still feel very connected to myself and the life I had before. It’s more about balance and perspective than a complete change in identity.
What lessons from motherhood do you carry into your work as a founder?
Tara Zadeh: Motherhood has taught me patience, perspective, and to let go of perfection. Things don’t always go as planned, and I’ve learned to adapt quickly, stay calm, and focus on what truly matters. It’s also made me more intuitive and empathetic, which translates into how I lead and create. I trust my instincts more now, both as a mother and as a founder, and I think that sense of balance and emotional awareness has made me better at what I do.
“Becoming a mother also made me appreciate my own mother so much more. It made me realise everything she went through and how deeply she gave of herself. She has always been such an inspiring woman to me, but even more so now that I understand what motherhood really means.”
What advice or words of wisdom would you share with other mothers, something you wish you had known before becoming a mum?
Tara Zadeh: I’d say don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s so much pressure to do everything perfectly, but no one really does. I wish I had known how important it is to give yourself grace and to trust that you’ll figure things out as you go. Ask for help when you need it, and take time for yourself without feeling guilty. Your children feel your energy, so the calmer and happier you are, the better it is for everyone.
Are there any must-have products you always recommend to new mums, whether for pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond?
Tara Zadeh: The range from Frida is great. It didn’t exist when I had my first child six years ago, but I definitely used a lot of their products when I gave birth again almost four years ago. They really think of everything and make those early days so much easier. I also love all the products by Legendairy Milk — they were a lifesaver for me postpartum.
Is there a moment in motherhood that made you redefine what success means to you?
Tara Zadeh: For me, success is about freedom. I’ve always loved the idea of being able to travel with my kids for a couple of months in the summer, take them away during the holidays, and still feel completely present in both my personal and professional life. I work very hard, and I take a lot of pride in what I do, so when my clients are happy and the events I curate come together beautifully, that’s success to me. It’s about having the flexibility to live fully, spend time with my family, and do work that truly fulfills me.
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
ON STARTING HER OWN CREATIVE AGENCY
As fashion’s go-to tastemaker, how do you see your influence today, and how has it evolved over time?
Tara Zadeh: I don’t think my influence has really changed that much. I’ve always been quite eclectic — I love mixing bold colors, fun pieces, and lots of black. I’ve stayed true to my own style and what I genuinely like, rather than following trends. I think that consistency and authenticity are what people connect with most.
“Starting my agency felt like a natural progression — a way to bring together my experience, creativity, and network.”
Did becoming a mother influence your career or creative identity, and if so, how did you navigate that?
Tara Zadeh: It didn’t change who I am creatively, but it helped me find balance. I’ve learned to be more efficient, more organised, and more intentional with my time. Motherhood gave me perspective — I’m still as passionate about what I do, but I choose projects that feel right and allow me to be present for my family too.
What inspired you to start your agency, and what gap in the creative or fashion landscape were you trying to fill?
Tara Zadeh: It really happened quite organically. Having had my own brand before, I understood firsthand what brands need when it comes to curating events, pop-ups, or trunk shows, and how important the right atmosphere and guest list can be. Starting my agency felt like a natural progression — a way to bring together my experience, creativity, and network. It was also important for me, as an Iranian, to give more visibility to brands from the Middle East and help them connect with international audiences.
How did your multicultural background influence the DNA and philosophy of Tara Zadeh Agency?
Tara Zadeh: My multicultural background is a big part of who I am and how I work. Being Iranian, raised in Paris, studied in New York and now based in London, I’ve always been surrounded by different cultures, aesthetics, and ways of thinking. I love mixing East and West, tradition and modernity, and that balance has become part of the agency’s identity. It’s what gives our projects their character, refined but still warm and personal.
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
Which experiences from your professional background prepared you most for leading your agency?
Tara Zadeh: Having my own brand definitely prepared me the most. It taught me so much about every side of the business, from design and production to press, retail, and events. Before that, I worked in publishing and branding, which gave me a strong sense of visuals, storytelling, and how to build a brand identity. Those experiences really shaped how I approach my agency today and gave me the confidence to lead it in my own way.
What advice would you give to emerging creatives, especially mothers, who feel pressure to fit into predefined molds or industry expectations?
Tara Zadeh: I’d say don’t try to fit into a mold. The industry changes all the time, and what people connect with most is authenticity. Stay true to your taste, your rhythm, and your way of doing things. Especially as a mother, there’s already enough pressure, protect your energy and move at your own pace. You don’t need to do everything, just what feels right for you.
What are some of your proudest career accomplishments to date?
Tara Zadeh: I’m proud of how naturally my agency has grown through word of mouth and genuine relationships. Seeing the events I curate come to life and watching brands trust me with their vision is really fulfilling. I’m also proud of the mix of clients I’ve worked with, from emerging designers to established names and of being recognized by Forbes as a go-to tastemaker, which was a special moment for me.
“Don’t try to fit into a mold. The industry changes all the time, and what people connect with most is authenticity.”
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
ON BEAUTY, STYLE & SELF-CARE
How would you describe your personal style, and has it evolved since becoming a mother?
Tara Zadeh: My style hasn’t really changed. It’s still quite eclectic; I love mixing bold colors, fun pieces, and lots of black. My husband always used to joke that I dressed like a teenager, especially on weekends, in leggings and combat boots, which I do a bit less now. I already look quite young for my age, so since becoming a mother I try to keep things a little more polished, while still having fun with what I wear.
What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel effortlessly comfortable yet confident?
Tara Zadeh: A pair of jeans, my favorites are from Agolde or Citizens of Humanity, a simple top, and always a blazer by Yomi. I have a few in different colors, and the strong shoulders make me feel confident while still looking effortless.
Who or what inspires your approach to fashion and beauty?
Tara Zadeh: My inspiration comes from everywhere. I love bold women with personality, but also spaces, art, and design. I think fashion and beauty are connected to how you live, not just what you wear. It’s all about how something makes you feel.
Did you receive or gift yourself something meaningful to celebrate the birth of your child?
Tara Zadeh: My husband got me a Marlo Laz necklace when our first son was born, and a Kelly bag for our second. Both gifts feel so special and hold a lot of meaning for me.
Image Courtesy of Tara Zadeh
What is currently on your shopping list?
Tara Zadeh: A few things! Ugg Classic Mini Dipper Boots, Stand Studio Hilma Coat, Prada Fleece Jacket, Ducie Billie Leather Trousers, Deme Alexandra Dress in red and Jude Benhalim’s Serenity Bangle.
What is your go-to handbag for everyday?
Tara Zadeh: My black Balenciaga City bag that I got about 15 years ago. It fits my computer, it’s perfectly worn in, and it just goes with everything. It has that effortless, cool look I love.
What does your beauty routine look like today, and has it changed since becoming a mother?
Tara Zadeh: It’s interesting because I actually take much better care of myself now. Since becoming a mother, I’ve become more consistent and intentional with my routine. I used to sometimes go to bed without even cleansing my face, but now I make it a point to take those few minutes for myself every day.
Are there any makeup products you swear by daily?
Tara Zadeh: I’m not big on heavy makeup, so I stick to a few things that make me feel fresh. The Sarah Chapman tinted moisturizer is my go-to, along with the Guerlain bronzer, Ilia mascara, and the Oh My Crème plumping serum. It’s quick, easy, and makes me feel put together.
Follow Tara on Instagram here.