Life & Work with Tabitha Reading of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Reading

Tabitha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was a little girl, I was captivated by watching my mom get ready each morning. She would sit close to the mirror, practically hugging it, carefully applying her mascara to lift her lashes to the sky, and brushing rouge onto her cheeks until they looked perfectly sun-kissed. The lights above would illuminate her face, making her eyes sparkle, and it mesmerized me. I could watch her transform again and again, day after day. I’d sneak in whenever I could to play with her makeup, trying to understand how she made everything look so radiant. Those moments sparked a love for beauty and creativity, transforming into a lifelong passion for fashion and the art of self-expression.

My dad always told me that serving others through something I love would bring true meaning to life, and that advice shaped my journey. But on February 28, 2019, my world changed when he passed away unexpectedly. It was a devastating loss that made me reflect on my purpose and the talents God gave me. I realized that I wanted to use my gifts to help people feel beautiful inside and out, to see them glow with confidence.

By my senior year of high school, I had enrolled in cosmetology school, deepening my love for beauty and fashion. I thought my next step would be nursing, combining my interest in aesthetics with healthcare. But during a tour of Belmont University, I realized nursing wasn’t my true calling. That same day, I met Jamie Atlas, who explained what a career in fashion could look like at Belmont. Everything clicked, and I switched my major on the spot.

I would’ve never dreamed that little Tabitha, who used to dress up, play with her karaoke machine, blast music, and dance around the room, would one day find herself in the heart of Music City, studying fashion. Getting to work behind the scenes on editorial photoshoots, fashion shows, and embrace the day-to-day adventures that come with this creative journey. It’s surreal to think how those playful childhood moments led me here, chasing dreams that are bigger than I ever imagined.

Looking back, I can see how God guided my steps, leading me to Belmont and into a field where my passion and purpose align. My faith has been my anchor throughout this journey, giving me the strength to pursue my dreams and the courage to embrace change. Today, I’m fully committed to turning my passion for fashion into a career, inspired by my parents’ example and driven by the desire to make others feel confident and beautiful, both inside and out.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest obstacle has been dealing with grief and learning to navigate life without my dad, who was not only my best friend but also one of my greatest role models. Losing him meant facing the complexities of growing up while managing overwhelming emotions, all while stepping up to help my mom raise my five siblings. There will always be a missing piece of my heart, but I’ve started to treasure the lessons he taught me. I know he’d be so proud to see me pursuing my dreams in Nashville, studying fashion in the heart of Music City. I can almost hear his excitement if I were to tell him about my journey.

Another major challenge was figuring out how to get myself to college after his passing. My siblings and I faced responsibilities many our age don’t, but we leaned on faith and perseverance. My older sister set the bar high, earning a full ride to TCU through the Daniels Fund Scholarship while serving in ROTC. Inspired by her determination, I embarked on the long application process myself. I’ll never forget the moment I found out I had been awarded the same scholarship—it was a life-changing blessing. Now, my younger sister, Talia, has also received the scholarship and plays lacrosse at Northwestern—go #77! All I can say is thank you, Jesus, for providing for us and making these opportunities possible.

In my fashion illustration class, I remember drawing my first fashion croquis and quickly realizing that I didn’t have the same skills as some of the other students—I had no idea how to draw. Natasha Andrews became a mentor for me during that time, patiently sitting down with me to help improve my technique. Now, illustrating has become a passion of mine, and you’ll often find me sketching or carrying my pastels, pencils, and sketchbook wherever I go.

Thankfully, I had the support of my mom and professors who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Jenny Kemala, a sewing genius, introduced me to new techniques and constantly pushed me to try new things. Stephanie Reese taught me how to be a girl boss, to always keep learning, and to maintain a positive outlook on life. Jamie Atlas encouraged me to become a leader in different areas, challenging me to go above and beyond. And Lacie Thorne showed me that my dreams are possible if I work for them—teaching me about networking, putting myself out there, and recognizing that opportunities don’t always fall into your lap.

This major has been the most beautiful journey, requiring me to change my way of thinking and adapt to the unique challenges of being a fashion student. But when I struggled, my professors were always there, guiding me and helping me grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for my love of purple—it’s always part of my look—and my bold, funky outfits. Being in fashion school has unlocked my creative potential, allowing me to use my eye for detail and storytelling like never before.

I specialize in styling, crafting mood boards, creating visions, and collaborating with others. Whether it’s styling myself, artists, or friends, running or working on fashion shows, or sketching designs, I love bringing stories to life through fashion. I’m most proud of the unique, personal narratives I weave into my work and the excitement I bring to every project. My passion for storytelling and connection truly sets me apart.

In my fashion portfolio class, we were tasked with creating fashion editorial looks fit for the cover of a magazine. Instead of just one, I wanted to tell two distinct stories.

The first was inspired by my family’s lifelong dream of owning a Ferrari. This shoot, supported by the Nashville Ferrari dealership, honored my dad’s dream of driving an orange Ferrari—a goal my siblings and I are working hard to achieve this for him, as he loved watching F1 races. I partnered with @Ensemble Boutique for wardrobe, worked with photographer Lorenzo Huerta, and featured my friends Lyla Biggs and Eddie Scannapieco as models. Together, we created stunning photos that captured our family’s ambition and determination.

The second shoot reflected my childhood love of fairytales and magic, showcasing a playful, dramatic side of me. With vintage mirrors, jewelry, bold makeup, and a stunning purple dress, I brought the whimsy of my imagination to life. This shoot celebrated the magic of storytelling and the beauty of creating art that’s both deeply personal and visually captivating.

I’ve been fortunate to work on incredible projects, including serving on the production team for the O’More Fashion Show 2024, where we ran every detail of the show. I also had the chance to model in the marketing video, and use my passion into helping the hair and makeup team bring the vision to life. Experiences like these have shown me how much I love being hands-on, whether it’s behind the scenes or in front of the camera.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @tabithareading