We had the good fortune of connecting with Tabitha Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tabitha, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
It’s definitely hectic to balance being a full-time engineer and fashion blogger! As my blog has evolved and required more work, I have had to reevaluate my work-life balance and prioritize more intentionally. I have had to make sure I am prioritizing not only my work, but myself and my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Be the art you want to see in the world! That’s what I thought when I came up with the concept of Pumps & Protractors. Fashion has always been one of my dearest loves, but as for many of us upon making the journey into the “real world”, dressing up in fabulous frills did not become my 9 to 5. When I started college, I was very committed to never leaving the dorm without a Forever 21 statement necklace and perfectly coordinated beachy-chic essentials (perks of living in San Diego!). But, as the classes kept coming and that 4.0 became more elusive than ever, I found myself somewhat resigned to the typical college uniform of anything that’s clean, comfortable, and easy to throw on when running late. I still dressed up for dates and shopped the occasional Anthropologie sale with my mom, but part-time campus jobs didn’t really afford much in the way of eye-popping apparel.

Eventually, *cough- five years later* I graduated with my degree in engineering, found a job, and had a wedding in the works to my now-hubby. Oh, and I officially moved away from home for the first time, making the long journey from sunny San Diego to Denver, Colorado. Suffice it to say, I was a bit *overwhelmed* that all of this happened in the span of about a year and a half. To cope with all the change, I needed a project and I needed one fast! As I meditated on what it might be, my mind went back to the days when fashion was life. The more I thought about it, the more I missed the creativity and confidence clothes brought me back then. I missed having a point of view, a signature style when it came to what I wore. And that, my friends, is when Pumps & Protractors was born!

Fast forward to today. Fashion has become my passion, my escape from the trials and tragedies of this ever-changing world we live in. I still haven’t nailed down a definite style (Is it preppy? Boho chic? Vintage-inspired? We may never know…), but hey, life is a journey, and the beauty is in the evolution right? So thank you for joining me on this visual quest, if you will, to become the art I’d like to see in the world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Having lived in the Denver area for over two years, there are SO many local gems I love! First off, since I’m a shopaholic and obsessed with vintage fashion, Garage Sale Vintage and Apocalypse Vintage are two of my favorite places to shop! For a quick bite, I love Bartaco in Boulder, and there’s nothing quite like a stroll down Pearl Street afterwards to work off those tacos!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to my husband, who has always been there for me and supported my blogging and career journey. My husband takes all of my photos, helps me edit content, and manages the finances of my blog. I couldn’t imagine doing this without him!

Website: https://pumpsandprotractors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumpsandprotractors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpsandprotractors

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pumpsandprotractors

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pumpsandprotractors

Image Credits
Image credit: @pumpsandprotractors

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.